Tag Archive for Prayer

Parshat Va’eira

August 23, 2013 Highlights on the Weekly Parsha No comments

First Portion: * HAVING THE RIGHT COMMUNICATION IS ESSENTIAL TO GETTING AHEAD IN LIFE. The Sages were very clever in devising the essentials in the Siddur so that we can communicate with G-d in the optimal way and thereby get our prayers answered. Yes of course, if one fulfills the commandment and prays with intensity, with all his heart, shakes the shul with his fire, he can break through to the heavens!!  We should strive for that BE’EZRAT HASHEM!! However, that’s a difficult task. How can we increase those odds? How can we make it easier? We Jews like to take short cuts, we want instant results. There is no such a thing as a bank line in Israel, or any line for that matter! Well, if we are sensitive and meticulous enough, one can really make inroads in getting through to the Almighty. It should be noted, in some Siddurim the name of G-d differs in its spelling and punctuation. Every name of G-d has different and distinct powers. They are also unique as to how they manifest themselves in the world. For example, the Friday night Shabbat Kiddush has seventy two words which represent SHEFFA-abundance. This is the reason why we overflow the Kiddush cup- to symbolize an abundance of brachot. Kiddush on Friday night has tremendous powers and, if said correctly, can have a lasting effect throughout the week. Another example is the Amida (Shemonai Esrai) which we say three times daily. The prayer starts off with G-d’s name A–D–O–N–A–I. Why does it start with that particular name? If one notices in that name there is the word DIN-which represents harsh judgment. The first part of the word is A which is a softener to soften the judgment. In essence we say, “Please soften my DIN – judgment”, make it sweet so that I can start the most important prayer of the day and penetrate your heart.

 

In this week’s Parsha, G-d reveals himself to Moshe in a different state, a different distinct power. Most of the commentaries agree that G-d’s revelation to Moshe was on a higher level than how he appeared to our forefathers. “I am  Yud-Kay-Vuv-KAY (G-d)(6:2); to our forefathers he appeared as Kel-Shakay (6:3). He had not communicated with them face to face, rather only in an unclear fashion that the Sages refer to as “a clouded lens”. G-d wished to redeem the Jewish people in the fashion of revealing himself fully, addressing them face to face, as He in fact did latter at the splitting of the sea and at the Sinai revelation. Moshe saw concretely what others could not. Since he was destined to give over the Torah, it was necessary that his prophetic revelation be clear. Puzzles and riddles would not have enabled him to convey the Torah’s message, for the Torah must be open and clear to all. Therefore, Yud-Kay-Vuv-KAY was needed. This name has many powers; the one that is most famous is its connotation of RACHAMIM-mercy. Here we are informed that it means an intense revelation of His numerous powers. Our sages point out in the Amida that “HAKEL, HAGIBOR, VEH HANORA”, which describes G-d, in essence equals to Yud-Kay-Vuv-KAY.

 

Second Portion: * As an introduction to the start of the describing of the redemption, the genealogy of the tribe of Levi, who Moshe and Aharon are from, is listed. Everything in life is timing, as is evident in the Midrash (the Scriptures) that describes an incident with a member of the tribe of Benyamin who mistakenly calculated the redemption to come earlier than expected. They escaped Egypt only to be ambushed and killed in the desert by the Plishtim.

 

Third Portion: * Moshe, along with Aharon who accompanied Moshe because of his inability to speak properly, are instructed by G-d to go to Pharaoh and demand to let the Israelites go. G-d mentions “I will harden his heart and he will not let you out, then I will show my mighty hand”. The famous question is asked, “Where is the freedom of choice that was given to Pharaoh?” What do you mean “harden his heart?” If one ponders the ten plagues that befell Egypt, forcing them to let the Jews go, it seems that that’s not freedom of choice. That’s twisting their arms and demanding: “free them'”. It looks like excessive force to me and not freedom of choice!! We learn a fascinating insight; G-d hardened Pharaoh’s abilities to withstand the torture of the plagues so that he can make a balanced and weighed decision. Hardening the heart was projected on Pharaoh so that he can have the freedom. Pharaoh however, chose to enslave them even though he saw his own Egyptians being punished for his decision.

 

Fourth portion: * G-d punishes the Egyptians with the ten plagues. If one notices, the plagues occurred in various forms. Some came from the sky, some affected the water, the land, the animals, the air and lastly, the humans. This was to show that G-d commands all aspects of life.

 

*The Egyptians used the Nile for idolatry. Therefore, it was through and in the Nile that the first punishment took place.

 

* G-d then instructed Moshe to tell Aharon to raise his hand and bring upon the second plague, frogs.

 

Fifth Portion: * One big frog came and opened its mouth and a swarm of frogs emerged from its mouth all over Egypt. This is the original source for all those horror movies! Rashi says that the more one hit it, the more frogs come out of its mouth. The sages ask, “Wouldn’t it be wise to just stop hitting it, then nothing will come out?” The Steipler Gaon (R’ Yaakov Yisroel Kanievsky) answers, human nature is such that when we’re caught up in a frenzy, we forget to think. We tend to forget what we are trying to accomplish. So the frogs just kept on coming.

 

* G-d hardened Pharaoh’s heart and he would not let them go.

 

* G-d instructed Moshe to tell Aharon to raise his rod on the earth and bring forth the lice.

 

Sixth Portion: * Pharaoh still did not give in. Aharon, following the instructions from G-d through Moshe, brought upon wild beasts.

 

* The sixth plague was the death of the Egyptians’ livestock.

 

* The seventh plague was boils. The heat caused inflammation which erupted into blisters.

 

Seventh Portion: * Hail was number seven. It came with thunder. The thunder frightened Pharaoh more than anything else, for the Sages teach that thunder was created to purge the perversion of the heart. Throughout the narrative of the plagues, thunder was mentioned before the hail because it was the thunder that frightened the Egyptians and made them susceptible to the terror that would be inspired by the hail.

 

* Throughout these plagues, Pharaoh was pleading for Moshe to stop them, but soon after G-d hardened his heart and would not let the Israelites go.

Rosh Hashanah

July 26, 2013 High Holidays, Rosh Hashana No comments
 

ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE UPCOMING HOLIDAY SEASON? ARE YOU SCARED OF JUDGMENT DAY?  OR, DO YOU JUST WANT TO GET THEM OVER WITH?

Many Jews call these days YAMIM NORAIM – days of fear. We are correct to assume that’s an accurate statement considering the magnitude and the implications these holidays weigh and will weigh on our lives. Many American Jews call this period the High Holy days. This is more of a positive touch without the fear factor involved. Well, as a matter of fact, although it’s true that it’s a holy three weeks and we can elevate ourselves tremendously, nevertheless, even those Jewish Americans, who refer to these days of awe as High Holy days, would find it difficult digesting some of the things we read in our prayer books. An example of this would be, “You (G-d) make the decisions who will live and who will die; who will die by fire and who will die by water, etc.”. Even I, when I was a happy-go-lucky kid, who just wanted to play and did not have an inkling of a worry in the world, whose parents and their inner circle were young, therefore, having no experience with death, was taken aback by those words. Everyone would admit it’s scary stuff.  These holidays tend to infuse a reality check, and break up our fairy-tale lives. So it seems that a lot is at stake.

Therefore, we have to be smart, we have to ask ourselves “What’s the best way to have a good year and get in the book of life? How do we go about it? What’s the best method, percentage-wise for a successful sweet year? Should we have a businessman approach and get the best deal possible?” If we are desperate, maybe it would be wise to grab any deal!!

The lawyers are our Sages, who through the guidance of our Torah, comprised a three method plan to approach G-d on Rosh Hashanah. Our chachamim believe this formulation of prayer, which they added some salt and pepper to it, will enable us, if done right, to receive a good verdict. We will discuss Yom Kippur a bit later.

The Three Methods Are:

* Shofrot – A shofar is the main symbol of the high holidays. What’s so special about a shofar? Why do we need to hear it?

            Human nature is such that if one has too much free time on his hands, just nothing to do, he will gravitate to sin. Is a person so evil that he just can’t help himself? Is he so mischievous that he will constantly get his hands caught trying to pry open the cookie jar? Many Chassidic sources say it’s inevitable that man will get corrupted in the course of his lifetime. If it’s not the action, then the thought is a battleground for evil.

            There was once a big rabbi in the last stage of his life, where he was not in control of his mental state.  He was constantly using foul language and making crude remarks. Someone said, now one can tell what a great man he was, all his life he had to control and restrain himself from using bad language. This was a major hurdle he had to overcome. Throughout a lifetime, we accumulate layers of dirt; we have dirty hands and tainted hearts; goodness get the soap.

The word LINSHOM means to breath; it comes from NESHAMA – the soul. The purest part of man is the soul. For this reason, G-d may have mercy and forgive us. After all those layers and layers of sin one accumulated, there lies the purest of good, the NESHAMA. When G-d created man, he blew into his nostrils the breath of life. There are a number of ways one can identify someone. At night, in the dark, one can tell a loved one through the sound of their breath; if one wants to get spiritual, one way to start is to take deep breaths. The essence of the soul is though the passage of breathing. This is the reason we blow the shofar which is the highest form of prayer because it comes from the inner part of man; a part that’s not tainted, the purest part of man, deep inside him, the NESHAMA. So, apparently through the shofar, it’s the purest Tefillah.

In the amida of Mussaf, the additional prayer said after the morning services, we say nine blessings. The Gemarah says the source for the number nine is the 9, AZKAROT mentions of G-d’s name in the story of Chana. We read on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, the story of Chana, who was known for the tremendous intensity of her prayer. Chana was a barren woman who had to suffer the humiliation by her husband, who took a second wife and bore his children. Chana’s prayers were finally answered on Rosh Hashanah. She had a son who became the great prophet, Shmuel. There is a very important message one can learn from the story of Chana that is a very essential part of the holiday, and for that matter an essential part of life. At the end, Chana bore seven children while her rival lost a child every time Chana gave birth to one. One must realize there is a change of fortunes that the unpredictable life offers. Rav Tzadok HaCohen says the Shofar blowing consists of shevarim and teruahs which are broken sounds representing crying, broken spirit. This must always be sandwiched in by two tekias. The firm unbroken sound represents joy. This represents the theme of the day; we have to be joyous, however we are judged; so anything can happen, which translates into fear. For some, this year will bring joy and for some sorrow. For some, fortunes will change and for others not.

 

* Zichronot – remembrance: When we pray and ask G-d to remember our good merits, we are referring to our ancestors. We said in our previous newsletters since we are the genealogy of those great people, it would be a good bet, and it would be safe to assume that those great qualities are found in us. Therefore, He should forgive us because we are bound to do well. So we remind him of the major shining moments in our history where it was so impressive it would be hard for Him not to forgive us. It’s a tremendous weapon which we use on Rosh Hashanah. The three major characters that will help us in this theme is Avraham, his wife, Sarah, and their son Yitzchak, and the major event is the Akeda.

What’s important to note and a major aspect to Judaism is the power of the Hebrew letters. Avraham and Sarah were believers of monotheistic G-d and they openly campaigned for Him. Unfortunately, though, they could not have children. G-d rewarded them by adding the letter ‘HEY to Avraham and Sarah. As a result, Avraham and Sarah became a new entity. (Perhaps this is the reason when someone is sick, a new name or a letter is added). Avraham was taken out from the mazal of the world and was rewarded with the ability to go against nature. “You will always have the ability to break nature through your faith,” G-d said to him. They weren’t supposed to have children, it was against nature and yet, they did. So we see, the inception of Jewish nation, the whole Jewish entity began against nature through the power of the letter HEY. This letter represents G-d’s name. So if someone calls Avraham, Avram, they take away the power, not just from Avraham, but himself. He takes away the essence of the Jews. Avraham with the HEY fuels us together. Ever wonder why we are called children of Avraham and not the children of Noach (non-Jews). Because Noach had children naturally, he was part and parcel with the natural state of the world. We have an unnatural and illogical existence; we were crucified, humiliated, and tortured throughout history. However, we never lost hope; we were tenacious and we never gave up. So G-d remembers Avraham’s ability to spread G-d’s name and being a model example of what a Jew is all about. The acts of kindness were passed down through the generations to us. G-d looks at us and that particular potential to manifest itself through our personality. Then it would remind Him of our forefather, Avraham.

* Malchiot

Ever wonder why we do not say one slicha – please forgive me – on Rosh Hashanah. Why don’t we bang on our heart like we do on Yom Kippur? Nevertheless, it’s the big time, Judgment Day. How is it Judgment Day if you’re eating such delicious foods via three course meals? When I was a young care-free fellow, the tradition was I would buy a new suit every Rosh Hashanah; that’s Judgment Day? Maybe one is being judged by friends on who bought the nicest clothes at bargain prices. Who got more bang for their buck this holiday season? The cheap is to pay Jamaica Avenue prices and have the Hugo Boss, Fifth Avenue look and quality. In essence, though, Rosh Hashanah is designed that way; it’s designed to feel like royalty. Everybody in shul is on their best behavior, dressed to the tee; one feels like royalty.

ME ZEH MELECH HAKAVOD – who is the king that’s wrapped in honor, in royalty? He’s the one who gets the KAVOD. The KAVOD is due to him. G-d is the king. However, if the king has no followers, his kingship is weakened. His people are the ones who raise the volume and strengthen his rulership. If not, they are not needed. So it’s our responsibility to make a tremendous kavod in His honor all year round, especially on Rosh Hashanah. We wear the fine clothes, cook fine foods and we feel good about ourselves. We feel like royalty. What a great feeling, right? By enhancing and indulging in the royalty, one is enhancing G-d. However, it’s important to think, “I am doing this for G-d.” All the clothes, the food, the feel-good is all for G-d. This is the frame of mind we should have on Rosh Hashanah when we pronounce MELECH – King – at every juncture of our prayer. All this material beauty is all for You, G-d.

The greatest teshuva – repentance – that ever occurred was by one of the three central characters:

The Matriarch, Sarah

When the three angels arrived to Avraham’s home and proclaimed, “Sarah and you will have a child”, Sarah upon hearing them from the back, by the door, laughed. We’re going to have kids – that’s funny. Apparently, G-d didn’t find her reaction too amusing and asked her, “Why did you laugh?  Do you doubt I have the ability to do so, the ability to change your mazal?” Sarah answered something very startling, “I didn’t laugh.” “What do you mean you didn’t laugh? Are you lying in front of the Almighty? That’s chutzpah!!!”  What is startling is that she meant it! Sarah was completely sincere that she didn’t laugh.  “HAYOM HARAT OLAM” We say in the Mussaf Amida prayer “today”. Today, I am a different person. I totally regret what I did, to an extent, to such a level that I disengage, dis-associate myself from the person who sinned. Although I take responsibility, however, that’s not me anymore; I’ve changed; I would never do those things again. With all the regret that was in her heart, she meant it. How else would one explain her naming her son Yitzchak; Yitzchak means laughter. Is it possible she would name her child after a sin? That would constitute the highest level of audacity. However, the name will forever be associated with the highest level of teshuvah – repentance – performed by our matriarch, Sarah.

 

Yitzchak

Yitzchak’s special quality was how he prayed. No one prayed with such intensity as Yitzchak did. When his bride-to-be, Rivka, arrived and she saw him for the first time, she fell off her camel, because she saw him at the time when he was in the middle of prayer. It left such an impression that she was struck with such fear and awe of him for the rest of her life. When one makes the leap and becomes religious, this individual’s prayer is beloved in G-d’s eyes more-so than the prayer of one that has been religious all his life. One may think such was the case with Rivka who came from a house of reshayim. Rivka’s strong character and extreme kindness was quite the opposite of her family. One can only imagine how difficult it was for her to live in her father’s house; she was a unique individual, a tzadakus. Rivka’s prayers rattled the heavens. However, it was Yitzchak’s prayers that were accepted, in which, enabled them to have children, because he prayed with intensity.

The Test

G-d injected Avraham with such a love for his son, Yitzchak, like no other, which made the test extremely difficult.

These three characters showed such devotion to G-d; such devotion and love to each other, that they’ve taken human potential to an unprecedented level. We are proud to say we are their offspring and offspring inherit the character traits, the genes of their ancestors. So if they were outstanding, we too, have the credentials and potential to reach them. G-d, then should give us the benefit of the doubt; after all, we’re a chip off the old block.

With these three methods, we hope that it would be sufficient for a good Judgment Day. The next part of repentance is Yom Kippur.

 

Parshat Va’etchanan

July 23, 2013 Highlights on the Weekly Parsha No comments
First Portion
*This Parsha reminds me of my great grandfather, and many like him, that when arriving in the land of Israel in the late 1800’s, would kiss the ground and thank G-d for having been privileged to be there. They actually found his and my great-great grandfather’s grave in Har Hazetim recently which was under Arab control. Unfortunately, it wasn’t so with our leader, as we see in the beginning passages. Moshe prays to G-d intensely, to overturn a decree that he shall not enter the Promised land. The Chasam Sofer holds that G-d did indeed listen to Moshe’s prayer. We have a rule under certain circumstances prayer accomplishes half. Moshe prayed, “Let me please pass over and see.” (Devarim 3:25) and the prayers were answered in that G-d told Moshe “see with your eyes, for you will not pass over this Jordan.” G-d answered part of the prayer regarding seeing, but not the part of entering the land. There are many new insights we can derive from these passages; the power of prayer is one. G-d tells Moshe to stop praying for if he prayed a little more, G-d would have to negate on his oath that he will not enter the land. Another crucial point of these passages as the Ibn Ezra relates is that the main purpose here was to endear Eretz Yisrael – the land of Israel – to the Jewish people. If the people would be understanding enough to appreciate the land in the way expressed by Moshe’s prayer, they would surely keep the mitzvot (commandments) in order not to be exiled from their land. One question is asked, if he so desired the benefits of the land why is it not mentioned that he became satisfied from its fruits? He could have ordered out. I guess take out wasn’t as popular then like it is here in New York. From here  we see that there is an added benefit besides the physical. The Shelah mentions that the air of Eretz Yisrael makes one wise. It is there that one receives the crown of Torah. Perhaps, Abarbenal adds, this is why our Parsha begins and ends with the topic of the land of Israel, with the giving of the Torah in the middle.
* “Do not add nor subtract from my commandments.” Many Sages comment how an extremely important commandment this is. It is self-preservation par excellence. Human nature is such that one gravitates and alters things during the course of time. Although it’s inevitable that modern technology has altered our lives, however the Torah is designed to withstand the changes and many of the core laws are performed as our ancestors did thousands of years ago.
Second Portion
* “There you will serve other G-ds.” Once the new generations will be removed from the revelation at Sinai, then they will be more susceptible to stray. Moshe prophesizes that generations to come will try to gain acceptance from the non-Jews at the expense of our tradition. This happened many times through the course of history. Rabbi Beryl Wien, a famous historian, explains when Jews have no respect to their host countries then assimilation is at a bare minimum. However, if Jews look up to their host countries, whether in education, culture, fashion/style, then assimilation rises. The assimilation is at 60% in the US.

Third Portion
* City of refuge, where if one accidentally kills a fellow Jew, which was designed by Moshe in Reuben’s territory, the town of Betsar. Afterwards, Moshe designed the Town of Ramos in the territory of Gad and Golan, Menashe’s territory on the eastern side of the Jordan.

Fourth Portion
* After the Israelites were receptive to Moshe’s criticism, he then repeated the Ten Commandments. One who is open and eager to learn will advance tremendously. So, Moshe thought it’s a perfect opportunity for the nation to hear. It’s important to note, many who were present did not hear the revelation at Sinai. That generation died over the course of forty years.
* One of the differences of this version and the one in the book of Shemot is in the commandment of Shabbat. There it says Zachor – remember the Shabbat. In this version, it says Shamor – be careful of transgressing the Shabbat. There is both a positive and negative commandment regarding the Shabbat. It’s not enough to just sleep and lounge around in pajamas for 24 hours. One has to enjoy the Shabbat with all its rich traditions. The Shabbat table has to be performed with respect and dignified manner; that is zachor – remembering.

Fifth Portion
* Passing the tradition is crucial in Judaism. It’s a big aveira – sin – to break the chain. The parent/child relationship is important and should be handled with a great deal of responsibility. Education in Judaism is key. Let’s say, though, one didn’t have religious parents whom followed the tradition, or for that matter, if one doesn’t have parents at all to learn from. I know a fine person who grew up without a father and yet had the most amazing Shabbat table one could imagine, week after week. This person will have a tremendous reward after he passes on. Those people have an added test in life. So if they keep the tradition of their ancestors once removed, they will reap tremendous rewards.

Sixth Portion
* After the war, they gathered all the older toddler orphans and they wanted to tell which one is Jewish (boys are easy to tell). How are they able to determine if they’re Jewish?  Answer: scream out to them SHEMA YISRAEL, most likely, if they are Jewish, they’ll answer back: “HASHEM ELOKANU, HASHEM ECHAD.” That is the power of the Shema. It’s the first phrase Jewish parents teach their toddlers.

Seventh Portion
* G-d emphasizes separation from the non-Jews and reiterates the seven nations that are currently living in the land would be bad neighbors and should be removed from the country. Israel should be pure and only marry among themselves is repeated. The Jews are now leaving the secluded comfort zone of the desert and will be faced with new challenges in their homeland.

I Want My Prayer to be Heard

July 21, 2013 Mitzvot and Traditions No comments

 

When someone commits to take upon himself an undertaking of any sort, it usually is a sign that he deems it quite important.
So was the case with a fellow named Rabbi Yosef Gutfarb. Rabbi Yosef was a New Yorker who moved to Jerusalem, Israel. He made an undertaking that he will always pray with a minyan.
We Jews pray 3 times a day and the optimal prayer conducted is with a minyan, which consists of at least 10 men present. By the way, that is the only time Kadish may be recited.
It can be quite challenging for one to get up early in the morning, in the heat or cold, and attend prayer services.
What is dedication?
What does it mean to pass a tough test?
If someone enters a freezing cold car at 6:15 in the morning, in the dead of winter, just to get to minyan; now that’s dedication!! Mankind has not figured out a inexpensive way to have the car heating system working so that it’s hot intently. No one looks forward for the car in the early morning experience.
It is equally challenging to pry yourself from the middle of an important business transactions and attend the afternoon services. One can get really involved in their career. Furthermore, evening services are not any easier after a long and hard day at work.
Nevertheless Rabbi Yosef soldiered his way through three decades, whether on business trips all around the world or any sort of unexpected pop-ups; he did not miss a beat of kaddish or one amen of a minyan!!…Talk about longevity!!
Hmm, did someone give Rabbi Yosef the evil eye?
One night Rav Yosef came home after 3:00am and he did not pray the evening services. Since in Shaufat the last minyan is at 11:00pm he calculated he would go to the next town over to search for a minyan. He was confident he would catch one in Zichron Moshe where there was a shul (Bet Hakneset) there, known to be a minyan factory. There are rooms throughout the building where there is always a minyan at any time of day or night; how convenient?
Well mazal was a little difficult that night and to his dismay only one other person was waiting. “Do you think anybody else will come”? he inquisitively asked. “Why are you saying kadish? Are you an Avel-mourning the loss of a loved one?” the man questioned. “No, I just made a commitment many years ago to not to miss a minyan” he replied.
“How could this be? There is always a minyan here!” he nervously thought. What to do? What to do?
“I got it!!”
Rav Yosef then called a taxi company and asked if eight cabs can come to Zichron Moshe Shul (Bet Hakneset). “Only Israeli drivers” he added emphatically.
The dispatcher retorted back, “I don’t have eight taxies at three in the morning.”
“How many do you have?” Rav Yosef asked. “Only five” the dispatcher replied.
“Fine, send them quickly please: don’t forget only Israeli drivers!!
Rav Yosef called another taxi company and asked for three Isreali drivers. The dispatcher said they would come in a few minutes.
The eight cabs all lined up and got out of their cars thinking they came at a tail end of some kind of party. To their dismay they found only Rabbi Yosef and the gentleman.
Rav Yosef told the drivers to turn off their cars and enter the shul “we’re going to pray the evening services, I need a minyan”. He explained his strange appeal by saying, “I haven’t missed a minyan in years”.
The drivers, surprised but intrigued, obliged to the bizarre request.
They all could read Hebrew but not all were familiar with the protocol of tefila -prayer. Some had kipas-skull caps in their pockets, some in their glove compartment in their taxies.
After the prayer Rav Yosef took out his wallet to pay the drivers. All the drivers, one by one refused to take the money. They were all stunned by the audacity of this American Jew who went to great lengths to fulfill his commitment for the sake of praying with a minyan. So impressed by the 15 minute prayer, many of the drivers thanked Rav Yosef for an uplifting spiritual experience. Many told him they have never had such a strong feeling when they prayed like this one time. Some said they haven’t prayed in a while and were honored to participate. They were all glad to have the opportunity to pray with such a person.
Prayer is powerful!! Prayer is uplifting!!
However, there are times when prayers are not answered…… or are they?
What is the most optimal method of prayer where G-d will answer you?
Do I have to cry my eyes out and pound my chest for it to penetrate G-d majestic throne for an answer?
After all, we know prayers with tears pass through the cracks and go straight to heaven.
Why do we even need to pray?
If we are good up-standing citizens wouldn’t G-d see what we need and give it to us?
There are some people who seem like they are showered with gifts from the All Mighty. Well, why can’t we all be on the receiving end like that?
In this weeks parsha we see how Moshe’s request to enter the land of Israel was denied. Even though Moshe prayed like no other soul on earth, G-d refused to allow him entrance.
As a matter of fact, G-d told him to stop because if he would have continued he would have no choice but to honor his request.
Why did G-d tell him to stop?
The Sages tell us it was to our benefit that he stopped. They said if he entered Israel then he would have built the Temple later on. Years later, though, when the nation would sin, since Moshe, a great Tzadik built the Temple, the structure would have tremendous merits. G-d would not have been able to destroy it. He would have no choice but to destroy the nation instead. It’s better to destroy stones then the nation of Israel.
Here we learn a number of things about this incident from the sages. First, there is a broader picture that our short sighted human mind can’t see. Moshe didn’t fully understand the extent of his power and how dear the Temple he would build would be to G-d. Therefore his entrance would be problematic for the Jews later on in time.
So to answer a lingering question we all have; if our prayers are not answered does that mean G-d didn’t listen?
Perhaps, we see from here, it’s for our best interest that things turn out the way they do. Furthermore, sometimes the results of our prayers are delayed such that our children or grandchildren benefit from them.
Okay, perhaps our prayers are answered; perhaps our prayers benefit future generations…whatever and whomever, nevertheless praying 3 times a day!! That’s overwhelming!!
Perhaps this is the best time to let people know. Many people have a misconception about prayer.Prayer is called AVODA- literally-work; it’s one of the aspects of serving the creator. Just like learning Torah, keeping Shabbat, kashrut, tzedaka , be kind to people, just to name a few, so is tefila. By praying one is acknowledging his reliance to G-d and a key aspect of our religion. By acknowledging one gets closer to G-d.
We read in the AMIDA- the silent prayer “give us a health, intelligence, wealth.” G-d knows we need those things. Why do we have to say it?
The AVODA of prayer is to make us realize that G-d is in control and to constantly remind us of that.
Why do we have to know that our great mothers were barren?
It seemed like all of them were. There was no IDF back then. The reason why they suffered and were humiliated so much was because G-d wanted them to pray and their prayers were beautiful, sincere, and mesmerizing.
Between Adam, Eve, and the snake, G-d punished the snake most severely by taking away his taste buds and eating the dust of the earth.
If one thinks a bit; why is that a punishment?
He has no issues of finding and preparing food or having a craving. It seems we have the more severe punishment we have to find food, water, shelter, and energy, all with “with the sweat of your brow”.
It looks like we humans got the short end of the stick.
Not exactly.  G-d was very angry at the snake. He was so upset, that He said to him “I don’t want to see you much- Don’t call me”. Therefore he made him more independent. By praying we are connecting.
Many Chasidim like to pray with their Rebbi. Some would go out of their way on a daily basis and some would travel 6,000 miles more often than not just to have that connection.
Granted, they appreciate their teacher. He probably gave a lot to his students, but don’t they think they’re over doing it a bit?
There was once a business man who was traveling abroad. The concept of “man plans and G-d laughs” could not have been closer to the truth here. He was stuck in this town for Yom Kippur. He Google’s and finds out which shul is closest to his hotel.
Yom Kippur starts and this fellow arrives. “There are probably assigned seats but I’ll take my chances” he says as he strategically explores the shul. He sees someone praying, shaking ,crying and screaming to G-d. “Ah, that’s who I want to pray next to” he thought as he anxiously moves toward him and plants his Talit bag. For the remainder of the night this man wailed, fell to the floor and banged on his chest. It was a sight to see. It put the business man in a real repentance, Yom Kippur mood. He was so glad to sit next to him. He’s my ticket to a good year. Jackpot!! Show me the stairway to heaven. Jimmy Page eat your heart out!
Yom Kippur morning arrives and again the man’s performance was impeccable. The businessman was crying with him. However when the congregation was about to take the Torah out and read the morning portion he began to scream and argue with the Gabai.
” Why did you give that Aliya to him; I wanted it. You’ve been doing this all year; this is a conspiracy. You’re a louse!! This congregation is garbage!!
The business man sat there with such regret and embarrassment.
The business man, in essence did the right thing; it was just lousy mazal.
Many of our sages say praying with a minyan is more powerful then an individual prayer.
There are bad angels that are assigned to intercept ones prayers. Every prayer is heard, however it loses a lot of steam by the time it reaches the heavens. Prayer with a minyan goes to the heavens untouched.
Why?
No matter how good a person is “for the most part” he has issues and skeletons in his closet. While in a miyan there can be many individuals with different merits. The comradely and unison merits of a minyan make a wholesome and attractive package.
Furthermore we are humans after all and our concentration during prayer is not exactly always there. We are creatures of habit and there are pluses and minuses to that. Unfortunately, prayer can be mechanical. However, there will always be at least one individual at any given time who will pray with the up-most sincerity. They will un-knowingly and unconsciously pass the sincere baton to each other throughout the prayer services.
The Chassidim gravitate to where their Rebbi prays because a teacher of Torah is a tremendous giver. Learning Torah requires two parts. We say in the prayer before the Morning Shema, Lilmod u le lamed – to learn and to teach. The combination of the two equals to the full mitzvah-reward of learning Torah. If one only learns and doesn’t give over he doesn’t get the full reward. The teacher gets full reward for the dearest commandment: teaching G-d’s work. He’s a giver that emulates the trait of G-d.
To connect to the Rebbi, one is attached to many merits. Therefore it’s a tremendous benefit to pray with him.
Rabbi Yossi has tremendous merits and for at least one night, these eight taxi drivers prayed with a tzadik and as a result benefited greatly. They felt a spiritual high. A heartfelt prayer by one of those drivers in the confines of a minyan would have transported the prayers all in the minyan including Rav Yossi to the higharchy of the heavens, unabated.
 “first story re-written, originally  from “in the spirit of the maggid” by Rabbi Paysach Krohn, Mesorah publications,ltd, article written with the help from Rabbi’s Baruch Dopelt, Yossi Bilus

Parshat Beshalach

May 10, 2013 Highlights No comments
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“A Cup of Coffee 

 

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A Quick Thought”
Steaming Cup of Coffee
Spark Of Jewish Experience
 Parshat Beshalach

February 2, 2012
9 Shevat, 5772
Dear Friends,

 

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In This Issue
Parshat Beshalach Highlights
Parshat Beshalach – Why did Pharaoh Chase the Jews One Last Time?
Singing Sensation
I Want to Dance to the Beat

Parshat Beshalach Highlights
First Portion

* If one recalls American history, the war in Vietnam was a disaster; the United States fought a war in a distant strange land. In that scenario or one similar to it, usually the morale of the servicemen are down for the visiting army. One most likely can draw a list and argue not to be there; the lack of purpose is often greater, as history has proven. However, the country being invaded will have tremendous motivation to protect their land. G-d, with sensitivity and delicately, wanted to protect the Israelites and not add more pressure then what they were experiencing and therefore guided them en route to the Promised Land through the Sinai desert; first east, then north, so they will enter the land from the eastern bank of the Jordan River. If they had travelled the short and easy way, they would have to go through the unfriendly country of the Philistines and almost surely have had to fight a war. The Philistines would have rallied around the motivational cry of stopping the invaders, which would give them a psychological edge. Plus, the Israelites would have been exposed to the sight of the bones of their comrades (some members of the tribe of Benyamin) who were ambushed and killed by these same Philistines, which occurred a short time earlier.

* We see the selfless and leadership skills of Moshe while the Israelites were busy with their personal needs in leaving Egypt; Moshe retrieved the bones of Yosef to be brought to the Promised Land as promised.

* G-d led them out through the cloud of glory, which was chosen to be their tour guide till they reach the land of Israel.

* Pharaoh, once again, has a change of heart and declares they must return. He unleashes his army, 600 elite chariots, and chases after the Israelites.

 

Second Portion

* The Israelites were in fear because they saw the Egyptian army in tremendous unison.

* In his assurance to the Israelites, Moshe said ”you shall not see them again”. Their status of superpower will be taken and they will never be a threat. The Rambam (Maimonides), who lived in Egypt for a period of time, mentioned in his writings that that he lived in Egypt. I am transgressing a commandment ”it’s forbidden for Jews to travel or live in Egypt on a permanent basis”. One of the sources for this commandment is here ”you shall not see them again”. It’s astonishing how there was a thriving Jewish community in Alexandria, many years back, which held one of the biggest Synagogues in history (5000 seats). The Rabbi had to raise a flag indicating to the congregants to say amen.

 

Third Portion

* The Israelites, who had the sea in front of them and the Egyptians chasing behind them, were ordered and reassured by Moshe, via G-d, to jump in the water, for it will split and you will walk on dry land.

* In one of the most amazing moments in history, Moshe raised his rod as ordered by G-d and the sea split!

* G-d said to Moshe, “My name will be glorified through Pharaoh and the Egyptian army, the Egyptians will be in fear, for they will know I am G-d”. Who will be in fear? Is it the people who stayed behind in Egypt? The ones that will be in fear are none other then the Egyptian army before they perished at sea. G-d said it is worth it to split the sea for having only the Egyptians soldiers realize the truth as the waters come together before their death. How often does one have the opportunity to clearly see the truth?

* The Israelites walked through the sea in dry surface with walls of water to the left and right of them.

* The Egyptian army pursued the Israelites, going through the water.

 

Fourth Portion

* After the last of the children of Israel walked through the sea and the whole Egyptian army are now positioned between the walls of water, G-d ordered Moshe to raise his hands once more and the water will go back to its original state. Moshe did so as G-d commanded and the Egyptian army and their chariots all drowned.

* After seeing the miraculous events G-d has done on their behalf, the Israelites had the ultimate belief in G-d and they reciprocated by singing a song ”Az Yashir”.

* This is the most famous of the ten songs found from the beginning to the scriptural period.

* There are a number of hints in the Torah about the redemption. ”Az Yashir”, then he will sing, the commentaries are bothered, it should say Az Shar – and then he sang. It means he will sing in the future, in the Messianic era.

* Another explanation of ”Az Yashir”, Moshe’s singing came natural; it wasn’t forced. Singing is the ultimate form of appreciation one can give G-d.

* Many recite this song when in need of a mate and for parnasa (livelihood). It says it’s harder for G-d to match two people than splitting the sea. The fact that it’s linked together hints tremendous merit reciting for this purpose.

* We learn a lesson from Miriam, Moshe’s sister, when she gathered women and they followed after her, and danced amongst themselves separately away from the men. Our Jewish mothers, ancestors throughout history and in every continent took pride in modest behavior.

* Trust in G-d is being brought out in these passages through the laws of ‘Choke’ (laws that have no reason, it just has to be done). At Marah, one of the stops the Jews made after leaving the sea, the water was bitter. G-d told Moshe to place the bitter tree into the bitter water and it will turn sweet. There was no logic (as opposed to the cases in Parshat Mishpatim); Just do it, no questions asked.

 

Fifth Portion

* G-d introduces us to Man’s heavenly food. Man has characteristics of Olam Habah; it has no side affects, no relieving of yourself is necessary. The more spiritual one gets, the more the Mann (manna) tasted better; it can taste as any food you desire.

* This is another sign of G-d’s power. Even in the wilderness, G-d provides and serves his people like they’re in heaven.

 

Sixth Portion

* Every morning Mann was placed at the doorstep along with the morning paper.

* It was not delivered on Shabbat; however Friday there would be a double portion.

* Shabbat represents Olam Habah and the bread (that we say Hamotzi) represents the Mann. This is one of the reasons why we cover the challah. If one notices, every Jewish home has a tablecloth for their Shabbat table. One reason – besides being fancy-shmancy – is we replicate how the Mann came to our ancestors covered on top and a bottom layer (the tablecloth) as well.

 

Seventh Portion

* After all the open miracles that happened to the Jews. There was a certain respect in which the nations of the world had for the Israelites who represented G-d. It goes without saying today, the Jews, when they have the Torah, represent G-d as well. So when someone starts up with the Jews, they actually start up with G-d. Fresh from one of the most miraculous, hands-on, G-dly events in history, the Amalek nation had the audacity to wage war with G-d’s representatives, the Jews, and in the process desensitizing the nations of the world of the awe of G-d. For this reason, Amalek is despised by G-d and orders the Israelites to wipe them out.

Parshat Beshalach – Why did Pharaoh Chase the Jews One Last Time?
   

One of the old time questions that one has to scratch his head and ask, why did Pharaoh, after getting beat up with all the plagues, choose to reconsider and chase after the Jews. If that’s not the ultimate HELLO!! Then try this – he sees the sea split! Yes, that’s right; G-d accommodates the Israelites big time and rolls out the red carpet in the middle of the sea for them to pass. Now, if I’m not Jewish and I see those events before my eyes, I would call up, or look up on the internet the nearest mohel, because I’m sold. Nevertheless, Pharaoh, with all his force, with all his firepower, pursues the Jews and still thinks he can beat them; go figure.

If we look at the events more carefully, we’ll be able to see the measure for measure, which G-d dictates on this world. Although sometimes G-d’s measure for measure requires more then one lifetime, but that’s for a different discussion.

In essence, the message to Pharaoh “you threw and killed Jewish babies at sea, I’ll kill you (the Egyptians) at sea!” We know the reason why Pharaoh was motivated to instruct his soldiers to do such a monstrous act because of his horoscope advisors who warned him of a threat. An Israelite born at a certain juncture in time will have the power to destroy you, and his demise will be from water. Therefore, Pharaoh chose the method of destruction for the Jewish babies, who were born at a certain time, through the Nile River, water. After the death of the first born, the last plague, Pharaoh was ready to finally give up on the Jews. However, when his sources informed him that the Israelites were in course, en route towards the sea, he figured the horoscope was coming into fruition. This is where Moshe, the Jewish leader, was destined to die and he, Pharaoh, will have the glorious task to finish him off at sea. The horoscope, however, was correct though, but Pharaoh’s calculation of time was premature, indeed; Moshe’s demise was water. When G-d told him to speak to the rock and Moshe, instead, hit it and water came out. For this reason, he was punished by not entering the Promised Land, Israel.

Singing Sensation

             Singing and music makes us feel good. How many of us on occasions raise the volume when we hear our favorite music in the car, bedroom, basement, or get up and dance when the mood strikes us? Did you know music is very powerful? When Elisha the prophet became angry, he lost the ability to prophesize; he then searched for someone to play him music so he’ll be able to regain the ability to communicate with G-d. In order to be a prophet, one has to be happy; anger is the antithesis of happiness and the pleasure of music soothes the soul and regains the happiness. Music comes from the heavens; one of the highest chambers of heaven is called aravot, named after the plant, which we use on Succot. Its shape is similar to lips. Apparently, the angels in this chamber move their lips in unison and sing the most beautiful melodies. Anyone who has the privilege to qualify to enter this chamber will experience one of the highest degrees of pleasure.

Music is very spiritual; this is why we feel good after hearing our favorite tunes because it trickles down from the chamber of aravot. A composer of music takes these trickles and forms them with his inner soul. So when the music is played, the person listening is actually absorbing part of the composer. Therefore, one has to filter what he listens to. It’s scary to think one might be absorbing a drugged-out suicidal rock star with depressing lyrics.

Man has an important role in singing and music, especially on the Shabbat. One may wonder why we open up the Friday night Shabbat prayers with ‘Lechu-neranena- come and let us sing’. Adam was appointed the task of being the conductor of all living beings in a beautiful symphony to G-d. How did Adam receive such an important role?

Rav Gedalia Schorr quotes the Talmud and says there are certain angels with six wings who sing to G-d, throughout the week. Just like a wing enables a bird to fly, and causes it to be raised above the ground, so too singing is raised above the ground. But on Shabbat the angels ask ‘who’s going to sing, we have no wings’. G-d says I give that task to man. Apparently that’s the reason why we sing so much on Shabbat from Lechu-nerenena to when we come home from temple and sing Shalom Alechem at the Shabbat table, because its man’s responsibility, on that day to bring out the appreciation of G-d and give him kavod (honor) from singing.

There are many important references in the Shabbat prayers in which it is man’s responsibility to sing on that day. It’s part and parcel with eating all the delicious famous Shabbat meals. If one emphasizes those points in prayer and at the Shabbat table, there’s a tremendous spiritual elevation. Song in Hebrew is called Shira; the mystics say if one prays with Shira, then his prayers will go yashar (straight, express) to heaven; the words have the same root.

In essence, Moshe sang Az Yashir on Shabbat. It was a spontaneous gesture, wasn’t forced. When singing comes from the heart as Moshe did, and getting the nation to sing with him, it’s the highest form of appreciation to G-d. Therefore, this prayer has tremendous powers.

We should all enjoy Shabbat Shira; If we would only express our appreciation for what G-d has given us in a joyous festive Shabbat, we can reap much benefit from life and also merit to here the angels perform in aravot.

I Want to Dance to the Beat
   

As I was becoming more interested in learning Torah and exploring the ‘black-hat’ American Orthodox world, I discovered something very interesting. At a friend’s ultra-Orthodox wedding, I overheard someone of importance showing concern at the ‘laibidig’ fast-beat music that was being played. I remember saying to myself, “Man, get real. This is right-wing Jewish music. What’s your problem?” There are no women singers or naughty lyrics; it’s harmless. After doing some inquiries about the subject, curious that I am, I discovered the Rabbis (unofficially) are not in favor of fast-paced music; it makes the individual lightheaded. Although they will not implement any action against the fast-paced music, however, their disapproval is weighed heavily.

I felt that the Orthodox religious authorities were making a big deal out of this and are stifling the ability for the youngsters to let out some steam on the dance floor. Hey! I want to be religious and have a good time as well. Then a number of years later, I read an article in the New York Times about a new fast-beat music called trance, where there was concern on the behavior of the listeners. The rhythm and beat of trance is faster than Rock-n-Roll and R&B; the BPM reaches 140 as compared to Rock’s 120.The article showed reports of people caught speeding because of listening to the faster paced computer-generated music; it seems like it’s harder to produce that kind of speed with the conventional instruments. The response of the offenders was, “I just got carried away with the music and didn’t realize the speed”. Reports show a change of brainwave activities.

The Jewish Rabbinical authorities were concerned about the light- headedness that some music can cause. There is an argument among the Rabbis over the last 500 years when listening to music. Although they say it’s therapeutic, however, it has to be listened to at appropriate times. Judaism emphatically believes that the intellect should always be in control of emotions. Perhaps there should be some regulations or at least awareness of the affects of music.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Avi Matmon
Spark of Jewish Experience

Parshat Shemot

May 10, 2013 Highlights No comments
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“A Cup of Coffee 

 

&

A Quick Thought”
Steaming Cup of Coffee
Spark Of Jewish Experience
  Shemot

January 12, 2012
17 Teves, 5772
Dear Friends,

 

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We have expanded the Parsha Highlights section.

 

In appreciation to the staff of The Afikim Foundation for all their help, and to Torahanytime.com for giving us the mic.

 

We are now displaying business ads in our newsletter. If you are interested in placing an ad, please email me or call 917-804-7692. It’s completely tax deductible and the proceeds go to teaching people Torah. Be a part of the Mitzvah!

 

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Dedicate a newsletter, shuir and a CD in memory of a loved one.

 
In This Issue
Parshat Shemot Highlights
Parshat Shemot – Value Each Moment of Life
Modern Workforce, Old Concept
The Morning Rush Hour

Parshat Shemot Highlights
First Portion

* We start the book of Shemot many years later from when we concluded in the book of Bereshit. In fact, at this juncture, all 70 souls that came down to Egypt with our father, Yaacov, have passed on. As long as they were alive, a protected spiritual level was maintained.

* The book begins by reciting the 12 sons of Yaacov, the basis of the structure of our people.

* The Jews were multiplying six-fold. Sources pinpoint they were eating tiny fish and that’s what enabled them to be more fertile. It is suggested today to eat sardines if one has fertility problems.

* A new king arose; some say it was the same king. Regardless, our sages emphasize one cannot trust the non-Jew. All the good and dedication Joseph did for Pharaoh and the Egyptians were disregarded, and the hatred towards our ancestors intensified; a valuable lesson to be learned.

* The Egyptians forced the Jews into slavery with hard labor.

* Pharaoh foresaw in his horoscope that in this time period, a Jew would be born who would rise up and destroy him. He therefore ordered all Jewish newborn males to be put to death.

 

Second Portion

* Amram, who was from the tribe of Levi, remarried Yocheved, at the advice of their daughter Miriam, and produced a son Moshe. He divorced her because of the decree of Pharaoh of killing Jewish boys. We learn from the sages a lesson; no matter how cruel the world can be, one should not refrain from having children.

* Moshe’s parents hide him in a basket and let it float in the Nile.

* Batya, Pharaoh’s daughter, out of all people, discovers the child and adopts the Jewish baby and gets the help, not knowing of the boy’s biological mother and sister.

* In essence, Pharaoh wanted to kill all Jewish baby boys because he was concerned with the predictions of the horoscope. It’s funny, but the person, the threat to his kingdom, the one who he’s most afraid of, not knowingly, is being raised in his own palace. Who says G-d doesn’t have a sense of humor.

* The act of kindness was evident in Batya, Pharaoh’s daughter, who saved the little Jewish infant. She called him Moshe; it describes the act in which she stretched her arm to grab the basket, which the infant was in.

 

Third Portion

* Moshe grows up in the palace. One day he kills an Egyptian after witnessing him beat a Jew. The next day, unfortunately, some of his fellows Jews were fighting with each other; they threaten to tell the Egyptian authorities about the killing, after Moshe intervened.

* Moshe flees Egypt after Pharaoh hears what happened and orders to kill him.

* After a number of stops, Moshe ends up in Midyan where he meets and marries Tziporah, the daughter of Yitro who was once Pharaoh’s advisors, but fell out of favor with him.

* Moshe was criticized by G-d for not disclosing to Tziporah’s family that he was a Jew. One should be proud of his Jewish heritage.

* Tziporah gives birth to a son to Moshe, and is named Gershom.

 

Fourth Portion

* Moshe worked for his father-in-law as a shepherd. One day, a little calf runs away from Moshe’s flock. After trying to catch it, Moshe finds the calf drinking water. He then realizes that the calf was thirsty and was looking for the pond. Rationalizing that the calf was tired after the chase and drinking, he then carried it over his shoulder, back to the herd. G-d said this is the type of leader I want to lead the chosen people.

* G-d appears to Moshe at the burning bush and tells him you will lead my people out of Egypt.

 

Fifth Portion

* Moshe at first refused to take the position because he thought he was unqualified, but G-d refused to take no for an answer. G-d then proceeded to give him instructions to notify the elders of Israel that they will leave the perils of slavery and go to the Promised Land. You then shall go to Pharaoh and tell him “Let my people go”.

* Moshe was concerned, “Perhaps they might not believe me.” So G-d instructed Moshe to perform three signs to show his legitimacy, one of which was to take his staff and throw it to the ground and it will turn into a snake. This was a sign to show that G-d has the power to take something that has no life and make it into a living being.

* Moshe was concerned that his older brother might get jealous of his authoritative position, but G-d assured him he would be very happy for Moshe.

 

Sixth Portion

* On the way to Egypt, G-d attempts to kill Moshe for not performing the commandment of brit milah on his son. His wife Tziporah immediately grabs a sharp stone and cuts her baby’s foreskin. We learn a lesson never to delay performing commandments. In general, better do something today than procrastinate for tomorrow.

* Moshe meets his brother Aaron and tells him the plan of action. They both then meet the elders and reveal the miracles G-d had instructed him, and the people believed him.

 

Seventh Portion

* Pharaoh said, “Who is your G-d that I should listen to him?” after Moshe and Aaron approached him.

* Pharaoh imposes tougher working and living conditions on the Israelites because of the provocation with Moshe and Aaron.

Parshat Shemot – Value Each Moment of Life

            One of the books I quote quite often is Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz, ‘Sichot Mussar’. 25 years ago, I diligently read his schmooze (divrei Torah) from his book every Friday night after the meal, and it made quite an impression. The key to one being better prepared in his endeavors is that one has to apply what he has learned from different sources, whether it is from books, teachers, parents, or everyday life. But sometimes situations in life are not so clear-cut, and it’s hard to apply the lesson. Although I believe I made the right crucial decision based on Rav Chaim’s words of wisdom on this particular divrei Torah towards my father when he was between life and death, it was not so simple.

Rav Chaim asks, “What is the true meaning of life?” We visualize life as joy and pleasure and we talk about the things worth living for. However, in our superficial view, we overlook something important, life itself.

The sages tell us Pharaoh asked three of his top advisers what should be the faith of the Jewish people. Yitro, after warning Pharaoh not to mess with these people, fled, because he sensed a growing displeasure on the king’s face toward his advice; one adviser Bilam, said to kill them and one adviser Iyov kept silent. For their advice, they each got what they deserved; Bilam’s punishment was being killed in battle. Iyov’s punishment was that he received pain and suffering for his silence. Yitro, who fled in protest, was merited that his descendants would sit in the Sanhedrin (Judges among Israel).

Rav Chaim asks, “Why was evil Bilam, who advised to kill them, given a swift and merciful death, while Iyov who was guilty of just being silent, was subjected to pain and suffering?”

Bilam indeed received the more severe punishment. In our view of life, we fail to understand that although Iyov suffered, he continued to live, while this gift of life was taken away from Bilam. This perhaps, is best conveyed in King David’s cry “G-d has caused me to suffer greatly but He has not given me over to death (Tehilim 118:18)”. Life itself is a gift and there is so much to do.

The sages say one is not allowed to walk in a cemetery with his tzitzit (fringes that a Jewish male wears daily) outside. One has to tuck it into his pants. This is because the dead might get jealous that they are unable to perform the daily life commandments that are bestowed on the living.

When my father was hospitalized, they wanted us to sign a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) form where it states that if he will not be able to breathe on his own, he should not be revived. I refused, remembering the words of Rav Chaim of how precious an extra moment of life can be. I believed there might be a glimmer of hope that he would regain consciousness, even for a short period of time. It would have been incredible if indeed he would have survived and been able to bless us or put on tefillin one last time.

The argument to sign the DNR is also a valid one. The question is always asked, where is the quality of life? What happens if someone ends up on life support for years and many of the brain functions destroyed? What then? Does Rav Chaim’s rule apply?

There are a few big well-respected rabbis in the world who can shoulder the responsibility of a question of this magnitude. They can be of great assistance in those difficult times. It’s not an easy matter. Unfortunately, a number of us flirt with the possibility of being faced with similar situations with our loved ones. I only hope with G-d’s help the reader will be well prepared.

Perhaps we all should take lesson and live life to the utmost capability.

Modern Workforce, Old Concept
   

Something interesting occurred in this week’s parsha. The mastermind of the Egyptians’ governing body cleverly designed a plan where the Jews would be so overly exhausted and therefore won’t be able to pick up their heads and realize their situation. What was this ingenious brainstorm that kept the Jews at bay? Well, guess what, it’s similar to the modern revised workforce of today’s America.

Pharaoh instructed his enforcers to make the men do traditional women’s tasks and the females doing what the males were accustomed in performing. By the time the end of the day arrived, both genders were psychologically exhausted. The chores of the day threw them off focus, off balance, and made them lose their identity, to the extent they were unable to verbalize their feelings.

The plan of the Egyptian caused Jews to be scarred where they were labeled as unworthy to enter Israel because of their slave mentality. It was only their children who were cleansed in the desert who were allowed to enter the Promised Land.

Obviously, they were unprepared for the role reversal, for if they were, maybe it would be an entire different ball game.

Similarly today, there is a change in the traditional gender jobs. Plus, there is a slow shift where the traditional male breadwinner has also changed. Women, in some homes, now bring home the bacon…ooops I mean the brisket. Men were not made to stay home and women prefer to be at home at least for some of the time.

Both men and women whom have fallen into this predicament must have strong character to find respect in themselves and their spouses. It’s not easy; one should know they are both in good company. One has to have strong self-esteem to withstand any criticism. One of the major factors in saving marriages in these situations is falling into the traditional male, female religious role. Men make kiddush, hamotzi, and learn traditional male scriptures, while women do the same by lighting candles, etc. This will enable the genders to fall back on the things that are most natural.

Making adjustments is an art. It says G-d doesn’t create a problem without the remedy. We have to be aware of the changes in society; one has to lower their pride for the sake of the family and be aware that changes are inevitable.

The Morning Rush Hour
   

I’ve been writing since 5:15 this morning and in about 5 minutes, at 6:30, my neighbor – like he does every morning – will start and warm up his car for four minutes and head out for Shacharit (morning Prayer). This is then followed by learning of the Daf Yomi (learning a page a day of Talmud). This is my neighbor’s daily morning routine. One can set your clocks to that regiment.

I have no schedule. It all depends on my preparations for my shiurim, lectures, and articles for their deadlines. I could be up till 3:00 in the morning one time and one day get up, like today at 5:15 am. I guess one can say ‘we neighbors have two contrast lifestyles’. Apparently, because of my unpredictable nature, the morning Shacharit services are often figured out as I’m walking out the door. Thank G-d for the many minyanim that are found in Kew Garden Hills and Forest Hills that I often choose from and make the necessary combinations. But unfortunately, sometimes one arrives late to prayer services. What should he do? Should he join the congregation at the place where they are holding, or should he start from the beginning?

The Mechaber (Rav Yosef Caro, author of the Shulchan Aruch) says it depend on his tardiness. He should say a few tefilot quickly in order to catch up to the chazzan. Preferably, baruch she’amar and 1 or 2 of the halelukas (et Hashem min hashamayim, kel bekadsho,) at the bare minimum, followed by vayevarech david and az yashir. It’s important to say yishtabach because that ends off the bracha of baruch she’amar. Yotzer Or should definitely be recited. He stresses the importance to be on in sync with everybody else in the minyan. Later on, one can catch up saying the other prayers.

The Mishna Brurah, who brings many opinions, mentions the Chacham Tzvi who disagrees. He says it’s important to say the entire tefilah in its entirety and in order. The Chacham Tzvi was known to take a more kabalistic approach. The philosophy of his and the Mechaber are quite different.

What’s important to note is that one must consult his or her Rabbi. It’s his decision that should be followed. I recommend, regardless of which opinion one follows, one should grab a large cup of delicious coffee after the morning prayer service.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Avi Matmon
Spark of Jewish Experience

Parshat Vayigash

May 10, 2013 Highlights No comments

“A Cup of Coffee 

 

&

A Quick Thought”
Steaming Cup of Coffee
Spark Of Jewish Experience
  Vayigash

December 29, 2011
3 Teves, 5772
Dear Friends,

 

We have expanded the Parsha Highlights section.

 

In appreciation to the staff of The Afikim Foundation for all their help, and to Torahanytime.com for giving us the mic.

 

We are now displaying business ads in our newsletter. If you are interested in placing an ad, please email me or call 917-804-7692. It’s completely tax deductible and the proceeds go to teaching people Torah. Be a part of the Mitzvah!

 

Please print out this newsletter and say over a great D’var Torah at the Friday night Shabbos table.

 

Please forward to a friend and be a partner in spreading Torah.

 

Dedicate a newsletter, shuir and a CD in memory of a loved one.

 
In This Issue
Parshat Vayigash Highlights
Parshat Vayigash – The Many Surprises In Life
Why Do We Cover Our Eyes During the Prayer of Shema?
Bits & Pieces

Parshat Vayigash Highlights
 

First Portion

* The sages marveled at how Yehuda (the leader of the brothers) conducted himself; he was respectful but firm in his confrontation with Yosef, the second in command of all of Egypt (whom they thought was Egyptian but was really their brother).The Medrash Rabah (commentaries) takes it a step further than the written Bible, who has Yehuda giving an eloquent monologue to the defense of not leaving Benyamin behind in Egypt, on how these two leaders confronted each other on the grand stage of the Egyptian palace. It wasn’t two gladiators fighting, but it was two intelligent leaders testing their opponent in a game of who has heart and who can survive.

 

Second Portion

* In one of the most dramatic passages in all the Torah, at least in my opinion, Yosef wasn’t able to control himself and discloses to his brothers that he was indeed Yosef. He forgave his brothers after seeing how much Yehuda protected their younger brother Benyamin who was not from the same mother.

* The brothers were in shock and embarrassed at selling of Yosef. He comforted them by telling them it was meant to be by G-d. He sent me here first to pave the way for our family to move here because of the famine.

 

Third Portion

* The brothers left Egypt to go and fetch their family and to inform Yaacov, their father, that Yosef is alive. When Pharaoh heard about Yosef’s brothers, he seemed supportive of hosting them in his country.

 

Fourth Portion

* Pharaoh made it easy for the transport of Yosef’s family by giving them chariots.

* Sarach, the daughter of Asher, delicately informed her grandfather, Yaacov, that Yosef is alive through her soft song and harp playing. From here we learn to never inform a person abruptly – good news or bad. Always be delicate in your approach.

 

Fifth Portion

* G-d comes to Yaacov in a dream assuring him not to fear to go down to Egypt. Yaacov expressed concern they might be tempted by the Egyptians and intermarriage will occur. G-d tells him, “I’ll make you into a great nation and not to worry.”

* The genealogy of Yaacov is counted. 70 family members made the pilgrimage down to Egypt.

 

Sixth Portion

* Yaacov sent Yehuda (the leader) first to make the necessary arrangements for the family. The commentaries convey that Yehuda went down to establish a study hall. We learn from here that wherever a Jew moves to, he should establish a place to learn Torah because it’s the life force of our people.

* Yosef arranged through Pharaoh that his family settle in the land of Goshen, a little bit of a distant from Egyptian populace, and their occupation would be to tend the sheep. This was intentionally arranged because Pharaoh detested shepherds because the Egyptians were paganistic animal worshipers. So Yosef knew they would distance themselves from the Jews and leave them all alone in the far distant place of Goshen.

* Yaacov meets his son Yosef after 22 years of separation. Yosef was very emotional. Yaacov, in the moment of joy, recited ‘SHEMA, YISRAEL, HASHEM IS OUR G-D HASHEM IS ONE.’

* Yaacov meets Pharaoh and gives him a blessing. Pharaoh asks Yaacov, “How old are you?” He answered, “130 years old and they were few and bad”. Yaacov was punished for this response, by having his life cut short. One is not allowed to complain about life, no matter how bitter it may be. One has to find good in any tough situation and appreciate what he has.

 

Seventh Portion

* The famine was great and people came to Yosef for food. He collected a lot of money through selling food, and when the people exhausted their funds, they exchanged their livestock, their land and then themselves (became slaves to Pharaoh) for food. So basically, Pharaoh (the government) owned the land and all of its inhabitants in Egypt.

* The Jews acquired land in Goshen. They were fruitful and multiplied.

Parshat Vayigash – The Many Surprises In Life

In one of the most dramatic moments in the Bible (in my opinion), Yosef reveals to his brothers that he is their long lost brother. The brothers’ response is one of shock and disbelief. However, it’s mind-boggling; how did the brothers not recognize Yosef? Come on now, these were very intelligent individuals. Did it not dawn on them that perhaps Yosef could be their brother? Especially, when they sought him out in Egypt in the slums and low-end neighborhoods, since they thought he was still a slave; the brothers had a hunch he was there.

Another reason why not recognizing him was far-fetched, is that Egypt was predominantly a black society and Yosef was white. Furthermore, the midrash (commentaries) say that Yosef looked just like his father. So it’s hard to believe how the brothers overlooked these clues.

Apparently, it seems like the brothers were so convinced they were right, that the thought of him in the position of Viceroy of Egypt was incomprehensible. They believed confidently from the get-go, he was wrong and they were correct; their philosophy was the one and only all along. Even if the evidence had stared them right in the face, they wouldn’t have figured it out. The realization that Yosef’s dreams came true and the philosophy that they’ve been following was incorrect, was a shock.

Similarly, we find when Eisav comes to Isaac for the important blessing that was just given to his brother Yaacov, thinking it was Eisav. Isaac smelled the scent of Gan Eden when giving the bracha to Yaacov, even though he didn’t realize it was he; therefore the right brother got the bracha. Apparently when Eisav came and said “Hey Dad, I’m here”, at that moment, Isaac felt a ‘tremble’ coming to the realization just like the brothers did with Yosef that all what he (Isaac) and they (the brothers) believed in for most of their lives was false. It’s as if one has wasted his life, wasted his precious energy betting on the wrong horse.

We have to learn a lesson from the passages that we have to examine our lives and re-evaluate situations, people, and lifestyles. It’ll be wise to find out at an early stage than later when it’s too late.

Why do we cover our eyes during the prayer of Shema?
   

Why do we have to cover our eyes when we say the Shema?
Brief background: Shema is the famous prayer we say four times a day; twice in the morning, once in the evening, and once at bedtime. We cover our eyes and recite the passage. Why?
We find in this week’s parsha when Yaacov met his beloved son, Yosef, after 22 years, when he thought he was dead, Yosef emotionally embraced him while Yaacov was so grateful to G-d that he recited the Shema. The concept behind Shema is that the whole body has to be emerged in the dedication to G-d. Symbolically, we are expressing it by covering our right hand on our eyes. The hand has five fingers representing our whole body. Instinctively, each finger covers its own territory.
* Thumb – instinctively cleans the mouth area
* Index finger – instinctively cleans the nose
* Middle finger – instinctively scratches the back area
* Ring finger – cleans the eyes
* Pinky, little finger – instinctively cleans the ears
When we say the Shema, it’s usually deep into the prayers where the concentration is intense. So when we do cover our eyes, this thought pattern should be applied.

Bits & Pieces
   

* A number of weeks ago, we mentioned in one of the articles that if you have a lit candelabra on the table right before Shabbat, after Shabbat has entered, it cannot be moved until after Shabbat is over. This is because we apply the law of muktzah. A reader and friend, Rafi Sharbat from Jerusalem, wrote that there are exceptions. When one puts a challah or anything on the table that will be used on Shabbat, before the Shabbat starts, then it is permissible to move. Rabbi Eliyahu Ben Haim mentions that some people in dire straits take it a step further and are lenient, if the thought is that this table will be used on Shabbat, then it will be permissible to move (Reb Ben Haim holds we don’t go according to this opinion unless it’s really dire strait.)

 

* Which 4 brachot are recited exactly once every year?
a) Seeing the first blossom in the spring
b) Bedikat chametz (Pesach)
c) Nachem (said on Tisha B’Av)
d) Light candles (Erev Yom Kippur)
* Recently, I received a funny email on how to improve your memory without investing anything on therapy or eating undesirable herbs. The email said: Start with this exercise, bring your Thursday night shopping-for-Shabbat list along to Wasserman’s and challenge yourself to remember 15 words on the list.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Avi Matmon
Spark of Jewish Experience

Parshat Vayishlach

May 9, 2013 Highlights No comments

“A Cup of Coffee 

 

&

A Quick Thought”
Steaming Cup of Coffee
Spark Of Jewish Experience
  Vayishlach

December 8, 2011
12 Kislev, 5772
Dear Friends,

 

In appreciation to the staff of The Afikim Foundation for all their help, and to Torahanytime.com for giving us the mic.

 

We are now displaying business ads in our newsletter. If you are interested in placing an ad, please email me or call 917-804-7692. It’s completely tax deductible and the proceeds go to teaching people Torah. Be a part of the Mitzvah!

 

Please print out this newsletter and say over a great D’var Torah at the Friday night Shabbos table.

 

Please forward to a friend and be a partner in spreading Torah.

 

Dedicate a newsletter, shuir and a CD in memory of a loved one.

 
In This Issue
Parshat Vayishlach Highlights
Parshat Vayishlach – Public Enemy #1
What Is Your Favorite Season?
Do You Take Care of Yourself?

 Parshat Vayishlach Highlights
 

* After hearing Eisav gathered 400 hundred men en-route to kill him, Yaacov sent angels ahead to greet his brother and try to soften his stance – second portion.

 

* Yaacov put together an arrangement of gifts for his brother, Eisav. We learn here the importance of diplomatic negotiations in dealing with your foes.
* Yaacov fights with Eisav’s angel and is injured – third portion.
* Yaacov and Eisav meet – fourth portion.
* Eisav goes home to the land of Seir.
* Yaacov and his family arrive in Shechem – fifth portion
* Yaacov’s daughter Dina is raped by Shechem.
* Shimon and Levi, 2 of the 12 sons of Yaacov, trick Shechem and the entire town by convincing them we will intermarry with you only after the males in the city get circumcised. On the third day since the communal circumcisions, Shimon and Levi came and killed all the males in the town of Shechem. They also rescued their sister, Dina.
* G-d said to Yaacov go to Bet El and make me an altar (place where Yaacov had his dream).
* G-d gave an additional name to Yaacov, Israel – sixth portion.
* Rachel gives birth to Benyamin completing the 12 tribes, and soon after dies.
* Rachel is buried on the way in Bet Lechem.
* Isaac dies, and both his sons, Yaacov and Eisav, bury him.
* Genealogy of Eisav is being told over – seventh portion.

 

 

 

 

Parshat Vayishlach – Public Enemy #1

 

             The genealogy of Eisav’s children is being spelled out at the end of parshas Vayishlach. There is a very interesting story involving the grandmother of PUBLIC ENEMY #1 which the Jews despise the most, Amalek. Amalek, who was Eisav’s grandson and his descendant, have given the Jews the most pain and sorrow from all our foes. What’s the reason our confrontations with him were always so bitter? What’s the reason when we say Amalek or Haman (descendant of Amalek) in synagogue; we stamp our feet out of disgust? Let’s probe into the root of Amalek and why he came to this world.

Timna, the mother of Amalek, was the mistress of Elifas, the son of Eisav. One may find it odd that she was a concubine considering she was the daughter of a king and the sister of Liytan, a prominent figure. Apparently, she was under the strong belief that ‘I’d rather be a mistress to this nation than a queen to a different nation’. She was referring to Avraham and his children. In fact, she made her overtures to be the wife of Avraham, Isaac, and Yaacov but was rejected by all three; our forefathers did not accept her. So she settled for Elifas. Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz, in which this dvar Torah is based from, says the bitterness of being rejected by our ancestors became ingrained and transformed to Timna’s future genealogy. The rage Amalek has towards us stems from jealousy of Timna, being tossed away and not accepted. Rav Chaim asks ‘how can that be? It’s out of character of the persona and philosophy of Avraham. The great Avraham, whose teachings of G-d and the notion of bringing people back was his virtue. He was an expert of bringing people closer to G-d, to convert everybody and to take them under the wing of glory. The self-sacrifice he gave towards outreach is one of astonishment, and yet he turns and rejects an individual soul who understands the prominence and value of his family, and is willing to give up so much to be a part of it. One can even say it’s very commendable on her part. Why didn’t they accept Timna?

Timna wasn’t accepted because she wasn’t worthy to be under the clouds of glory. Our ancestors saw through prophecy that she and her descendants carry in their genes very bad traits, and our fathers wanted no part of it.

When the Israelites crossed the sea after G-d made it split, all the nations heard, saw, and trembled the miracles G-d performed for them. The world was in awe. The Jews were placed on a pedestal, untouched; they were considered a holy nation, G-d’s nation. However, one nation waged war against the Israelites, Amalek. Up until that point, the world saw through the miracles, the power and goodness of G-d. Apparently, there was a momentum of spirituality among the nations resulting from those monumental events. Amalek ruined all this.

Rashi (commentary on the Chumash) gives a memorable example of the first person jumping in a hot pool while the others were apprehensive. But the pool became cooler as soon as the first person jumped, making it approachable.

Similarly, we find the giant Og making fun of Avraham and Sarah’s newborn, Isaac, for being too small. It was the first baby in the crib,’ What is this little thing?’ It was such a miracle and a tremendous credit to G-d giving a gift to this old couple that were the ambassadors of G-d and represented Him out in the open. If there was any time in history to boast of the concept of ‘the good gets blessed’, it’s here. But Og minimized the miracle and dulled the momentum of spirituality.

Apparently, by waging war against the Jews, proved that our fathers were right in not taking Timna under the wings of glory. While other nations saw and felt G-d’s power and spirituality after the splitting of the sea, it seemed like Amalek was desensitized to G-d and spirituality; they weren’t moved, didn’t faze them one bit. They weren’t able, and perhaps didn’t have it in them to feel the spirituality.

Although our forefathers were right in their decision about Timna, one has to be a little bit gentler on how to reject. Rav Chaim teaches us the diplomatic game has to be enforced by pushing them out with the left hand and shaking their hands with the right; cordial but curt or cruddier; kick them from behind with a smile. We often have to act in such away in our workplace for our self-preservation. It was crucial not to let Timna in, for if she was accepted, it would have compromised our development individually and as a nation, but we have to be delicate in saying you can’t come in.

What Is Your Favorite Season?
   

 

After returning back from the United States, an Israeli was asked how he liked his trip to New York. His response was he hated it. “There are four seasons there”. But there are four seasons everywhere”, he was told. He retorted back, “You’re right, but in New York there are four seasons in one day.”

My son recently wrote an essay about autumn. He described the leaves on the trees turning colors and having fun stepping on a sea of leaves that have fallen resulting in a crunching sound. My boy mentioned about the wonderful smell the leaves give out while lying on the ground, especially after a rainfall. Many years ago, well, not so many, I too wrote a similar essay when I was just about my son’s age. This treat of autumn is something many New Yorkers don’t appreciate. A few years ago I had the pleasure of walking with a fellow who wasn’t from this country that had pointed out the beauty of autumn. He mentioned, in envy, he doesn’t experience the beauty of autumn where he comes from. Apparently, I was a little embarrassed because it seemed like he observed in detail the change of seasons with appreciation while I took it for granted.

The Mesilat Yesharim compares us to horses that ride in a very quick pace without realizing where they pass. They don’t move their head; they just ride straight without realizing the beautiful countryside they’re passing. We have to stop and to see the beauty that G-d has placed us in and appreciate details of the flowery spring, the greenery of summer, snowy winters, and cooling fall. We should not let the rat race with its pressure and stress dictate and dominate our lives. That kind of New York pressure desensitizes us where we miss out on life.

Every December 4th, (this year in New York, December 5th because of the leap year next year), we change the format of the Amida prayer, (the silent prayer that we stand at a standstill which we say 3 times a day), due to the change of seasons, by reciting ‘v’ten tal umatar lebracha, making a request that He give us rain. It is made only when rain is actually needed in an agricultural cycle. In Israel, however, rain is needed in early fall, so the recitation therefore begins on 7 Cheshvan, much earlier than elsewhere. (This is the daily bracha for parnassa – making a good livelihood).

(We had discussed in previous newsletters the importance of saying prayers as accurately as possible. One might argue ‘it’s the thought that counts’ and there is no need for such over zealous meticulousness. However, this is not so, (please refer to previous ‘coffee and a thought).

What happens when an American (Jew) travels to Israel arriving at the end of November or an Israeli landing in New York at the same time? Do they alter their prayers to accommodate the guest environment or do they follow what they do at home?

Rav Eliyahu Ben Haim mentions that the only time a person changes his prayer for v’ten tal umatar lebracha is when he is the shaliach tzibur (chazzan) for his host country. Otherwise, he goes by what he says back home.

A change of season is important because it breaks up the monotony and it provides a well-needed refreshing look and feel so we can appreciate G-d and the world. Therefore, we can give the ultimate thanks.

Do You Take Care of Yourself? 
   

For the most part, I write the last article of this newsletter Tuesday night after my lecture and shiur. However, tonight, Tuesday, I missed giving my lecture and shiur because I wasn’t feeling well (sponsors – beware – your dedication will be announced before the shiur next week). Apparently, that’s the reason I’m writing earlier than usual. I love giving the shiur, it’s a nice guy environment, and it pained me to miss it. My wife blames me (like many wives blame their husbands) for not giving it due to getting sick because I don’t take care of myself, or so she says. Although I do keep odd hours and I don’t sleep much at night or eat at the proper times, but for her to make that assessment is unfair.

My great-grandfather would always say, “Watch your health very much very much (meod meod).” Well, the actual quote (Devarim 4:16) has only ‘one’ very much, but I guess he wanted to make his point clear. Apparently, by having it written in the Torah puts a more stringent concern on all of us (violating Torah law – medeorisa is harsher then rabbinical law).

Even more so, my father always said you cannot talk while eating fish because it’s a battle. Let’s take those wise words a step further. My friend, Rabbi Uri Sklaar, says eating fish is a battle even without talking. Now let’s take it even further; according to the Shulchan Aruch (the book of laws), one cannot talk while you eat (besides fish) because it might go down the wrong pipe. Now, how many of us are strict about that one?

I remember taking a course in college where at one point they taught you the proper technique on how to interview for a job; the primary concern is proper etiquette at a restaurant. Now remember, according to Jewish law, you cannot answer a question until you swallow the food (it is advisable not to order peanut butter).

However, there are those that are extremists when it comes to health. One should take note that you cannot add or subtract from the Torah; don’t be such a tzaddik. It’s okay; you can cheat a little on the midnight snacks. So I guess one should not deprive the kids of potato chips by substituting raisins or carrots. (My wife will give me an earful for that one.)

Questions to ponder: does one have to go organic to be healthy? Are you violating the law by doing too much? Or maybe one is violating by not having organic products or by not doing enough?

Regardless, one should keep in mind that the Torah does take health and taking care of yourself very seriously, but defining the letter of the law is the question. Ask your local Rabbi or nutritionist for advice.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Avi Matmon
Spark of Jewish Experience

Parshat Nitzavim- Vayelech

May 9, 2013 Highlights on the Weekly Parsha, Uncategorized No comments

“A Cup of Coffee 

 

&

A Quick Thought”

 

 

 
Steaming Cup of Coffee
Spark Of Jewish Experience

Nitzavim-Vayeilech

Septmeber 22, 2011
23 Elul, 5771
Dear Friends,

 

In appreciation to the staff of The Afikim Foundation for all their help, and to Torahanytime.com for giving us the mic.

We are now displaying business ads in our newsletter. If you are interested in placing an ad, please email me or call 917-804-7692. It’s completely tax deductible and the proceeds go to teaching people Torah. Be a part of the Mitzvah!

 

Please print out this newsletter and say over a great D’var Torah at the Friday night Shabbos table.

 

Please forward to a friend and be a partner in spreading Torah.

 

Dedicate a newsletter, shuir and a CD in memory of a loved one.

 

Please note: We regret to inform you of the passing of a leader, and a spark plug to the small close-knit, as well as a pioneer of the Bukharian community of the 1960’s, Ariyeh Haimoff z’l.

 

SPECIAL EVENT ALERT!!! 
TUESDAY OCT 4TH, 2011 (BETWEEN ROSH HASHANA & YOM KIPPUR)
Rabbi Avi Matmon will explain the essence of the High Holiday prayers. He will be joined by chazanim, the renowned and naim zemirot, Avi Perets, and the new age Bukarian chazan Ruben Ebragimov, as well as others, who will bring out the emotions from the holy words through their singing. They will, with G-d’s help, inspire and give us an understanding so we can pray to the highest level and achieve a place in the book of life. Our event will be held on October 4th at the Bukharian Center located at 106-16 70th Ave, Forest Hills, NY. Refreshments will be served at 8:00 pm. At 8:30 pm sharp, the event will begin. The event will also be broadcasted live on Torahanytime.com at 8:30 pm.
In This Issue
Why Do We Blow the Shofar 100 Times?
Give Me Life
Rosh Hashanah Tidbits

Why Do We Blow the Shofar 100 Times?
blowing shofar

The Chazanim (cantors) Rabbis, and the person who tokes the shofar (shofar blower) are all meticulously careful that there should be 100 sounds blown before the crucial mussaf prayer. One may ask, why 100 sounds?Rabbi Berel Wein mentions one reason, which we learned from a famous incident that happened at the time of the shoftim (Judges).

Our ancestors were in constant war with their neighbors, the Pilishteem. Similarly, today one can identify with the conflict of our Arab neighbors. The Pelishteem army was led by the strong and mighty General Sisra who terrorized opposing countries. Sisra was a startling, frightening figure and is best described similarly as a mixture of Ivan the Terrible and George Patton.

The Jews were led by Devorah and her general Barak ben Avinoam who with G-d’s help were defeating the Pilishteem army. Sisra realized the end was imminent and fled. As he was escaping, he meets Yael who realized who he is. She brought him into her home where she fed him and gave him wine. He found comfort in Yael who seduced him. When Sisra was sleeping, Yael, who was loyal to the nation of Israel, killed him.

It is written in the ‘Song of Devora’, in the book of Prophets, Sisra’s mother was waiting by the window for her son to return. She saw the injured solders limping back from battle; she witnessed the broken war carriages. However, there was no sign of the great warrior, her son, Sisra. The text describes her waiting by the window and coming to the inevitable conclusion that her son was never coming home. Realizing this, she begins to cry and wail 100 sounds. The sages say this is the reason why we blow the shofar 100 sounds.

One may ask what’s the connection between Sisra’s non-Jewish mother, wailing for her son’s return, and the Jewish congregation listening to shofar blowing on one of the holiest days of the year?

Sisra’s mother was privileged; she came from a picture perfect prestigious family. She was a straight-A student who was a prom queen beauty. She was head cheerleader who married the star quarterback leader of the football team. They had a big house with many cars, maids, a butler, a dog named Lassie, and many kids who each went on to become successful in their own right. She never saw a cloudy day in her life. Whatever she touched, with no effort, turned to gold. Sisra’s mother felt she was in charge of her own destiny.

However, for the first time in her life, she felt she was not in control; someone else was pulling the strings and that someone else was G-d. So she turned to G-d out of feeling inadequacy and hopelessness, acknowledging ‘it’s not me but someone higher above.’

When they blow the shofar during the High Holiday, one should feel that G-d runs the world and He is in control of our lives. Granted, we have to make an effort and some of us have seen tremendous success. However, at the end of the day, G-d is always in charge. This is what Sisra’s mother felt at that moment.

Give Me Life
   prayer-shemona esrei

            One of the major and important prayers we have in which we say three times a day and a fourth on Shabbat, is the Amida (literally means standing). This prayer is also called shemona esray (eighteen brachot). When we say the Amida, we take three steps backward and then three forward, and we pray in silence. The concentration should be so intense that talking is prohibited.

The Amida is divided into three parts 1) praise 2) request, or in a crude language ‘give me’ 3) acknowledgement. The structure of the prayers is so meticulously precise that one marvels of its construction. It seems like the sages took care of business providing us with the optimal dosage of prayer power so we can be in a better standing with G-d. During the days of Awe (Rosh Hashanah, the days of repentance and Yom Kippur), a number of additions are placed in our prayers. One of which is zachrainu lechaim, (remember us and keep us alive). A very curious question has been asked about this phrase; it seems like it’s in the wrong category; it should be with the ‘”give me’s” which is in category two. Why is it in the category of praise?

My father z’l always said the five fingers on the hand are all different; each finger is unique; each individual is also unique. Rav Gedalya Schorr compares the world to an orchestra. Each individual with his uniqueness has a part, which no one else can perform, and if he doesn’t perform, he doesn’t play his instrument, and the orchestra is not the same. Therefore we see that each individual brings his gift to the table and no one else can duplicate it.

When we say ‘Remember us in the book of life’; it’s not a gimmie, because the end of the statement says ‘lema’anach’ (We’re doing it for You. We are bringing our own uniqueness to serve You in whom nobody else can.) Therefore, our contribution is essential; it is part of the existence of the world and we should have it in mind that we’re doing it for G-d.

Rosh Hashanah Tidbits
 rosh hashanah

A popular custom is not to nap on Rosh Hashanah before midday (Jewish midday) because if you do, you’ll possibly have a sleepy year.

There is a custom to pray the shacharit amida (morning prayer – where one stands, legs bound together in silence) early – precisely at sunrise. People who want to start off the year on a good note achieve this. The reason being, our patriarch Avraham was tested in his belief in G-d, to sacrifice his son that he loved, for the sake of G-d. The angel stopped him and a ram was substituted in his place. We ride the coattails of Avraham that on his behalf, we should be written in the book of life.

This is one of the main themes of the holiday. It says that Avraham got up early to perform G-d’s request; if one wants to receive merit on His behalf, then he should emulate Him in every way.

A second reason is, there are two opinions when the mussaf prayer should be said. The popular opinion (the chachamim) is that it can be said all day. The other opinion (Rav Yehuda) is, 6 hours from daybreak. In order to be safe and follow all opinions, especially on judgment week, we try to beat the clock and finish mussaf within the six hours.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Avi Matmon
Spark of Jewish Experience

Parshat Shelach

May 5, 2013 Highlights on the Weekly Parsha, Uncategorized No comments

“A Cup of Coffee 

 

&

A Quick Thought”

 

 
Steaming Cup of Coffee
Spark Of Jewish Experience
 
 Shelach

June 16, 2011

14 Sivan, 5771

Dear Friends,

The first article, “The Spy Who Loved Me”, is based on a lecture called “Jewish Spy in History” written by Rabbi Avi Matmon.

A special thanks to Joey Garelic for editing and to the Afikim staff for all their help.
In This Issue
The Spy Who Loves Me
Shelach

The Spy Who Loves Me
spy

 

 

One of the main stages of the Sephardic (Bukharin) cantorial recitation is the reading of the prayer “Nishmat kol chai” on Shabbat morning. I remember my father and I anxiously preparing to go to Synagogue, trying to get there before the Chazzan starts the Shacharit prayer. Moreover, when the high holidays arrived, the excitement was even greater having guest Chazzanim like Yigal ben Chaim and Eli Balchioff who happen to be regarded as from the best of their generation. It was a pleasure and a privilege to hear them recite “Nishmat kol chai.” It was without a doubt a tremendously moving and inspiring experience.

 One may ask, why is Nishmat the measuring stick of the cantorial recital? The prayer Nishmat is so important that if one comes late to services and the congregation is reciting this particular prayer at that point, he must recite it with them and delay his own prayer from the beginning part of the teffilah which he missed, due to being late. Furthermore, the sages say, Nishmat is the jump start of the “neshema yetera” (the additional soul which one receives on Shabbat that elevating us to a holier level).
 What is it that is so special about this particular prayer?  In order to reveal the understanding of the prayer of ‘Nishmat’ we have to look back at a little Jewish history.Approximately 2000 years ago an off-shoot religion, Christianity, was just stemming from Judaism. The Great Sanhedrin (the 71 judges of the great court of Israel) was led by their president, Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel. He discreetly approached a fellow by the name of Shimon Kaffa concerning a very important mission. Apparently the Jewish leaders were very concerned that their people might abandon Judaism for this new Christianity. They wanted Kaffa to infiltrate their hierarchy of the Church. His mission was to make a clear distinction between the two religions, so that Jews will not err and be lured in, believing it is just another stream of Judaism and a valid form of Jewish worship.
After many years of being undercover Shimon Kaffa became one of the primary players of Christianity. Some say he was none other than Peter. (Although history is a bit unclear at that time, many maintain that this is in fact accurate.) While the spy business can be exiting, it is very dangerous in many ways. It happened that Shimon Kaffa’s true identity was revealed and soon thereafter he was tortured and executed. He did, however, succeed in his mission. Under his influence, the Christian Sabbath was changed from Judaism’s Saturday to Sunday; Jesus was specifically and individually labeled the son of G-d (note that all Jews are labeled as G-d’s children); the Christian messiah did and will not come from a natural human being as Judaism commands, but rather a supernatural creation resulting form immaculate conception. These differences were stark and were sufficient to make it clear to Jews that Christianity was indeed a separate entity and not merely a new flavor of Judaism. Thankfully, Shimon Kaffa skillfully crafted these fundamental deviations from Torah Judaism so that only a minute few Jews expressed interest in following Christianity.
Perhaps a good example which will clarify my point is a motion picture based on a true story called “Donny Brosko.” The film depicts an undercover police officer who infiltrates the mob. In the beginning of his assignment the officer wore his badge while not undercover with pride; “I’m doing the right thing” was the impression he conveyed.  There was a clear distinction between right and wrong – good guy versus bad guy. Dr. Goldman, the psychologist at Yeshiva Chaffetz Haim, says that even when there is a clear cut right and wrong, people are very sensitive and are affected by the social influences surrounding them. The spy is a lone believer in his values surrounded by those with diametrically opposed views.  His only venue of expression is internal given his hostile surroundings. This presents a major problem according to Dr. Goldman. While pretending to be somebody else with polar opposite values, often times the spy himself can wind up inevitably questioning his original set of values and ideologies. It takes a very high level of conviction and devotion to one’s own values to maintain such pretence over a period of time. “Frankly,” Dr Goldman says, “it is almost impossible.” On a subconscious level, intellectual dishonesty does not sit well with human nature.
The police officer in the film did in fact begin to sympathize with some of the mob members. At a startling moment in the film, he smacks his wife which was tremendously out of character for his regular self. Was it possible that his true self was being sucked into his fictitious persona? Perhaps his intellectual armor was cracking and as with many, he begins to think and act like those around him. Perhaps he, like others, begins to actually embrace his new identity. After all, that’s the reason his superiors selected him in the first place, because they felt he would be “perfect” for the part.
At the conclusion of the film when the officer received his medal of citation for a successful mission by sending those mob members to prison, he conveyed an expression of uneasiness and a sense of guilt. What happened to his strong ideology? One has to realize the enormous difficulty of a spy’s mission. How difficult it is to maintain one’s beliefs and ideology in such an atmosphere!
This has all been quite interesting, but how does this story relate to the point I am trying to speak about? It relates quite strongly as it was none other than Shimon Kaffa who wrote “Nishmat kol chai.”  This prayer is about ultimate appreciation of G-d through the eyes of a Jew.  Perhaps he wanted to show that even though I am away from my people and cannot express my true feelings outwardly I am still able to maintain my allegiance to G-d and to the Jewish people – a most difficult and daunting task for him. We, therefore, sing this prayer outwardly as a congregation; whereas Shimon Kaffa could only scream it inwardly with silent devotion to G-d. We do this not only as a tribute to Shimon Kaffa’s mission but to show that whatever situation we are in, we must find away to appreciate G-d, for He is the true epicenter of our lives. G-d created human nature such that Shabbat morning a person reaches the highest level of spirituality as well physical and mental relaxation. Shimon Kaffa paved the road for us to use ‘Nishmat’ as a tool to get close to G-d at a very lofty level. And that is what inspired my father and continues to inspire me.  May we all be so inspired every Shabbat morning.

Shelach
 self power

In this week’s Torah reading, the Israelites were about to enter the land of Israel. It was long anticipated because of the promise G-d gave our forefathers, Avraham, Yitzhak and Yaakov that their children will enter and inherit the land of milk and honey. Despite G-d’s overt declaration, the Jews were still apprehensive and concerned of the dangerous inhabitants that were rumored to be roaming the land. So they asked their leader, Moshe, to send reconnaissance spies to tour the land and to report if their fears were founded or unfounded.

        The report came back with only the exception of two of the 12 spies who represented each respective tribe, that their fears were justified. This only increased the fears of the Jewish people. The spies were not truthful with their findings and their motives were tainted. As a result they were punished severely with death. The Sages explain their motive was the concern that their high positions held in the dessert would be in jeopardy once they entered the Land. Losing their kavod (honor) was the primary motive for their despicable act.
       Scripture describes these men as tzadikim, top guns, and the cream of the crop. These men were leaders as well as torah scholars. How then could they have erred so egregiously? Furthermore, it is hard to believe that these men were hand picked by the greatest leader of all time – Moshe Rabbeinu with the approval none other than G-d! Something must have taken place between the time they were selected and the time they returned. What happened? What changed?
       Rav Dessler questions in his book Michtav Me’eliyahu, what propelled these otherwise honorable men to decline to a level of feeling that it was a imperative to maintain their position (kavod) to the extent of filing a malicious report? Obviously, the spies considered this an important and dangerous mission and they were proud of their appointment to this tough task. After all, they were performing G-d’s mission. Rav Dessler contends that what tends to happen is that one often times get too caught up in a new appointment and that one forgets about the most obvious, being careful to protect oneself. In a way, a person can be very vulnerable. He lets his guard down and forgets about his basic fundamental manners and sensitivities towards others. People may feel that because they are doing a mitzvah for G-d, that they now have the license to step on anybody and anything to achieve their G-dly mission. As a result, they become insensitive and hurt people along the way.
       Rav Yisrael Silanter mentions an episode where a man was walking to synagogue on Yom Kippur and he was praying on the way. A fellow Jew stops him and asks him for the time. The response was of one of agitation and anger. The one who was praying ignored him “I’m on a holy mission – I’m praying to G-d.” This person ignored the need of someone else because he was so preoccupied with his own prayer.
      I remember every Sunday morning they had baseball games organized by the New York Synagogue baseball league. This fellow was in charge of our Synagogue (Bet Hakneset) team. Unfortunately, he took the volunteer leadership role a little too seriously. He removed a close friend of his from his second base position and asked him to leave the team because he wasn’t good enough. “I am managing this team to win” he said. He did not realize the objective of the organized baseball league was to have fun and relax on a Sunday early morning and bring all the kids together in a spirit of sportsmanship teaching them to relate better with one another in all aspects of life. It seems that the drive to be anointed as the winner above one’s peers is hereditary. When one is appointed to a responsible position often times their teeth grow long and sharp, their ears grow a little long and their jaw extends downward. The human element disappears.
      Rav Dessler writes when one lets his guard down even just a little, it opens the door to negativity. In the situation of the spies, it was overlooking and neglecting an individual conscience awareness which helps protect oneself daily. This led them to entertain the thought of “not losing my status and kavod” as they were preoccupied with trying to be the best and most honored spies out there.
      Life is full of opportunities and growth. One has to realize when taking these progressive steps not to overlook a very important person – “yourself.” This is not necessarily in the conventional sense of self power. Quite to the contrary, it is in the sense that one must be vigilant not to let success and honor go to one’s head to extent that it is nurtured and sought after at the expense of all else. One must be careful to protect one’s “midot” or virtues and realize that there is a larger picture beyond ones self. It was Yehoshua Bin-Nun from the tribe of Efraim and Nachshon ben Aminadav representing the tribe of Yehuda that held true to themselves and ultimately true to their people and G-d. This is a lesson we can learn from the spies and to mirror the acts of Yehoshua and Nachshon in our own lives.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Avi Matmon
Spark of Jewish Experience