“For glory and for majesty” is the expression describing how the Kohen’s attire should be. The Torah goes through an entire Parsha, sometimes in detail, describing the priestly clothing. One has to wonder, our religion which emphasizes internal beauty and spirituality, looks like it’s overdoing it a bit on the material external side, don’t you think? Furthermore, it’s a bit unclear whether external beauty is a tool to do a mitzvah or is it an end within itself. It’s an argument between Rashi who says that when the scripture says “l’kadsho” – to make him holy, implying the clothes, means towards performing the mitzvah. While Maimonides, wearing the clothes counts, as one of the mitzvoth.
The intention of the Torah is to enhance the status of the Kohanim by putting importance on the fine special clothing, regardless of it being a mitzvah or not. The Israelites will have more respect for G-d’s representatives, and therefore more respect for G-d.
It seems, perhaps a bit demeaning that we need the pageantry-like grandeur to enhance our spirituality. It shouldn’t be like that, considering we impressed G-d by proclaiming “we will do and then we will understand”. It was a much-advanced statement of belief to say the least. Presumably, one may have figured, the High Priest could have paraded around with a T-shirt and jeans and it wouldn’t have diminished the status of the Kohen or G-d for that matter. Do we really need the fine clothing to impress us?
Furthermore, there is more evidence of our human weakness. When Moshe came down from Mount Sinai, why did he have to bring down the physical tablets? If he found those particular commandments to be important, then let him verbally and dramatically announce them; after all, he did memorize quite a bit of the Torah, what’s ten more?
We learn a lesson that no matter how intellectual one can be, no matter how much of a strong belief one has, he still needs the physical to seal it in his psyche. On a subconscious level, the tablets or the Kohen’s garbs will be the final approval. We are – after all – flesh and blood and there is a great need for the physicality to complement our spiritual quests. |
The Importance of Fine Clothing
Mysterious Stranger
One of my popular lectures a number of years ago, was titled the “Mysterious Stranger.” We all had at one point of our lives the Eliyahu Hanavi experience, where we find ourselves in a horrible or dangerous scenario and some stranger comes out of nowhere and saves the day. When we turn around to thank him, he’s gone.
One example is a story I’ve been told countless times since I was a kid. A month after my parents immigrated to this country, my mother quickly got a job in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Kol hakavod to many New Yorkers who have these daily rigorous commutes to and from work. My mother had to quickly learn this new system, which was obviously most difficult since she did not speak a word of English. For this job route, she needed to switch numerous trains to get to this location. During the first week of this new experience, instead of taking the local train, she mistakenly took the express and ended up north of the City. It was a culture shock to be in a train station and not seeing one white face. Imagine yourself in this woman’s shoes – a month ago, she was in a familiar setting in the comfortable confines of her own people, her own language, her own country. And now, she is getting a guided tour by the New York City transit system of one of the worst neighborhoods in the country. Welcome to New York!
Out of nowhere pops this Chasidic old man who happened to speak Hebrew. He calmed my mother down and guided her to the right train en-route back to her life.
I also have two experiences with similar results. We all experience the burnt out feeling as a result of the highly pressured New York lifestyle. Learning in Yeshiva in Jerusalem for many, invigorates and energizes the body and mind. On one of these occasions, during the first days of my arrival, it was evident how beat up yours truly felt. I came across an elderly Rabbi in one of these mini eateries. I wasn’t sure I made the right decision, leaving a business and commitments back in the States and felt very uncomfortable. He reassured me I was making the right decision and I should focus on my learning. “Everything will be fine, you’re here because G-d wants you to be here.” After the half hour reassurance meeting, he excused himself and left. Talking to him made me focus better and put me back on course to recovery.
When my father passed away, my mother and I took him to Israel for burial. The Torah says one is excused from many Mitzvoth the time between a loved one passes away and when they are buried. It is one of the most depressing, shocking and very confusing time of ones’ life. Such was the feeling when we arrived at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. The feeling I experienced was one of helplessness and confusion. We just stood there frustrated and not knowing where to turn. An American religious Jew with a beard approached us and offered his assistance. He guided us to the right channels and helped us out tremendously before excusing himself and going on with his life.
One can say these individuals were Eliyahu, the Prophet, coming down to help at a time of need; the mysterious stranger who guides us in a time of distress before leaving and never to be seen again. That’s one way of looking at it. However, in a practical view, it is what Purim is all about.
It says when we received the Torah, we accepted it with one heart; however, the true acceptance of the Torah didn’t occur until Purim. The Jews were so united and their belief on such a high level, that today, if one gives a whole-hearted prayer it will easily be heard.
On Purim, we give out Mishloach Manot, little food and candy platters, to friends and loved ones to show unity and care for our fellow Jew. My friend, Jack Brooks, once mentioned how impressed he was with bikur cholim at the hospital when his family had to go in for an emergency on Shabbat. It just happened to be before Purim.
We all have to assume the role of the mysterious stranger and help our fellow Jew in their time of need. Unity and loving one’s fellow man is what Purim is all about.
Why Do We Wear Costumes on Purim?
Everybody out there probably has fond memories about the holiday of Purim. Do you remember your first costume? What was your favorite costume you had worn over the years?
There was such a grin and an enthusiastic salute in a particular picture I looked up of myself. It seemed like I was thrilled with the police uniform costume that my parents bought me when I was five. Guess what? When my son was five, I also bought him a police uniform costume for Purim and I even asked him to salute for a picture, comparing the two; now that’s cool!
What is the source for the custom of wearing costumes on Purim in which every Jewish community in the world follows?
It says in the Megillah, ‘v’nuhafachu’ everything turned topsy-turvy; things were not as they seemed. When the king ordered Haman the rasha to parade a very distinguished person on a horse with royal garbs, he thought he was talking about himself; but it was the Jew. Haman did just that – holding the mussel of the horse while Mordechai was riding. Everybody thought Mordechai was holding the mussel and they threw garbage at him not knowing it was actually Haman. The death decree against the Jews was overturned and Haman was hung on the tree that Mordechai was supposed to get hung from.
The situation turned around within moments. A beautiful example of this is the incident of Lot, Abraham’s nephew who was living in Sedom. The city was to be destroyed the next day, and Lot was trying to convince his son-in-law to leave the city with him. The son-in-law replied, laughing at Lot, it’s so beautiful outside, not a cloud in the sky, nothing is going to happen. Within 12 hours, the city was destroyed and he was killed in a blink of an eye.
By wearing a costume, we’re making a statement. Nothing is what it seems; it’s not me, it’s somebody else and that G-d can turn around anything at any time because He runs the world. The costume signifies an act of belief whether it is a police officer, baseball player, cowboy, Indian, and even a little princess.
What Quality Did Esther Possess?
The Talmud in tractate Megila mentions that Ester was one of four of the beautiful women that ever lived. The others were Chava(Eve) the first woman, Sarah, Avrahams wife, Rachav who was a prostitute that later became an observant Jew. She later on married Yehoshua ben Nun, the leader after Moshe. Lastly, Ester.
G-d gave Ester CHEN a special grace that no one can resist. It was especially infused in her when she took the initiative and met with the king.
WANT TO INVITE YOU TO A MEAL! 
Esther invited Achashverosh and Haman for a meal. At the dinner party, she dropped the bomb on Haman. Inviting the enemy to your house is strategically a very good tactic. It makes your guest feel good and it disarms a person. One caters to one’s pride (in this case the guest).
We find that Korach invited many of the important people and won them over by the HACHNASAT ORCHIM- bringing in guests. That’s one reason his rebellion almost succeeded. The guest will forever be indebted to the host.
WHY DO WE HAVE TO HAVE A MEAL?
Well, there are two reasons. Firstly, the changing of fortunes took place at Esther’s dinner party. We try to emulate G-d’s mercy. Another reason is that Haman wanted to destroy us, not just our spirituality like by Chanukah, but rather our whole bodies, destroying both physical and spiritual. Here, we are using our physicality for good, for the love of G-d, for his sake. We are showing appreciation that He had mercy on us and using it for the right reason.
STRESS CAN BRING OUT THE EMOTIONS THAT ONE MIGHT NOT WANT TO SHOW.
After Esther tells the king that there is a wicked man who wants to destroy my people, Achashverosh said, “ME WHO ZEH VEAI ZEH WHO- Who is this person?” Esther gets up and points her finger at who? ACHASHVEROSH, the king! Immediately, an angel came and redirected the finger at Haman. What was Ester thinking? This meeting between Esther, Achashverosh and Haman was carefully planned out. This was the perfect opportunity to finally get the evil Haman. Yes, we know Achashverosh was no boyscout, however young lady, please stick with the script!! The nation is depending on you!!
Obviously, Esther was under a lot of stress. Rabbi Akiva Grunblatt, Rosh Yeshiva in Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, says that when we are under a lot of pressure, one’s inner feelings come out. How many people, presidential candidates for example, slip and say something they shouldn’t.
In the case of Esther, G-d didn’t allow it to come out.
Dr. Goldman, a psychologist at Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, says that pressure comes from the attitude we have. It is controllable; we just have to adjust our way of thinking and try to have a positive attitude.
The Secret is Esther
It was pretty obvious that Esther was destined to be the queen. Mordechai spent all the effort required to prevent this and tried to hide her from being exposed. The name Esther means hidden. What’s puzzling is that many commentaries say that she was not Mordachai’s niece but actually his wife.
There are two important hints that Sages are disclosing to us about Esther. She is the descendant of King Shaul and the comparison to our matriarch Sarah, Abraham’s wife.
The Sages bring an interesting passage relating the time when she prays to G-d in which she beseeches:
“My G-d you have forsaken me. Why have the order of the world and the order of the matriarchs changed to go against me? Sarah was held captive and Pharaoh was punished. I have been placed in the bosom of a wicked man all these years and you have made no miracles for me”.
Ester was Queen over 127 countries, the same amount of years that Sarah lived. Sarah was taken from her husband, however was saved from living with Pharaoh. Esther was not. For whatever reason, the soul of Sarah which might very well be Esther had to go through the torture of living with a barbaric king.
The connection to her ancestor, King Shaul, is revealed when Mordechai informs Esther to go to the king now. She protests and says he didn’t call me. No one goes to the king without being called. Mordechai answers in a most unusual way and says that if you don’t go, someone else will be the one chosen to do this important mission. You and your ancestors will be lost.
Esther was the secret weapon to fix the mistake of her ancestor, King Shaul, who did not kill off all of the Amalekim (the nation that’s an enemy to the Jews). She has now come to kill off Haman who is from the genealogy of Amalek.
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 Price of Fame & Talent
 
This past week, the world discovered a new star, Jeremy Lin, a basketball player playing in the NBA for the New York Knicks, who is a back up to the back up, and was given a chance to play. Lin took advantage of the opportunity and played terrifically. The whole world, especially the sports world, now knows who Jeremy Lin is. He became an overnight sensation. Reporters are following him everywhere. Everything he does, whether on or off the court, is magnified. His life basically has changed in a ferocious way.
Also, this past week, one of the music industry’s famous stars, Whitney Houston, was found dead in a hotel room in Los Angeles. The police are suspecting drugs to be the cause of her death. Houston, who had a drug problem for years, has watched her career tumble because of the addiction.
We are witnessing the rise of a star and the unfortunate demise of another. Playing the back seat driver, which we all like to do, perhaps Mr. Lin might need advice on how to deal with his newfound fame. Not that I’m an expert, but I’ve asked our good ole’ pal, Dr. Goldman, the Psychologist of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, on what Lin should expect, and how to protect himself from the damage fame can have.
The Mesilat Yesharim says the evil forces can test a person with failure, and also with success. Dr Goldman says fame and/or talent can be very destructive. One has to keep a proper balance of life, to know the value of what is worth in their lives. New York had a Governor years ago by the name of George Pataki who used to travel from Poughkeepsie to Albany back and forth in order to spend time with his family. His children were in school in Poughkeepsie, and it would have been difficult to take them out during the school year. Even though Pataki commanded one of the most important and powerful jobs in New York – if not the country – he still did not change the priorities of what he thought was important in his life – family. Many thought that was very admirable.
Dr. Goldman also warns that dealing with people can be a challenge with their newfound fame. Many will praise you and try to accommodate you any way they can. They’ll try to put you on a pedestal. It’s understandable; this behavior is expected by strangers or people who don’t know you well. However, sometimes family and close friends might fall into that trap and start treating you differently. One has to work profusely and exhaustingly to keep your relationships as normal as possible by reiterating, “I’m the same person” and encourage the same normal relationship as before. It’s so tricky; apparently, one is in danger of losing a sense of identity.
On a smaller scale, in our lives some of us tend to achieve success in some form or another, and people are sensitive enough to realize it and tend to react differently. One has to be prepared and make the proper adjustments. He or she has to have the proper perspectives and values, Torah values, and not to lose one’s identity with their newfound and temporary fame. |
Measure For Measure
Germany in the 1930’s was known as a very cultural society. The Jews of Germany were so in love with its elegance, grace and blah blah blah that they considered themselves Germans first and Jews second; sounds familiar? One may wonder how can a society like that can turn to be cruel, brutal, and barbaric, which no one has seen in the history of mankind?
We read a few weeks ago after the miraculous crossing of the sea by our ancestors, that “they saw”, then “they feared”, then “they believed”. It seems like fear is part of the equation. Fear is part and parcel of belief. However, fear and religion – according to American taste – doesn’t get many brownie points. It’s not a popular word when associated with religion. In fact, I’m not going to title this article with that “word” in it. Hey, I got to sell this, don’t I? Americans like a slow song guitar playing spiritual orah, kumsitz style; or getting the spiritual high from appreciating the good things in life, like a good kiddush, a good meal combined with some good Torah learning. Personally, I’m all for that and that’s how I feel one can grow through the appreciation of all the wonderful things G-d has given us. However, we have to have a little fear; little just a little. I’d like to explain this through the following story. Although it’s a bit crude, it makes an effective point.
There was a father and son who had a nice relationship. At age 5, the boy got a racing car from his father. A number of years later, the boy received a bicycle for his birthday. After borrowing the family car too many times, the father decided to get a second vehicle and the boy ceremoniously declared it his. As time marched on, the son got married and had kids. The father, in the meantime, reaches an age where health is an issue and the doctor visits are more frequent. Years later, the son has to accompany the father to the medical facilities. It seems like the father has reached an age where he can’t take care of himself and the son has to put him into a home. The insurance doesn’t cover everything; it’s Medicare. However, the son and the father have some money saved up.
In today’s times, people live longer than in the past and the father has survived a good number of years at the home but the cost is a bit expensive and the family resources ran out. Therefore, he had to move back in with the son. He received plastic plates while the rest of the family was eating on the nice porcelain because of the possibility of him breaking it. It was very hard; the father became irritable and the son just the same.
One day, the son, although carefully planned, had an idea. He said to his father “Father, we’re going on a trip, you and me”. He takes him for a long ride on top of this huge mountain. After a nice walk, they get to the edge of the cliff. Just then, as he’s ready to push his father off the cliff, he notices his father smiling. He says to himself, my father is a very smart man. Let me ask him about his reaction. “Father I know you know why I brought you here, why are you smiling?” The father replied, “Because I did the same thing to my father”.
The son didn’t go through with the plan because of the fear of measure for measure in which his children will react the same.
A person can be educated, be cultured, and have elegance and class, but when G-d puts him in an extremely difficult predicament, he can turn into the cruelest animal one cannot even imagine. The one attribute that will prevent him from going to the extreme behavior mode is fear. The son was ready to kill his father out of frustration, but held himself back because of fear of measure for measure. What’s the expression? What goes around comes around.
|
The Most Important Moment in Your Life
One of the first and foremost topics we read about in the parsha is about slaves. It happens to be that it’s also one of the first commandments that G-d instructed the Israelites, as they were packing to leave Egypt. The exact command involves setting free one’s slave. Why was it necessary to instruct them at that awkward time? This commandment won’t be applicable for at least a half a century later.
The Talmud relates a story of Rebbi Eliezer ben Dordia who was a womanizer to say the least. He was under the impression that every woman was permissible to him. One of his conquests made a chance remark one time, with a snickering expression, alluding to the fact that his actions in his lifetime will never enable any repentance to be accepted and he’ll never see the gates in heaven. In one’s lifetime there are few, very few times, where words pierce the heart. Her words had such a powerful affect on him that he sat down on a mountain and cried until he died. A heavenly voice proclaimed, “R Eliezer did repentance and has entered the World to Come”.
The Talmud continues describing how Rebbi cried after hearing the story. Everybody in the study hall wondered why was he crying? He should have been joyous towards R’ Eliezer. R’ Eliezer ben Dordia had raised himself from the degrading cesspool in life, to a place in heaven in an instant, wow!! R’ Eliezer ben Dordia was able to capitalize on the feeling in which he was so overwhelmed by the words of his companion in sin.
Similarly with the Israelites, the feeling of compassion towards slaves was to penetrate their heart as they themselves were being ushered over the threshold of slavery to freedom. What better time of strong emotional feelings to learn about the very law, of strong temptation not to release slaves whom have been with you for a lengthy period of time. That momentary feeling would stay with them for the rest of their lives and it would be taught to their children with tremendous emotion.
So why was Rebbi crying when he heard the story of R’ Eliezer? Rebbi didn’t cry for R’ Eliezer’s sake, but rather for all of humanity. Each one of us experiences a moment of awakening that is capable of impacting one’s entire life. Yet only one in a thousand, in fact, utilizes the moment. Most of us miss a chance; that is the very reason why we were put on this earth. This is why Rebbi cried.
“The Most Important Moment of Your Life” is from the writings of Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz, Sichot Mussar. |
The Holiday of Purim
Introduction: The holiday of Purim is very difficult to understand for many reasons. First, there is no “expensive”, “special effect” miracle like the splitting of the sea or the whole world rockin’ ‘n poppin’ because of G-d reciting the Ten Commandments with fire on Mount Sinai. Purim’s miracles are all disguised. In fact, G-d’s name isn’t even mentioned in the Megilla. All is hidden between the lines. Everything was done in HESTER-secret. We call the scroll from which we read about this triumph MEGILLAT ESTHER-revealing the hidden.
The ARI”ZAL says that Purim is the greatest and holiest of all the holidays, even surpassing YOM KIPPUR. He mentions that YOM KIPPUR is YOM KEH PURIM- a day like PURIM, similar to PURIM, however not as great. This day is also a chance to get our prayers answered in a big way.
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN ORDER FOR US TO FULFILL THE COMMANDMENT OF PURIM?
One fulfills the commandment simply by having a nice meal and getting intoxicated. WOW!! That sounds easy; I don’t think I can mess that one up!!
WHY IS THE EMPHASIS ON THE MEAL?
WHY IS THE INTOXICATION SO IMPORTANT?
LET US PROVIDE A LITTLE BACKGROUND:
Life for the Jews in the Persian Empire was good, life was better than many of the other periods in Diaspora. However, the Persians were uncomfortable with the Jewish religion. The Persians believed in a belief called Zorastriasm- G-d of light and dark.
We say Friday night in our prayers before the SHEMA, “BAMEH MADLIKIN”. In that prayer, which is from the Mishna, we state, “HAMECHABEH ET HANER”- if a Jew blows out the candle. This is in reference to the Persian Empire, in which some pagan believers insisted on the lights being turned off during certain days in the Persian calendar upon which their holiday of darkness falls. On these days, the Jew is PATUR.
Rabbi Berel Wein mentions that whenever the Jews looked up to their host country, there would be a greater amount of intermarriage. Conversely, if they looked down at the host country, intermarriage would be minimal. Here, the Jews not only looked down at the Persians, they mocked their pagan belief. Therefore, the Persians felt uneasy. This is the reason HAMAN found an eager audience.
The nations of the world were very knowledgeable of the Jewish religion and the history of their Temple. They knew that if the temple was not built by a certain date, it’ll never be built.
Balshatzar who ruled before Achashverosh, was a big anti Semite. Balshatzar didn’t allow any attempt to build the Temple. He threw a party mocking the Jews and their G-d. This is where the famous expression “the writing on the wall” originated. In the middle of the party, on the wall, everyone noticed, was written “You will be killed”. Balshatzar soon died. People don’t get it! DON’T MESS WITH THE JEWISH G-D!!
Balshatzar’s daughter was Vashti, who married Achashverosh
THE SECRET OF WINE
Achashverosh was losing power and his domination of the world. He now ruled over 127 countries as opposed to 252. A person always strives to move ahead in life, moving up from one house or neighborhood to a slightly larger house and more affluent part of town. When one downgrades, he becomes desperate.
Marrying into royalty has its pluses and minuses. Achashverosh now had access to the booty that was captured by his wife, Queen Vashti’s grandfather, Nevuchadnetzar, the Emperor of Babylonia who destroyed the first Temple.
Achashverosh threw a party where many of the artifacts and utensils of the holy Temple were displayed. He dressed himself in the high priest’s garb which was worn in the Temple and he performed the ceremony that was done by the Jews and the Kohen Gadol. This was done to receive power to dominate his enemies in battle. He reasoned that every time the Israelites were about to enter battle, they would have their ceremony in the Temple and would emerge victorious. So too, he thought, these garments will be my lucky charm and I will regain all which I have lost and more!!
Another reason was to show the Jews that the time came and has gone already and the Temple and the salvation has not arrived. The Jews were forbidden to go to this party. However, many did and enjoyed themselves. This angered G-d and a bad decree would now be cast upon the Jewish people.
While the Jews were at their lowest point, the birth of the salvation took place.
NICHNAS YAYIN YATZA SOD- ‘wine goes in and the secret comes out’ is a famous expression. One can tell about a person through his KISO, KA’ASO, KOSO- his pocket, his anger, and his cup of wine. This is when the true essence of a person comes out.
When righteous people drink together, they start to sing. Music is very spiritual. Achashverosh was drinking with his friends and they were discussing who’s prettier, the Persian girls or the American. Then the conversation got more personal. Who’s prettier, my wife or your wife. Achashverosh said “I’ll show you!” and summoned his wife. When she didn’t come because of a blemish that suddenly appeared on her, Achashverosh had her killed.
The wine began the salvation.
There was a story that happened a few hundred years ago in Eastern Europe when a Gentile boy was murdered and the Jews were blamed. This is the kind of incident that the non-Jews wait for so that they can take the opportunity to cause destruction to the Jewish people. The Jewish leaders went to the Ba’al Shem Tov and asked him what to do. He said, “go to this particular person at four in the morning, wake him up from his sleep and ask him to pray and stop this bad decree.” Surprised, as this was the town drunk, they did as the Rabbi said. The next day, the real killer was found and he wasn’t Jewish. The Jewish leaders asked the Rav, “how did you know that this man is the savior and why at 4 in the morning?”
The Ba’al Shem Tov started to tell a story about this man. This man comes from a wealthy family. When he was a young man in his early twenties, he would treat himself every six months by going to the most expensive prostitute in the big city. At that age, it is quite difficult to control your desires and this was his weakness. On one of these trips as he’s traveling to the big city, he hears a cry of terror. He immediately informed the wagon driver to stop so that he can investigate. He ran to the apartment complex towards the screaming and learned that the landlord is about to kill the tenant for not paying the rent, and is taking the wife and daughter for his enjoyment. The traveler noticed that the family was Jewish.
After inquiring into the matter, he learned that this family and the Jewish family down the hall were about to be evicted and forced to endure a severe punishment for not paying the rent.
The traveler decided to pay the rent for the two Jewish tenants using all the money set aside for his trip to the prostitute.
The Baal Shem Tov said, “wow, here’s a man who gave up his extremely strong desire which he anticipated for 6 months to save these fellow Jews whom he doesn’t even know!!”
He continued, “They were impressed in the heavens and rewarded him that whatever he wishes will come true…..WAIT A MINUTE! MAYBE HE’LL ASK FOR MASHIACH. We can’t allow that! We’ll give him all the wealth, a nice family, his children will marry into nice families, however he’ll have an extreme desire to drink, we’ll keep him drunk all the time. When one is intoxicated, his prayers are not answered. This way there will be no request for the mashiach. The Baal Shem Tov said, “I know that at four in the morning after sleeping for a nice amount of hours he won’t be intoxicated.”
The question we can all ask is that on Purim it’s a MITZVA to get intoxicated. We also said that one can pray and get his prayers answered big time. But we see from this story that if a man is drunk, his prayers are not answered?
We can learn the answer from a parable. A man who drinks is compared to four kinds of animals. When he drinks one glass, he gets a buzz and acts like a cow. After the second cup, he roars like a lion. After the third cup, the man is jumping from chandelier to chandelier like a monkey. If he drinks all four cups, he wobbles around in the mud like a pig.
The first cup is the key. Rabbi Akiva Tatz said that we know NICHNAS YAYIN YATZA SOD- wine goes in the secret comes out. Yes, it’s true the secret comes out! The secret is a vision that man is able to see and focus on what life is all about, more than he would have ever been able to when sober. With the right dosage of wine, man can understand G-d and things can emerge so clear. At this point, the right dosage of intellect and emotions are perfect. However, he has to drink for the sake of the Mitzvah, then he’s able to ask for whatever his heart desires