Hakhel Email Community Awareness Bulletin
MARCH 2011 DAILY EMAIL ARCHIVE
Special Note
One: A new important and
valuable service is now available to the Daf Yomi community worldwide.
Daf Notes (www.dafnotes.com),
which produces a wonderful daily review of the Daf, will now take questions
by email relating to the Daf Yomi Mesechta being studied and respond--as yet
another one of its outstanding free services.
To correspond with Daf Notes, or to ask any questions that you like
relating to the Daf or the Mesechta contact info@dafnotes.com
Special Note
Two: There is a disagreement
between Rebbe Yehoshua and Rebbe Eliezer as to the date on the calendar upon
which man was created. Tosfos
explains that according to Rebbe Yehoshua, who holds that man was created on
Rosh Chodesh Nissan, it would mean
that the first day of Ma’aseh Bereishis--the day the world began--is
today, the 25th of Adar!
What a great day it is to start something new.
A new Mitzvah, a new project, a new goal, a new accomplishment.
Each and every one of us has the ability to--and should strive to do
so. In this regard, we provide
the following insights--from Dovid HaMelech himself in the extremely
poignant and instructive Chapter 119 of Tehillim:
a.
Dovid exclaims (Tehillim 119:164): ‘Sheva
Bayom Hillalticha Ahl Mishpetei Tzidkecha...Seven Times a Day I have praised
you for Your righteous ordinances’.
Rashi (ibid.) explains that these Seven Times are in fact the Seven
Brachos that we recite every day which
relate directly to Kriyas Shema--Three Brachos
in Shacharis (two before Kriyas Shema and one after), and Four
Brachos in Ma’ariv (two before Kriyas Shema and two after).
What a great new goal it would be if we would especially recognize
the tremendous importance and significance of these Brachos--rather than
viewing them only as portals to Kriyas Shema or Shemone Esrei--and put some
real Kavannah into their recitation. Seven
focused Brachos a day--revolving around our fundamental daily Kriyas Shema--truly
a phenomenal accomplishment. Dovid
Hamelech expressed it clearly--Sheva
BaYom Hillalticha--and this is what he meant!
b.
Dovid pleads (Tehillim 119:18) ‘Gal
Ainai Ve’Abita Niflaos MiTorasecha--unveil my eyes that I may perceive
wonders from Your Torah.’ The
Torah is so deep and there is so much for us to know.
One may dejectedly ask: Is
the task really possible? This
is definitely not the appropriate question--a more telling query for oneself
is--what am I really doing to gain as much Divine Knowledge as I can?
Beyond my set or daily Torah study, am I steadfastly and actively
seeking Hashem’s guidance--am I asking Hashem for help daily--for
eye-opening understanding in what to study, how to study--and in the study
itself? When stuck or stymied on
a point, when tired or unclear, when unsure how to next proceed--do I
‘turn off’--or instead do I recite this very Pasuk that Dovid Hamelech
recited when he was in his own similar situation (on his level)?!
Hashem as the Source of all Torah can most certainly assist you to
acquire more and more of it. Commit
the Pasuk to memory--and use it very sincerely--and very freely!
c.
Dovid teaches (Tehillim 119:129)
Pela’os Eidvosecha Al Kain
Netzarasam Nafshi--Your testimonies are wonders, therefore my soul has
guarded them. Rashi (ibid.)
comments that the enormity of Mitzvah accomplishment is hidden from us--as
an example, he cites the Mitzvah of Shi’luach HaKan--which appears so
simple, quick and costless--yet has Arichus Yomim attached to it in and of
itself. With this in mind, no
Mitzvah should be downplayed, underrated, skipped, or skimped upon.
Chazal teach that HaYom La’Asosam--our Mitzvah performance is
limited to our time in this world, and so no G-d Given opportunity should be
forsaken. Moreover, one should
actively seek to perform Mitzvos that he has not had the opportunity to
perform before. Dovid (Tehillim
119:19) actually expresses it clearly with the words :
‘Ger Anochi Va’Aretz Al
Taster Mimeni Mitzvosecha--I am a sojourner in the world, hide not Your
Mitzvos from me’. If one
views each day as a fountainhead of burgeoning opportunities--if he sees the
events in his life as true occasions for eternity, if one actively looks to
uncover and achieve new sources for his soul’s satisfaction--then he is
taking the teachings of Dovid HaMelech to heart.
The Chayei Odom devotes an entire Chapter (Chapter 68) to
appreciating and accomplishing Mitzvos.
If possible, one should study it, and even review it again from time
to time.
Hashem has given and continues to give us gifts of immense
proportions daily--let us try hard to appreciate, to rejoice in, and make
the most of these Heavenly gifts. We
can than ask for more and more--which He
will be happy to give--and which
will give Him nachas! A new,
devoted effort to appreciate and strive for Mitzvos daily-- What
opportunity! Thank you--25 Adar!
---------------------------------------------
Special
Note One: The Minhag among all
of K’lal Yisroel is not to recite Tachanun in all of Chodesh Nisan (Shulchan
Aruch, Orach Chaim 131:7). [Some
already do not recite Tachanun, as we are in the Yemei Milui’m--see next
note]. Mondays and Thursdays are
known as special Yemei Ratzon,
and we recite the expanded version of Tachanun, VeHu Rachum, on theses days.
We should especially focus tomorrow and Monday on the special
techinos and bakashos in this beautiful prayer--as we will not be reciting
them again for a full month. It
is indeed stirring to realize how many times during this Tefillah that we
plead with Hashem “VeHoshiainu LeMa’an Shemecha--Save Us for the Sake of Your Great
Name! May our heartfelt,
Kavannah-filled last pleas of Tachanun before Nissan fully and finally bring
the Geulah Sheleima--so that this
Pesach we are involved in celebrating more
than one Geulah!
Special Note Two: The
following is excerpted from the always timely and relevant Sefer
HaToda’ah by Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov, Z’tl, as translated and known as The
Book of Our Heritage (Feldheim Publishers--available in pocket size as
well!). “The last Seven Days
of Adar, from the Twenty-Third until Rosh Chodesh Nisan, are called the
Yemei HaMiluim--the ‘days of dedication.’
It was then that Moshe Rabbeinu consecrated the Mishkan after its
construction. Every day he would
actually erect the Mishkan; offer the Korbanos of the Miluim; eat the
sanctified portions; perform all of the services of the Kohen Gadol; and
then take the Mishkan apart. These
days of dedication of the first Mishkan are destined to be repeated when the
Moshiach comes. It is said that
his coming and the rebuilding of the Bais HaMikdash will take place in the
month of Nisan. Thus, the days
of dedication serve as a memorial to the Mishkan made by Moshe, as well as a
time of prayer for the final redemption and the rebuilding of the Beis
HaMikdash in which the Shechina will dwell eternally.”
Hakhel Note: Do we get
the message--do we appreciate the times--will we properly appreciate--and
utilize--the next few days until Rosh Chodesh Nisan?
We do have the choice--we can be complacent or proactive--be
satisfied with the status quo--or yearn for the Geulah with especially
dedicated Tefillos. To use an
Olam HaZeh analogy, it is as if the lottery is about to be drawn, and you
have been awarded four out of the five numbers for good behavior an hour
before the drawing--you have only to successfully choose the fifth number.
Would you bother taking the time and making the effort to select it?!
Let us take the times as seriously and as wonderfully as they really
are!
Special
Note Three: In
this week’s Parsha, we find the difference between a Metzorah Musgar, who
is someone locked away in order to determine whether he really has a
definite Tzora’as affliction, and a Metzora Muchlat, who is someone who
definitely has Tzora’as. The person who is suspected of Tzoraas and
is put away for a week or two, and then pronounced Tahor, clean, need only
take himself and his clothes to the Mikvah. However, the Metzora
Muchlat, the definite Metzora, must live separated from people, letting his
hair grow, with his clothing torn, screaming to people that he is tamei so
that they do not get near him, and eventually, if and when he becomes Tahor,
he must go through an entire purification process. HaRav Yechezkel
Levenstein, Zt’l, explains that the Metzora Musgar, who was merely locked
away for a week or two recognized that he needed to rectify that which he
was doing wrong and quickly did Teshuva for his actions. As a result,
he was spared much shame, pain and ordeal. On the other hand, the
Metzora Muchlat didn’t respond to his Tzoraas with a quick turnaround of
Teshuva, and, as a result, had to wallow deeply in the mire of his avaira.
There is a great lesson
here for all of us. When one realizes he has done something wrong, he
must not wait until tomorrow to rectify his misdeed or misbehavior.
Just as when there is a great sale at a store, one does not wait until the
second day of the sale to get to the store, so too, does it not make sense
**at all** to wait to do Teshuva. This point is so vital that the
Rabbeinu Yona actually begins his entire classic work Shaarei Teshuva
with the great fallacy one commits against himself if he delays or pushes
off even slightly Teshuva on something he knows must be rectified.
It is interesting to note that the Chofetz Chaim counts
the negative prohibition of “HiShamer B’Nega Tzoraas--beware of the
affliction of Leprosy”--as one of the negative prohibition that one
currently violates if he speaks Loshon Hora. While we may not have
Tzora’as in its physical form in our day, we certainly do have the great
lessons to be gleaned from it!
-----------------------------------------------
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----------------------------------------------------
Special Note One:
From PROJECT KAVEY (Rabbi Dov Brezak, Shlita): How do you get a
19,000 pound killer whale to jump 22 feet in the air? The
trainers at Sea World have accomplished this amazing feat by helping the
‘whale not fail.’ Initially,
a rope was held under the whale so that the whale could not help but go over
it. Every time the whale would
go over the rope, it was given a significant dose of positive reinforcement
so that it would continue to go over the rope. Over
time the rope was raised, bit by bit, until it reached a height of 22 feet.
If you want your child to succeed, set him up for success. Focus
on what your child is already doing right – in the very area in which you
are not pleased with his or her performance. Even
if your child achieves only minimal or partial success; even if it’s not
precisely what you had wanted; even if it’s only an effort; even if it’s
nothing more than a lack of negative – acknowledge it! The
more you catch your child doing it right, the more he will do it right.
If you would like to join a live parenting line or would like more
information, contact tips@kavey.org,
or call 646-504-1016 (
US
), 020-7043-5619 (
UK
), 082-441-2713 (SA), 052-769-7588 (IL)
Special Note Two:
As the Chag approaches, we
once again provide an important link to The
Kosher Haircut Guide Poster by clicking here. We
urge you to distribute this link, in order to help
many others in your community as well. To
obtain a free large and laminated poster for placement in a barber shop, or
permanent placement in Shul, Yeshiva, or other institution, please call:
718-253-5497.
Special Note Three:
Hakhel’s Tefillin Hanacha KeHalacha Program has had great success
in the New York Metropolitan Area. Qualified
Sofrim check the individual’s placement of the Shel Yad and Shel Rosh, as
well as the exterior of the Batim and Retzuos as a free service.
For those who would like their Shul to participate in the Program,
please email shelrosh@comcast.net.
By
clicking here, we provide a useful guide to adjusting the size of your
Tefillin Retzuos. Imagine if
you learn the skill--and help another properly adjust his Shel Rosh--saving
him from hundreds or thousands of brachos levatala, as well as allowing him
to put on Tefillin properly. Especially
when a person ‘borrows’ someone else’s Tefillin, or borrows his
Shul’s Tefillin, does the proper placement of the Shel Rosh become a real
issue. For hard copies of this
handy card, please call 718-375-9657. The cards are also available in
Hebrew, and posters are available in English, Hebrew and Russian.
Special
Note Four: A reader wrote to us
that, when he visited
Florida
, he
was particularly moved by the motto of the Winn Dixie Stores:
‘Getting Better All The
Time’--and took it on as his calling
in a much more spiritual sense. Hakhel
Note: The 15 Kepitelech of
Tehillim from 120 through 134 are known as the Shir HaMa’alos--the Songs
of Ascent, because they represent the 15 Steps in the Bais HaMikdash that
led up from the Ezras Noshim to the Ezras Yisroel, and upon which the Leviim
recited these poignant Chapters. It is telling that the steps are referred
to as Ma’alos, although in contemporary Hebrew steps are referred to as
‘Madreigot’. Only is an elevator referred to as a Ma’alit--presumably
because it gets you to your destination faster and without much effort.
Dovid Hamelech, however, knew better.
If we are to ascend in life, it has to be at a sure and steady
pace--and with effort. Teshuva
BeChol Yom is our way of Getting Better All The Time--our very own and personal Shir HaMa’alos!
For the next three weeks until Pesach--let us be sure that we ascend not
on Madreigot--but on Ma’alos!
Special Note Five:
We received the following from a reader:
“And
the servant [Eliezer] ran
toward her and
said, “Please
let me drink some water from
your pitcher.” (Bereishis 24:17) Rashi quotes a Midrash
that says Eliezer ran toward Rivka because he saw that when
Rivka drew water for herself, the water rose towards her of its own
volition.
Yet, the Ramban points
out that when Eliezer later asked Rivka to draw water for him, the
Pasuk says: ‘[Rivka] herself
drew all the water for his camels.’ This
time, the water did not rise up to greet he; on its own.
The Kedushas Levi explains that when Rivka went to draw water for
herself, Hashem accommodated her and made the water rise toward her since
she was a ‘Tzadekes’. However,
since Eliezer had requested water from her, she would now be fulfilling a
Mitzvah. Hashem did not want to
ease her burden, since doing so would lessen her reward. Therefore, He made her
work as hard as any other person in order to accomplish the Mitzvah.
Hakhel
Note: What a wonderful thought!
During this short and sometimes pressured period between Purim and
Pesach, we sometimes may wish that things could be a bit easier, and could
go just a tad more smoothly. That
might not always happen, but we should most definitely be encouraged and
energized by the fact that Rivka Imeinu did not have it easy either--and
that was especially so--so that the sweat and toil involved with the Mitzvah
in the here and now could go a very, very long way in the forever and ever.
As you perform your tasks in preparation for the Chag, remember that
whatever you are doing is not for the day or for the week, but for the
eternal and everlasting thereafter!
Reminder--Please
Participate in the Hakhel Matching Funds!
--------------------------------------
Although we do have much
more to discuss, we are devoting this Bulletin to a singular cause because
of its EXTREME IMPORTANCE
NOW
. The
Rambam in Hilchos Rotzeiach (12:15) writes that Doniel was punished with the
Nisayon of being placed into the Gov Arayos, the Lion’s Den, because of
the great advice that he gave to Nevuchadnetzar the Rasha. Based
upon Doniel's advice and the punishment he received, the Rambam rules that
it is forbidden to give good advice to one who is undeserving (see there).
What was the advice that
Doniel gave to Nevuchadnetzar that was so great that made Doniel so
culpable? The Rambam writes
that he advised Nevuchadnetzar that he could save himself from the dire
events of the dream Nevuchadnetzar had seen by giving Tzedaka to deserving
people.
As many of you know, Hakhel
is affiliated with Yad Eliezer, an internationally recognized Tzedaka
organization in Eretz Yisroel. Yad Eliezer has sent the following two paragraphs to us.
Please read carefully:
Purim and Pesach come in
such rapid succession and don’t give you a lot of time to savor past
successes. This Purim, Yad Eliezer gave out almost $400,000 which was
the most we’ve ever done. The Hakhel community raised $4,126 in a
single day and this was matched by the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills.
$8,252 was given to Melamdim and
Talmidei Chachachim on Purim because of your generosity. We
chose families who literally cannot put food on their table because they
haven’t gotten paid in months. Hungry families do not make good
Rebbes – so your tzedaka has, in addition to simple goodness, a long range
effect on Klal Yisrael.
Pesach presents us with a
whole new set of challenges. Food and clothing are astronomically
expensive for all of us, but for
Melamdim and Almonos and Yesomim, it is especially difficult.
Most of the joy of Yom Tov is dissipated by the fear that “we just won’t
make it”.
The Young
Israel
of Kew Gardens Hills has agreed to give Yad Eliezer another match. If
we can raise $20,000 for this specific group – Melamdim and Almonos, they
will give us the same amount. Which means that
every dollar we raise, will be enough to give $2 for Tzedaka. We are
giving this matching opportunity to Hakhel. It’s
a phenomenal opportunity to increase the power of your Tzedaka funds.
Chag Kasher V’Sameach.
Hakhel Note:
We would like to take this opportunity to PLEAD with our readers to
help provide chickens, vegetables and Pesach needs to these Melamdim,
Almonos and Yesomim. Every dollar is worth two.
If each reader will give $18.00, we will far exceed the matching
funds--and JOINTLY will have raised far in excess of $40,000.00 for Tzedaka
LeMa'aseh in one day--and in enough time to provide some Pesach Joy to those
who so desperately need it. If
you are not employed or can not afford $18.00, then please give $10.00 or
even $1.00--but PLEASE PARTICIPATE. If
you can give more--please do--so that we can reach our goal today.
PLEASE! You can go to the
Yad Eliezer website-- www.yadeliezer.org
(Please place the words “Hakhel Pesach Matching Funds” in the
notes section of the donation page) or call Mrs. Tropper--718-258-1580 with
your donation.
Can we at all imagine what
effect this Tzedaka will have in Shomayim?
If Doniel's advice to a Rasha to give Tzedaka in order to save
himself from punishment was so potent that Doniel was punished with the
Nisayon of the Lion's Den--imagine how much the ACTUAL GIVING OF TZEDAKA to
the Truly Needy for Pesach will shake the Heavens! May it really and truly
stand as a Zechus For Your Families and all of K'lal Yisroel in these
turmoil-filled times, and may it bring the final Geulah--when we will all be
filled with Joy-- oh so much closer.
There are so many Mitzvos
involved here. Please do whatever you can--but PLEASE JOIN IN TODAY!
--------------------------------------------
Rabbi Gershon Bess, Shlita,
has now made available the 5771
Passover Guide to Cosmetics and Medications.
You may obtain a hard copy by calling 323-933-7193, and
further updates can be found on the following website:
www.kehilasyaakov.org To
reach Rabbi Bess with a shaila, you may email rgbess@hotmail.com
Pesach is really coming! May it bring Simcha to all of K’lAl
Yisroel!
----------------------------------------------
Special Note One:
The Chofetz Chaim, Z’tl, brings the words of the Zohar as follows:
“Although Yissocher was born before Zevulun, Zevulun merited
receiving Brachos FIRST both from his father (in Parshas VaYechi) and from
Moshe Rabbeinu (in Parshas VeZos HaBracha) because “he
took bread out of his mouth and put it into the mouth of Yissocher”.
From this, the Zohar teaches, we learn that one who supports a Torah
Scholar receives Brachos from above and from below, and is Zoche to ‘two
tables’--wealth in this world and an indescribable portion in the next
world.”
The Mishna Berura (Shulchan
Aruch Orach Chaim 429, seif katan 3) teaches that it is a Minhag
(from the time of the Gemara--and actually Medina DeGemara) to give
Ma’aos Chittim to Torah Scholars before Pesach in a special way so that
all can enjoy Pesach. We should
especially have the Zohar in mind as we generously give to Torah Scholars
during this great and propitious period.
Special Note Two:
We continue with our Erev Shabbos Halachos of Shabbos Series:
1.
One final point on ‘Maharu Es Haman La’asos Es D’var Esther’.
We received the following comment from a Rav as to how Purim finds its way
into our Shabbos Zemiros: “It
could be, as we see from the continuation of the piyut, a lesson
regarding one’s attitude to the Seudos of Shabbos. Just like Esther, when
she ordered a royal banquet, did not sit down to calculate the expenses - so
too we should do the same. Our Shabbos meals are a royal banquet no less
that Esther’s was!
2.The following Halachos
are excerpted from The 39 Melachos
(Feldheim), the great four-volume work by Rabbi Dovid Ribiat, Shlita:
a.
Although discussing and even planning a Mitzvah-related project is
permitted, finalizing any deals or transactions (even verbally) is not
permitted even for the sake and purpose of a Mitzvah. Completing a business
deal or any transaction is forbidden on Shabbos even though nothing was
written or signed. Example:
One may inquire about a private tutor or Rebbe for his
son on Shabbos, and even pursue tentative arrangements.
However, they may not agree on a specific salary, nor may they
finalize the agreement in any way.
b.
One is not permitted to cause himself or others any anguish or
emotional distress on Shabbos, as this disturbs the peaceful spirit of
shabbos. For example, one may not tell depressing stories or recount
troublesome events to a friend who might become dejected as a result.
c.
One should not use a brush to remove lint, hair, etc. from a suit or
garment because this is an Uvda DeChol.
Moreover, brushing dark colored garments is forbidden under the
melacha of Melabein. One is,
however, permitted to remove lint or hairs by hand.
d.
Talking on the telephone with a non-observant Jew in another country
(e.g.,
Israel
) where it is already Shabbos is forbidden because
this is equivalent to deriving benefit from Shabbos transgression (i.e., the
Shabbos transgression of the non-observant Jew in
Israel
). It
is similarly forbidden to tune into an Israeli radio station broadcasting
when it is already Shabbos in Eretz Yisroel.
Special Note Three: A
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT was recently issued by many Gedolim in Eretz Yisroel and
America
. The
lead signature is HaRav Wosner, Shlita, and among the other 20 plus
signatures of Gedolei HaRabbanim are HaRav Shteineman, Shlita, HaRav Chaim
Kanievsky, Shlita, HaRav Dovid Feinstein, Shlita, HaRav Yisroel Belsky,
Shlita, HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, Shlita, and HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon,
Shlita. While the Announcement
as we have it is actually in Lashon HaKodesh, we provide a summary
translation of the text as follows: “B’vais
Elokim NeHaleich B’Ragesh--into the house of Hashem we go with
trepidation. With the onset of cell phone use, and with a person carrying a
cell phone with him wherever he goes, there are some people who come into
Shul to daven without powering off their phone.
Certainly if the phone rings out loud it is a Zilzul Chamur BiChvod
Shomayim, but even if the phone only vibrates so that a person can tell that
someone is trying to contact him, it is an Issur
Chamur Me’od, for ACCORDING TO HALACHA a person is obligated to remove and cast aside
all items and matters which are a ‘Matrid’, which can adversely affect
his Kavanna in Tefillah. Most
certainly, the cell phone has a great adverse effect on Kavanna BaTefillah
and it is a Bizayon Gadol Me’od that for the short amount of time that a
person stands before his Creator that he cannot separate himself from the
Havlei HaOlam. It is
therefore a Chova, an obligation
on each and every individual before entering Shul to turn off his cell
phone. Through this thoughtful
act, may the concluding words of our Shemone Esrei (Malachi 3:4) “VeArvah
LeHashem Minchas Yehuda
VeYerushalayim-- then the offering of Yehudah and Yerushalayim will be
pleasing to Hashem… be fulfilled speedily and in our day.”
The signatures of the Rabbonim then appear.
Hakhel Note: On top of
the Halacha Pesuka cited by the Rabbonim themselves--Mitzvah Lishmo’a
Divrei Chachomim!
Special Note Four:
At the beginning of this week’s Parsha, Shemini, we find that Moshe
Rabbeinu first “called to Aharon...” and only afterwards “spoke to
Aharon.” HaRav Yechezkel Sarna, Z’tl, notes that when one wants to
speak with a person, he should call him specifically by his name, and only
then continue with a conversation. Mentioning someone’s name can
create a special level of endearment and closeness, a human bond.
Moshe Rabbeinu may very well have learned this very beautiful Middah from
Hashem Himself, Who at the outset of Sefer VaYikra (1:1) first “calls to
Moshe”, and only afterwards begins “speaking to him.”
May we suggest that over
Shabbos (i.e. the week-end) and Sunday (i.e., the week-beginning), you take
the lead of Hashem--and of Moshe Rabbeinu--and call to a person by name
before starting a conversation. May this serve as a source of Brocha
in enhancing all of our personal relationships.
Special
Note Five: The following
Teshuvos relating to this week’s Parsha are given by HaRav Chaim Kanievsky,
Shlita, in the Sefer Derech Sicha
(Vol. I: p. 345,346):
Shailah:
If a person has dry or chapped lips,
and as a result when he eats some of the skin enters the mouth and gets
eaten together with the food--is there any Issur involved--is it like eating
the skin of a person?
Teshuvah:
The Tosefta (Nega’im, Chapter 2) as brought by the Rambam (Hilchos
Tumas Tzara’as 6:1) rules that the lips are treated as the inner body, and
accordingly it would be treated just as blood within the inner body (like a
bleeding gum when the blood remains inside the body) which is permitted.
Shailah:
A young man was doing well in Yeshiva,
learning well--and suddenly stopped understanding his learning so well--what
can be done?
Teshuvah:
Perhaps he ate Ma’achalos
Asuros--and so he should accept upon himself extra special care--’Shemira
U’Zehirus’-- in this area.
Shailah:
A young man went off the Derech and has returned to the Torah way of
life, what can he do about the Timtum HaLev that he brought upon himself by
the Ma’achalos Asuros that he had consumed while not a Shomer Mitzvos?
Teshuvah:
He should learn the Halachos of Ma’achalos Asuros.
Shailah:
If one ate Ma’achalos Asuros unintentionally (Beshogeg), and then
realizes it, can he be saved from Timtum HaLev by disgorging the food, or
does the act of eating the food already cause Timtum HaLev?
Teshuvah:
It is the eating that causes the Timtum HaLev, and accordingly merely
disgorging the food will not remove the Timtum. The food does not have to
enter the blood stream in order for the Timtum HaLev to occur. Even if one
acted B’Shogeg there is an element of Aveirah involved. However, if the
eating was by Oness or for Pikuach Nefesh purposes no Timtum HaLev will
occur, unless there was an alternative means to avoid the Issur.
If there is a way to
avoid the Issur--then even then Timtum could occur.
Shaila:
Is there a source in Chazal for not staring or looking closely at an
unkosher animal?
Teshuvah:
In Sifrei Kabbalah this concept is mentioned (see Sefer Kav
HaYashar, Chapter2), but it is not currently the accepted practice.
Special
Note Six: Last week, we reached
the half-way point of Torah in Pesukim.
This past week, we reached the midpoint of the year in days and
months--as we are now in the second six and one-half months of the year.
This Shabbos, too, we reach the midpoint of the Torah in letters.
Let us be sure to take all of the reminders to ensure that the second
half of our year is both more refined than our first half!
The
Kotzker Rebbe, Z’tl, provides a potent teaching for us in this week’s
Parsha which can really guide us in this regard.
The Pasuk (Vayikra 9:6) teaches: “VaYomer Moshe Zeh HaDavar Asher
Tzivah Hashem Ta’asu VeYairah Aleichem Kevod Hashem--And Moshe
said--this is what Hashem has commanded you to do--then the Glory of Hashem will
appear to you.” The Kotzker
comments that many believe that they are very much ready to reach
‘Madreigos Gevohos--lofty heights in their lives.’
Moshe Rabbeinu, however, advises us: Do you truly want to attain
Madreigos, do you truly wish to elevate yourselves--then
do what Hashem wants you to do--work on removing the Yetzer Hora from your
heart. How? Think About, Focus on, What Hashem wants You To Do in the
Particular Situation, Circumstance or Event You are in--and do not focus on
the Yetzer Hora and his myopic, temporary and destructive whims, fancies and
attitudes. If
you work at this, if you move towards accomplishment in giving--not the
Yetzer Hora--but Hashem the Nachas of your doing His Will--then the Glory of
Hashem will appear to you, and all of the Madreigos that you sought will
fall gently and everlastingly into place. Let us take the Kotzker’s words
with us in the second half of this year--by making sure as often and as
resolutely as we can to follow the words of the Pasuk--Asher
Tzivah Hashem Ta’asu--so that VeYairah
Aleichem Kevod Hashem--the Glory of Hashem appears TO US--forever, and ever
and ever!
------------------------------------
Special
Note One: After concluding many
essays relating to The Three Weeks, The Nine Days, and Tisha B’Av, HaRav
Chaim Friedlander, Z’tl, (in the Sefer Sifsei
Chaim) writes that at the very least we should walk away with a feeling
of improved Bein Adom LeChaveiro--at least showing Sever Panim Yafos--a
pleasant countenance to all. Most
certainly, then, after a Holiday like Purim should our Sever Panim Yafos be
enhanced! Indeed, as HaRav Moshe
Cordovero teaches in the Sefer Tomer
Devorah, that our face should always express an “Ohr
Pnei Melech Chaim--a light which especially emanates from one (you!) who
is a spark of the Living King!”
Special
Note Two: HaRav Shlomo Brevda,
Shlita, in his Sefer The Miracles of
Purim provides the following essential insight:
“The Medrash
teaches,
that not with weapons or shields, but rather with prayer and pleading (to Hashem)
did Mordechai and Esther take over Haman’s estate (meaning, did the
Jews triumph over Haman). The Medrash
asks--where in the Megillah does it actually say that they engaged in
prayer? The answer-- it says, “sackcloth and
ashes were spread to the many,” what remedy or benefit is there in
sackcloth and ashes without prayer!
We may ask--if prayer was imperative and the crucial factor in
their Yeshuah, why was it
not mentioned explicitly in the Megillah? The sacred
name of Hashem Yisborach is
also not mentioned explicitly in the Megillah. Various reasons
are given by the Meforshim. May
we suggest that since Hashem
Yisborach’s name is not mentioned, the word prayer
in also not mentioned. If
prayer was mentioned without mentioning Hashem, it would “open the door” for misguided people to misinterpret
the nature and basis of prayer.
HaRav
Brevda continues: The Chazon Ish
writes (Igros,Vol.1),
“K’lal Yisroel are
favored, they need no mediator; every person has the power to attain good
through prayer…prayer is a mighty staff in
every man’s hand…as
much as one places one’s trust in Hashem
Yisborach, so shall he rise and so
shall he succeed! A significant
number of my students, have, over the years, discussed their problems with
me. Most often, I composed for
them a short prayer appealing for Rachamim
from Hashem Yisborach, a
prayer to be added at the end of Shemone
Esrei. Many have seen
remarkable results. Prayer
works! Generally, I publicly tell my listeners, that when faced with a problem or a
matter of importance, which may entail making a phone call etc., prior to
making the call say a chapter of Tehillim.
(for example, Chap.121, all chapters are fine), and then go ahead
with the call.
If you must make a number
of calls, recite the chapter again, before each call. People have reported
positive results from this, even in very difficult issues. But, more
significant is the fact that getting used to offering a short prayer before
every important action, creates a true
believer out of a person. One
begins to live with Hashem Yisborach. Prayer
is Emunah in practice, not
just in theory!”
Hakhel
Note: Rabban Gamliel Rabanovitch,
Shlita, additionally teaches that the three
days of fasting and Teshuva by Klal Yisroel at Esther’s behest were
intended to represent the three
Tefillos that we recite each day. One
cannot and should not underemphasize the tremendous power and impact of each
and every Kavanna-filled Shemone Esrei.
Rabban Gamliel added that a proper Shemone Esrei, as established by
the Anshei Knesses HaGedolah, was more important than additional Tefillos
that one may want to add such as Perek Shira or Parshas HaMon.
These additional Tefillos are, of course, important and significant,
but the Shemone Esrei is the absolute essence of our daily Tefillah.
As we see from recent tragic events in Eretz Yisroel, our enemies are
still very much out to fulfill “LeHashmid LaHarog U’LeAbeid.”
Make no mistake about it--there is no difference to them between any
person to whom this Bulletin is addressed and anyone living in Be’er Sheva
or at a bus stop in Yerushalayim. Just
as our energized Tefillos brought our Yeshua then, may it bring our Yeshua
now. May it be speedily, in our
days, in these days between the Geulah of Purim and the Geulah of Pesach!
Special
Note Three: Chazal teach that Aveira
Goreres Aveira--one sin leads to another (Avos 4:2).
While we may all be familiar with this saying from our youth, it is
important for us to utilize this important teaching in our daily life.
First, let us reflect for a moment upon its real meaning.
One Aveirah brings another Aveirah--meaning that there is at least a doubling
of the negative effect involved unless one takes action to cut off the
Aveirah and not let it continue to the next step.
When one realizes, for instance, that the conversation that he has
just started is not going as he would have hoped because it somehow started
in an improper tone or an improper manner--whether it be with an opening
word of Ona’as Devarim or an opening sentence of Lashon Hara--then, rather
than letting it go because it is a ‘farfalen’ or lost conversation, one
should instead gird himself and rephrase the next words out of his mouth to
deflect and block the continuing failure--and instead convert the initial
misguided words into a corrected success.
It
is the Yetzer Hara’s goal to further handcuff us when we are already
trapped. Hashem, however, has
given us the ability to actually get out of the original trap to
freedom--what it takes is the will power to do so.
Don’t ever be the one who fulfills the axiom of Aveira
Goreres Aveira--when you can
be the one who fulfills Chazal’s words of Mitzvah
Goreres Mitzvah instead!
---------------------------
Special Note One:
If one would start today to learn three Mishnayos of Mesechta
Pesachim per day, he would make a Siyum on the entire Mishnayos Pesachim
before the end of Pesach. As we all know, one must ready himself not
only physically for Pesach, but also spiritually as well!
Special Note Two: As
we are in full swing of the lofty time period between Purim and Pesach, we
realize that it is perhaps the most monetarily “expensive” time of year.
Beginning with Matanos L’Evyonim on Purim, continuing with Pesach shopping
(matzos, food, clothing, household needs, trips, etc.), continuing further
with Maos Chittin…and finally…taxes due for many on April 15(!).
The Torah does give us
great guidance in meeting the huge tests presented by money and Parnassah.
We provide below several very valuable Torah insights in this regard,
excerpted from the outstanding Artscroll collection entitled Torah
Treasury, which would prove a significant addition to everyone’s home.
Crazy over Money.
Man’s obsession with
money and its hold over him is amazing. The Kohen Gadol was among the
most spiritually elevated people in the nation. He was also the
wealthiest of the Kohanim (see Yoma 18a). Despite this, the Torah
warns Aharon HaKohen--even the Kohen Gadol--and tells him not to allow the
fact that he will not eat of the olah’s meat (because it is offered
totally on the Mizbe’ach) to affect his service. Will a little bit
of meat affect the saintly--and wealthy--Kohen Gadol? Yes, says the
Torah. Money’s hold over man defies logic. Though a man of
spirit and of means, one can be unduly influenced by financial
considerations and must be on constant guard (R’ Yechezkel Levenstein,
Z’tl).
First In, First Out.
An insightful Rosh Yeshiva
was once discussing marriage prospects with one of his students. The
young man foolishly believed that the key to his remaining dedicated to
Torah learning lied with his marrying the daughter of a wealthy man. The
Rosh Yeshiva offered the following advice: “While there are obviously
exceptions to this, let me tell you what my experience has been. You
can marry a girl from a wealthy home or marry a young woman whose father is
not wealthy but who is a Talmid Chacham. As long as the financial
climate is good, you may be better off with the rich man’s daughter.
However, if the financial climate deteriorates, you will likely be the
first one laid off the rich man’s payroll, but the last one off the Talmid
Chacham’s.”
Head Above Water.
The Gemara (Kiddushin 29a)
states that a parent is obligated to teach his child a trade, so that the
child will be able to support himself and his family, and he must teach him
to swim. What is the connection between the two?
The Kotzker Rebbe explains
that involvement in a trade can easily take over a person’s life. To
maintain proper balance, it is imperative for a person to take a cue from
swimming. When one swims, his entire body is immersed in the
water--but survival depends on his ability to keep his head above the water.
The same is true in business. While one might throw himself
totally into commerce, to spiritually survive he must keep his head out of
it.
Dovid HaMelech teaches us (Tehillim,
128:2), “When you eat the labor of your hands you are praiseworthy, and
all is well with you.” ”You are praiseworthy and all is well when
your labor is limited to your hands,” commented the Kotzker. “When
your head and heart get totally immersed in your business, all is not
well.”
Hakhel Note:
The Chofetz Chaim, Z’tl, (Sha’ar HaTorah Chapter 5) provides the
following great insight when it comes to money:
Many times a person will think about doing a Mitzvah, and the Yetzer
Hara within him will advise: ‘Why should you do this Mitzvah, as it will
cost you money---instead of giving the money to another, give it to a family
member.’ The advice of the
Yetzer Hatov, is: ‘Give for
the sake of the Mitzvah. Shlomo
HaMelech teaches “Ki Ner Mitzvah” (Mishlei
6:23
).
Just like when a candle is lit you can light thousands of candles
from it and it still retains its own
light--so too one who gives for the sake of the Mitzvah will not reduce
his own wealth. This is the true
way to view a Mitzvah--as a flame which lights so many others and stays in
perfect tact. One considering
expending money on a Mitzvah, remember the Chofetz Chaim’s advice--Ki
Ner Mitzvah!
Special Note Three:
Rashi (Taanis 29A) describes the incredible period we are in as
“Yemei Nissim Ailu LeYisroel, Purim U’Pesach--these are days of
miracles.” We must at
least begin to understand the import of Rashi’s words.
This period between Purim and Pesach is a time of miracles as
established and dating all the way back to Yetzias Miztrayim!
We must focus, for the nature of this incredible period recurs every
year at this time. Picture the
rainiest part of the year in the spring, the hottest part of the year in
August, and the snowiest part of the year in January.
Now translate this into more spiritual terms--and we have the most
miraculous time of year from the time that Adar enters through Pesach!
Just as one prepares and tries to be ready for each season with the
umbrella, with the sun visor, with the boots, or with whatever else he may
need--all the more so should we be engaged and involved in Kavanna-filled
davening, acts of Chesed, and unrelenting adherence to Torah study despite
time pressures, and so many commitments and tasks to take care of.
One small suggestion: Perhaps
we can especially look for and focus on references to Nissim in our daily
Tefillah. For example, how many
times and where do we refer to Nissim in Shemone Esrei?
Additionally, perhaps we can recite the Tefillah Al HaGeulah, as
provided by the following links-- click
here for the Hebrew version and click
here for the English version.
Now is certainly an
especially auspicious time for Nissim--let us put in that especial
effort--and may we see the wondrous acts with our very eyes!
--------------------------------------------
WE HAVE REACHED THE HALFWAY POINT OF THE YEAR! with
six and half months that have passed, and six and half months to go.
Let each person’s individual Teshuva
Bechol Yom be his great call and accomplishment for the second half of
the year!
----------------------------------------
Special Note One: Imagine how you would feel the day you won the
lottery! It would make no difference whether it was $45 million, $161
million or $276 million. A spirit of overflowing glee and
insurmountable joy would exude from every part of your being. Undoubtedly,
the unquashed, exuberant feeling would last for at least a day or so, and
would only slightly wane over the next several days and weeks. In a
more spiritual vein, the feeling of pristine spiritual purity attained after
Yom Kippur likewise continues with us in the days that follow as we try to
not let go of our elevated plane. The days after Purim are unique in
that they combine the thrill of our physical lives being spared together
with the spiritual elevation attained from an understanding of the
Megillah’s events, and the profound lessons to be learned from the Mitzvos
performed on Purim day. At the very least, we should now be
experiencing the joy of being alive--and of having the zechus of making the
most of our precious life through the study of Torah and performance of
Mitzvos.
The
Megillah relates that after Haman was advised that he was the only minister
to be invited to an exclusive party with the King and Queen, he felt
especially “Sameach V’Tov Lev” (Esther 5:9)--happy
and glad of heart. Why was he so happy and glad of heart? Because
there was no other person in the world like him--it was the King, the
Queen…and him alone!
Rav
Eliyahu Schneider, Shlita, explains that we, too, should feel this same
elation in that we have been especially chosen--chosen like no other
nation--to be Hashem’s standard bearers for the world by dutifully
performing the Torah and Mitzvos. He incredibly points to the words of
the Tochacha (the reproof) in the Torah which unequivocally teaches, in an
almost identical language, that the reason we will suffer the Tochacha’s
fate, is “because you did not serve Hashem “happy
and glad of heart”--i.e., that we did not properly appreciate and bask
in our own uniqueness (Devarim 28: 47)! Furthermore, in contrast to
Haman, however--who lived only for himself and for his position in this
world--we live for infinitely greater purposes and for eternity.
Winning
the state lottery compared to the enormity of what we can accomplish would
be like telling a short joke at a four-hour long Purim Seudah!
Special
Note Two: It is fascinating to note that Rav Amram Gaon writes that
the Minhag in the two main yeshivos during the time of the Geonim, Sura and
Pumbedisa, was to actually recite Tachanun on Purim--“for it is a day of
miracles, and upon which we were redeemed, and so we must ask for mercy that
we will be redeemed in the end in the same way that we were initially
redeemed.” As we enter the portal between the Geulah of Purim and
the Geulah of Mitzraim, a time in which for the next two weeks we will all
be reciting Tachanun and/or other prayers for Geulah, we should be very
mindful to recite them with strong and special Kavannah because, without
mincing words, it is, simply stated, a time of Geulah. Everyone should
try and keep a daily record, or at least a real mental note, of the special
and sincere prayers he has made for the Geulah during this auspicious
period.
Special
Note Three: Esther related the plot of Bigsan and Seresh to kill the
king “BeSheim Mordechai--in Mordechai’s name.”
Chazal derive from this that one who repeats a matter in the name of
the one who said it, brings redemption to the world (Avos 6:6)--for the
Jewish people were saved because of Achashveirosh’s understanding of
Mordechai’s deed.” What was
so special about Esther’s act, and why does it produce such great reward?!
The
commentaries explain that repeating something in the name of someone else
when you could have just as easily ascribed it to yourself, and even when
you in fact on your own had the same thought, remark or teaching indicates a
high degree of ‘Ayin Tova’--good naturedness and a good eye towards
others which deserves special recognition and special Bracha.
Indeed, the Middah K’Neged Middah is obvious--if one acts with an
Ayin Tova towards others even if there is good and reasonable basis not to
be so effusive in this Ayin Tova, Hashem, in turn, will act with an Ayin
Tova even if there is a basis for him not to do so.
It is, therefore, the Midda of Ayin Tova which permeates everyone’s
Purim--giving Mishloach Manos to others, distributing Matanos LeEvyonim to
each and every person that asks, and joining together for a Purim Seudah.
It is this pristine Middah of Ayin Tova--looking away at self and
graciously helping another--which we can take with us on
a daily basis after Purim. Remember--Chazal
teach that it brings Geulah to the world--so let’s get seriously going.
At the end of each day, you may want to ask yourself did I act with
an Ayin Tova today--did I help bring the Geulah for us all?!
Special
Note Four: Although we take leave of the Megillah for the time being,
we must always remember the words of the Chovos HaLevavos (Shaar Cheshbon
HaNefesh)--“Ki HaYamim Megillos--for each one of our days are scrolls,”
we must write upon them that which we should [be proud to] remember about
them. Each one of us is important, and each page, each scroll, of the
book of our life, is filled with potential that only we--and no one
else--can achieve.
We
should be as elated every day with the results of our own personal Megillah,
as we are with the outcome of the Megillah on Purim!
Special
Note Five: One Final Word:
Kiymu V’Kiblu--energize
yourself with these words when you study!
------------------------------------------
Special Note
One: Let’s try to keep the
spirit of Purim with us as long as we possibly can:
A.
One of the most prestigious Megillahs that one may own is a
“HaMelech” Megillah, which has the word “HaMelech”, or the King, as
the first word of every column in the Scroll. Obviously, this is to
continuously remind us as we proceed through the Megillah that the King,
Hashem Himself, is running through and controlling each and every one of the
Megillah’s events and personages. One may try going through the day
and at various points realize and even exclaim “HaMelech!”, or perhaps
one may try finding each and every one of the times that the word Melech
appears in Shacharis while davening (if you think this may be too much at
the outset, then begin with Mincha, continue to Maariv, and then go to
Shacharis).
B.
A very relevant insight on Al HaNissim: HaRav Chaim Kanievsky
was asked why we thank Hashem in Al HaNissim for “Al HaMilchamos”--the
wars. Wouldn't it have been better for there not to be these wars at
all? He responded that this statement provides us with a great lesson
that we must always remember: “Milchamos Ani Asisi She'neemar Hashem Ish
Milchama”--Hashem says “I am the One who makes wars.” It is not, nor
has it ever been, nor will it ever be, the nations of the world that control
their fate and enter into conflict or even war. It is Hashem who is in
control of the world and of all of the people in it. Our role is to
pray and work for Shalom--which is another name of Hashem--and is the
ultimate in blessing, as with this we conclude in Birchas Kohanim, Birchas
HaMazon, Shemone Esrei, the Siyum of every Mesectha. May the message
ring clear to us, and with it may we stave off all future wars, and thank
Hashem for **not ** having to make war, and blessing us with peace!
Hakhel Note: Two wars, it
would be fair to add earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and nuclear
reactor leaks.
C.
One other point in Al HaNissim--we specifically mention “U'Shelolom
Lavoz”--that the evil Haman wanted to loot the possessions of the
Jews. The question is pellucidy clear:
if no Jew would be left alive any longer, what difference would it
make to the deceased if their property was taken as booty or not?
In response to this question, HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita provides
two alternative answers. Firstly, these words teach us how wicked
Haman designs were--to obliterate any trace of the Jewish people--even their
property would not be remembered--and thus how great our yeshua--salvation--really
was. Secondly, these words teach us that, because the Gentiles had a
vested interest in killing the Jews, they could have well only
“believed” the first letters ordering the destruction of our People, and
ignore the second ones, in our favor. Nevertheless, the miracle was so
pervasive and so resoundingly complete that the nations favored the second
letters over the first, even though with it they lost their incredible
opportunity to plunder what was the equivalent of billions and billions of
property, assets and possessions. Hakhel
Note: One of our readers
actually provided their own insight into this question: “Perhaps
an answer to the question relates to the importance of the possessions of
Klal Yisroel--it would have been quite negative if the possessions of the
Jews that were used for kodesh purposes had been plundered and used by the
Nations of the World for secular purposes--and perhaps for purposes worse
than that.” This is a lesson to us for us to appreciate how special
even our possessions are--when we wear a clean shirt to Shul (or
otherwise!), shine our shoes for Shabbos, or eat our food with dignity, we
simply elevate all of our property in a way that no other nation can!
D.
Some Poskim write that the Mishloach Manos that we give on Purim--two
gifts to one person, is based upon Achashveirosh giving to Esther two
gifts--his Royal Ring, and the House of Haman. Thus, we remember these
very, very significant gifts with gifts of such items as hamantashen, wine,
challah, snacks from all over the world, and various assorted trifles and
dainties. Perhaps we can take this “gifted” lesson through the
year, and every time that we receive a gift, whether large or small and
whether tangible or in the form of a compliment or other intangible item,
and be sure to pass on that gift in some form to someone else. The
gifts one receives and that one gives may not necessarily be comparable at
all, but in more cases than you may think, they may be just as memorable.
E.
Our Kaballas HaTorah on Purim differed from our Kabalas HaTorah on
Shavuos, in that our acceptance of the Torah on Purim came out of love
rather than fear. How does one express this new-found love? The
Mishna Berura (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, 61; seif katan 2) quotes a
Yerushalmi which identifies each one of the Aseres HaDibros in different
phrases in Kriyas Shema. The words “V’Ahavta Es Hashem--and you
shall love Hashem”--at the outset of Krias Shema alludes to the second of
the Aseres HaDibros--not to take Hashem’s name in vain. Thus, one
very practical way to demonstrate his love for Hashem is to be very, very
careful with reciting Brachos, as these are the crucial moments of the
day that we are privileged to actually recite the name of Hashem. If
one is unsure whether or not he made a Brocha Achrona or has made an Asher
Yotzar, he must realize that he is not being careful enough, and should
undertake some form of correction, at least on a temporary basis, to
demonstrate that he really does love Hashem. You may have other ways
to demonstrate your love--and they may all well be within the Purim Spirit!
We welcome your thoughts.
Special Note
Two: We provide here a thought
in Shushan Purim that we believe is poignant, which we have provided in past
years: Yerushalayim is
remembered on Shushan Purim, by our observing Purim on that day in its
environs in order to increase its honor. With the honor and glory of
Yerushalayim so much at stake in our time, we provide the moving words of
Dovid HaMelech in Tehillim 122: “Sh’alu Sha’lom Yerushalayim Yishlayu
Ohavoyich…--pray for the peace of Yerushalayim; those who love you [Yerushalayim]
will be serene.” The Radak in his commentary to this Pasuk teaches
that these are the words that Jews must utter in Galus--Pray to Hashem for
the peace of Yerushalayim. What is the “peace of Yerushalayim?”
The Radak (almost prophetically) writes that this can only be attained with
kibutz galios--the ingathering of the exiles--because there will not be
peace as long as the “Arailim” and “Yishma’aylim”--the Christians
and Arabs--war over the City.
In his
commentary to this very same Pasuk, HaRav Avrohom Chaim Feuer, Shlita,
brings the following Chazal (from Meseches Derech Eretz Zuta):
“HaKadosh Baruch Hu said to Bnai Yisroel: ‘It was you who caused the
Bais HaMikdash to be destroyed and My children to be driven into exile.
All I ask is that you pray for the peace of Yerushalayim and I will forgive
you!’”
Based upon
the teaching of Dovid HaMelech, as explained by Chazal and the Radak, it is
incumbent upon us to do what we can at this pivotal point in our history.
We cannot place the blame on this Israeli politician, or that foreign
Head of State, on this Arab terrorist, or that Arab terrorist, and be
satisfied that we are doing all that we can. After all, Haman was a
Rasha, and Achashveirosh was a Rasha and/or a fool, but ultimately it was
the Jews at that time that got themselves into that mess and had to get
themselves out of it. The responsibility for Yerushalayim--for our
kibutz galios--which is so imminent, falls squarely on our minds and hearts.
We must hold ourselves accountable, not as a matter of guilt, but as a
matter of responsibility--to ourselves, our families, and our people.
We cannot afford to sigh once or twice a day, and otherwise be callous and
indifferent to the grave situation at hand. Dovid HaMelech gives us
the key to unlock the door- “Sh’alu Sha’lom Yerushalayim Yishlayu
Ohavoyich”--Daven! Daven! Daven!
If one does
not feel he has any more time to recite additional Tehillim during the day,
let him at least be sure to recite the brocha of “Vl’Yerushalayim Ircha”--which
he is reciting in any event three times a day in Shemone Esrei--with purity
of mind and heart. For the next four weeks until Pesach, let us use
our Power of Prayer--for the sake of Yerushalayim, which is oh so much for
the sake of ourselves, for the sake of K’lal Yisroel--and for the honor of
Hashem!!
---------------------------------------
Special Note One: We
continue with our Erev Shabbos--Halachos of Shabbos Series:
1.
When Haman complained about the Jew People to Achashveirosh, Chazal
say he said “they spend their years with statements like ‘Shabbos HaYom,
Pesach HaYom’, and are thereby not loyal to the king.”
The Chasam Sofer explains that Haman meant to indicate with these
words that the Jewish people were so attached and enamored to their past and
to their ways, and so dedicated to Hashem, that every Shabbos they felt as
if it was truly ‘Shabbos HaYom’--the first Shabbos ever, and that every
Pesach was ‘Pesach HaYom’--that this was the first Pesach ever.
They would, accordingly, never be loyal subjects for they had their
own set of priorities. In honor
of his marvelous ‘accusation’ let us truly feel the excitement of the
‘Shabbos HaYom’ on Shabbos!
2.
We had asked what the phrase in the Zemiros of Shimru Shabsosai of
“Maharu Es Haman La’asos Es Dvar
Esther” had to do with Shabbos. The
Eitz Yosef (in the Siddur Otzar HeTefillos) writes that Shabbos is referred
to as ‘Esther’ in the Zohar and Tikkunim--so that this phrase in the
Zemiros in actuality is referring to us preparing the Shabbos meals with
alacrity in honor of Shabbos. The
nexus between Shabbos and Esther deserves further reflection.
On a simple level, both Esther and Shabbos represent our recognition
and awareness of Hashem’s presence in the ‘hidden’ and natural events
of every day of our existence. It
is on Purim and on Shabbos especially that we have a greater Hargasha,
a greater experiential sense, of this feeling.
Your additional reflections would be very much appreciated.
3.
In preparation for the annual Mitzvah of reading Parshas Zachor (Devorim 25:17)
tomorrow, we provide the following important points:
A.
The opportunity to read Parshas Zachor this Shabbos is of such great
significance that, according to the Mishne Berurah (Shulchan Aruch, Orach
Chayim 685, seif katan 16), if one can only come to hear either Parshas
Zachor or the reading of the Megillah, one should go to hear Parshas Zachor.
B.
There is a Mitzvas Aseh, a positive Torah commandment, to “always
remember the wicked deeds of the people of Amalek and their attack upon us,
to arouse our hatred of them”--as they were the first to attack us without
fear after the nations quaked and trembled over us (as described in Oz
Yoshir, the Song of the Sea). See Rambam Hilchos Melachim 5:5, SMAG
Mitzvas Aseh 115, Chayei Odom 151:2.
C.
The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 603) writes that one of the purposes of
this Mitzvah is for us to recognize that one who causes pain to K’lal
Yisroel is despised by Hashem, and according to the level of enmity against
K’lal Yisroel is their level of destruction. Since Amalek’s enmity
of us was greater than that of all other nations, they are to be completely
obliterated. Indeed, the Ramban (end of Parshas Ki Setzeh) writes that
we should “teach our children and future generations--so did the Rosha to
us, and that is why we have been commanded to erase his name.”
D.
There is a Mitzvas Lo Saseh, a Torah prohibition, of “Lo Tishkach”--not
to forget the deeds of Amalek. This means that we should not forget to
despise them despite the passage of time, and to remember that Hashem saved
us from them, and that we will eventually avenge their deeds and eradicate
them. See S’mak 53 and Sefer Yereim 189.
E.
One should review the words of Parshas Zachor (with Rashi and/or
other meforshim) before the laining. We suggest reviewing it at the
Leil Shabbos Seudah in order that you and/or others are prepared for the
laining, since the Mitzvah is to arouse within us both a strong reaction to
their despicable deeds, and our obligation to eradicate them. Indeed,
the Maharam Shick writes that we do not make a special Brocha on this
Mitzvah because we do not make a Brocha on Hashchosa--acts of destruction.
F.
The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 6:4) writes that an Amaleki who makes
peace with K’lal Yisroel and accepts the seven Mitzvos B’nei Noach is
not to be hurt. In fact, some learn that the reason that the
descendents of Haman “learned Torah in Bnei Brak” (Gittin 57B) is
because they were the descendents of those sons of Haman who did not fight
against K’lal Yisroel (Sefer Adar U’Purim p. 68).
G.
The Mitzvah of Mechias Amalek, eradicating the Sonei Hashem and Sonei
Yisroel--those pure haters of Hashem and His people--began with Moshe
Rabbeinu and Yehoshua, continued in the times of Shaul HaMelech, Dovid
HaMelech and in the times of Purim, and we will be Zoche to complete it in
the times of Moshiach (S’mag-Mitzvas Lo Sa’aseh 226). As these are
days of Nissim and Geulah--miracles and redemption, may we be Zoche to do
all the Mitzvos of Hashem with Moshiach leading and teaching us, speedily in
our days.
H.
For further detail see Sefer Adar U’Purim by HaRav Yoel Schwartz,
Shlita, upon which this note is based. For the enlightening words of
the Ramban on the relationship between the war against Amalek and the end of
our current Golus Edom , see the Ramban in Shemos 17:9.
Special Note Two: Final
Important Purim Points and Pointers:
1. Mikrah Megillah:
GREAT
AND
IMPORTANT REMINDER:
When following the Megillah Reading at night and in the morning your
are urged to point from word to word in
order to keep yourself actively involved in following Kriyas HaMegillah.
2.
Mishloach Manos:
A.
Mishloach Manos must just consist of two **different** portions of
food--they can both be meat, or any other type of food or drink (See
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 695:4 and Mishne Berura there).
Rabbi Shlomo Pearl, Shlita, brings that HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Braun,
Shlita, ruled that one may cut a pineapple in half, put the two halves on a
plate and be Yotzei the Mitzvah! Not
all would agree with this P’sak, and would require two different items. See,
for example, Aruch HaShulchan, Orach Chayim 695:14.
B.
Several people can ‘partner’ together for Mishloach Manos as long
as there are enough portions (two per giver) i.e., 12 people can jointly
send 24 items to one person and all be Yotzei the Mitzvah!
(Sefer Halichos Shlomo p.
337)
C.
According to the Rambam (Hilchos Megillah
2:17
) it is preferable to increase the amount of
Matanos Le’Evyonim that you give over the amount of Mishloach Manos. See
the moving words of the Rambam there.
3.
Matanos Le’Evyonim:
A.
One can be Yotzei the Mitzvah with a check if the poor person can use
it in the store. (Sefer Halichos
Shlomo p. 342)
B.
The Sefer Pele Yo’etz
provides the following moving words regarding Matanos Le’Evyonim:
“It is befitting to have mercy on them, and for one to realize that
just as money comes in it goes out--for the eyes of the poor look to those
who are wealthier--and the eyes of the wealthier look to Hashem who will
give more if the person gives more. Accordingly,
if one feels weak or weakened by so much giving, he should realize that
‘Birkas Hashem Hi Ta’ashir--the Bracha of Hashem will make one
wealthy’, and he should strengthen himself by saying “Gibor Ani”--I am
a Gibor to help those whom Hashem want me to help--and Hashem will help
them--and you!”
4.
Seudas Purim:
A.
For those of you will be making a Siyum on Mesechta Megillah or
Mishnayos Megillah as part of our daily program--Mazel Tov and Many More!!
B. The Rema (in Shulchan
Aruch, Orach Chayim 695:2) writes that the Seudas Purim, the festive Purim
meal, should commence with Divrei Torah. The Mishna Berurah (in Orach
Chayim 429, seif katan 2) rules that one must begin learning about Pesach on
Purim--which is exactly 30 days before Pesach. Accordingly, putting
the Rema and Mishna Berurah together, it is therefore a custom to commence
the Purim Seudah with a halacha about Pesach. In this way, one also
connects the Geulah of Purim to the Geulah of Pesach (see Taanis 29A, which
states that the reason we should increase our simcha to such a great extent
in Adar is because it is the commencement of both the miracles of Purim and
Pesach).
C. Some
have the custom of eating Zaronim at the Purim Seudah, in remembrance of the
food that Esther, as well as Doniel, Chananya, Mishael and Azarya had to eat
while in the Royal Court.
D.
If a father tells his son not to get drunk on Purim, the son should
listen to him--for he can be fulfill the Mitzvah of drinking through
drinking a little more than usual and going to sleep--and still beautifully
fulfill the Mitzvas Asei DeOraysa of Kibbud Av Va’eim!
(Rabbi Shlomo Pearl, Shlita) Hakhel Note:
For a listing of Rabbi Pearl’s Shiurim visit www.SeeTorah.com
E.
Let us remember an essential result of Purim--’Kiymu VeKiblu--the Jewish People reaffirmed their voluntary
commitment to the Torah.’ Rashi
(Shabbos 88A) importantly explains that the reason that we uniquely
reaffirmed our commitment after Purim was ‘MeiAhavas HaNeis SheNa’aseh
Lahem’--from the love, from the deep appreciation of the miracle that was
performed on their behalf. HaRav
Henoch Leibowitz, Z’tl, teaches that if we truly appreciate Purim--if we
too have an Ahavas HaNeis--then each and every one of us should undertake
his own Kiymu VeKiblu.
At the Purim Seudah itself--one may want to Bli Neder take on his own
Kiymu VeKiblu in Torah--and perhaps encourage others to do so as
well. Here as an example is a
simple suggestion: In the
Iggeres HaRamban, the Ramban writes that when one completes his studies he
should search for something that he can take with him and apply or fulfill.
Make it a part of each study session--before you “close the book…
or mp3 or cd” think about something that you learned and how and will it
have a daily Kiyum in your life.
With this you can take the Kiymu
VeKiblu with you every day of the year!
Special Note Three:
As we move through Purim Day, we should remind ourselves of the words of the
Arizal (found in the Pri Eitz Chaim) that EVERY
Purim the Neis of Mordechai and Esther is re-aroused. What a
day--what an experience!
Special
Note Four: A Purim Bonus Below!
QUESTIONS
AND
ANSWERS FOR THE PURIM SEUDAH
The
following Questions and Answers are Kosher for Purim and Year-Round use:
QUESTION: In what year of the Jewish calendar did
Purim occur?
ANSWER: According to Yalkut Meam Loez, Achashveirosh
came to power in the year 3392, and Haman was hung in 3404.
QUESTION:
How many years did Purim occur before Chanukah?
ANSWER:
Approximately 216 years (Sefer Targum Sheini by Rav Tzvi Dov Cohen, Shlita).
QUESTION:
Why isn’t the Shaim Hashem in the Megillah?
ANSWER:
Many answer because Hashem’s presence is hidden in the in the subtle
events of the Megillah. We may suggest that this is to teach us that
we should not fool ourselves--the final battle with Amalek was not then
fought. Only when the final battle is fought before the building of
the Third Beis HaMikdash will Hashem’s name become complete. Hakhel
Reminder: Chazal teach that
whenever the term ‘HaMelech’ is used in the Megillah in lieu of HaMelech
Acashveirosh that it also LeHavdil refers to Hashem (Esther Rabba 3:10).
Look out for it and think about how!
QUESTION: How many wars between Bnei Yisroel and Amalek are
mentioned in Tanach?
ANSWER: Actually, there were at least eleven (11)
battles with Amalek in Tanach, in one form or another. In the Torah--3
BATTLES: a) Shemos 17: 8 and Devorim 25:17; b) Bamidbar 14:45; and c)
Bamidbar 21:1 and 33:40. In
Neviim--6 BATTLES : a) Shoftim 3:13; b) Shoftim 6:3; c) Shoftim 6:33;
d) Shmuel Aleph 14:48; e) Shmuel Aleph 15:3; f) Shmuel Aleph 30:1.
In Kesuvim--2 BATTLES: a) Divrei HaYamim Aleph 4:43…and of course
b) MEGILLAS ESTHER! It is clear
that this nation has really been out to get us--but in the end we will
prevail!
QUESTION:
Who was the king before Achasveirosh?
ANSWER:
Coresh-see first Rashi to the Megillah.
QUESTION:
Who brought Mordechai from Bavel to Shushan?
ANSWER:
Coresh--see Targum to Megillah 2:6.
QUESTION:
Mordechai was the tenth generation to which great personage?
ANSWER:
Shaul HaMelech (Targum Sheni 2:5)
QUESTION: What
other name was Achashveirosh known by in Tanach?
ANSWER:
Artachshaste, mentioned in Ezra 4:7.
Chazal (Esther Rabbah 1:3) note and interpret each name.
QUESTION: Can
you give at least three reasons why Achashveirosh made his incomparable
Mishte at the outset of the Megillah?
ANSWER:
1. Because he stopped the
building of the Beis HaMikdash, and he was sure the Bais Hamikdash would no
longer be rebuilt. With the
party, he wanted to happily demonstrate his final and complete rulership
over the Jews (based upon the Alshich).
2. In honor of his
birthday (Medrash Aba Gurion). 3.
It was his wedding feast with Vashti, and this is why Vashti also
made a party (see Targum Yonasan, Ibn Ezra, and Kad HaKemach).
QUESTION: Why does the Megillah go to such great lengths to
describe the wealth of Achashveirosh’s palace and party? Why do we
care?!
ANSWER:
It is to teach us that if this is what those who anger Hashem
receive--Kal Vachomer to those who do Hashem’s will!
The
G’ra (Al Derech Hapshat) adds that it is to teach that--if this is how
grand Olam Hazeh is – imagine how great Olam Habah will be--after all, an
hour of Olam Habah is worth all of Olam Hazeh of all time!
QUESTION: Why didn’t Achasveirsosh force people to drink to
join in his joy--why was there no “Oness” to drink?
ANSWER:
The
Megillas Sesorim (Megillah 1:8) explains that Achashveirosh wanted the Jews
to sin willingly--”Kedi SheYehenu Beratzon.”
QUESTION: What did Mordechai do during the seven days of
Achashveirosh’s party?
ANSWER:
He
served as a Sar HaMashkim, as did Haman (see Rashi to Megillah 1:8). HaRav
Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, explains that he did this in order to save Bnei
Yisroel from Ma’acholos Asuros. However, the Targum teaches that he
wasn’t there and that he davened, and did not eat and drink, for the seven
days of the party (Targum Esther
1:10
).
QUESTION: One of the especially
named attendees at the Mishte were the ‘HaPartemim’(Esther 1:3)--what does
‘HaPartemim’ mean?
ANSWER:
Some form of rulership. The
Me’am Lo’ez writes that they ruled over areas near the
Euphrates
, the
Pras
River
--hence
the letters of the word Peih Reish Tes Mem Yud Mem.
QUESTION: According
to the opinion that Memuchan was Haman:
(A)
why was it, BeHashgacha, that he had to give the advice to kill Vashti?;
and (B) Also, al pi hatevah--why would he want to kill Vashti--what did she
do to him already?!
ANSWER:
(A) So that he himself should be the cause for Esther to marry
Achashveirosh--so that she could kill him and his sons.
(B) He saw through sorcery that a queen would kill him and he thought
it would be Vashti.
QUESTION:
What is the significance in
the fact that the Gematria of Haman and HaMelech are the same?
ANSWER: One may suggest that that this is to signify
that both Achashveirosh and Haman had the same feeling of hatred towards
Bnei Yisroel.
QUESTION: Why
didn’t Esther relate where she was from?
ANSWER:
The
easy answer is, because Mordechai instructed her not to--as the Pasuk
clearly states (Esther 2:20). As to the reason for Mordechai’s
instruction, various explanations are given--including a recognition by
Mordechai that perhaps some disaster was going to threaten Klal Yisroel and
her royal position would be the means of their salvation--identifying
herself now as a Jew could mean an early end to her position. The
Gemara (Megillah 13B) additionally indicates that, even if there was not an
absolute directive by Mordechai to hide her identity, Esther herself did not
want to reveal to Achashveirosh her royal ancestry (she was a descendent of
Shaul HaMelech)--because of her tznius and anava.
QUESTION: Why
was Mordechai sitting at the Sha’ar HaMelech not a ‘give away’ as to
where Esther was from?
ANSWER:
Daniel appointed his friends to high positions, and appointed
Mordechai to be one of the people in the Sha’ar HaMelech before Esther was
taken as queen (Ibn Ezra).
QUESTION: Instead of blatantly not bowing to him, why
didn’t Mordechai simply avoid Haman and not go near him?
ANSWER: There are various explanations for this.
The Chofetz Chaim learns that Mordechai was correcting the mistake of
his ancestor Shaul HaMelech, who had compassion on Haman’s ancestor, the
King of Amalek--Agag. As a result of this misplaced pity, Haman was
eventually born and issued his evil edicts. Mordechai, therefore, was
unyielding, and stood up to Haman like a pillar of iron refusing to
give even an inch for the sake of the honor of Heaven and the honor of Klal
Yisroel.
QUESTION:
Why
didn’t Mordechai and Esther let Achashveirosh be killed by Bigsan and
Seresh so that Esther could be freed and go back to Mordechai and her
people?
ANSWER:
She
would have been taken as the queen by the next king anyways, and Mordechai
and Esther understood that a special Hatzalah of Bnei Yisroel would result
from the unique circumstance of her being taken as queen.
QUESTION: Why
didn’t Mordechai tell Achashveirosh of the plot of Bigsan Veseresh
directly--why did he relate it through Esther?
ANSWER:
He wanted Esther to be more highly regarded and more influential
before the king (Yosef Lekach).
QUESTION: What was the sin committed by Bnei Yisroel that
prompted the great gezaira against them?
ANSWER: The Gemara (Megillah 11A and 12A) lists three
reasons: 1) a laxity in Torah study and Mitzvah observance; 2) participating
in Achashveirosh’s first party in which he used the Keilim of the Bais
HaMikdash, and which he hosted in celebration of the Jews not being
redeemed; and 3) bowing down to the tzelem (idol) of Nevuchadnezzar and/or
Haman--, which violated a prohibition of Avoda Zara. HAKHEL NOTE:
We see how severe sin the first one really is, if it can be compared to such
grievous sins as the second two!
QUESTION: On what day did Haman make the “Pur”?
ANSWER: The 13th day of Nisan (see Rashi
to Mesechta Megillah 15A and Malbim to Esther 3:7).
QUESTION:
If the Megillah says that a ‘Pur’ is simply a
Goral, a lottery, why is the term ‘Pur’ used at all?
ANSWER:
‘Pur’ indicates a lottery for the
bad, whereas Goral indicates a lottery for the good (HaRav Yaakov MiLisa).
Hakhel Note: Thus we see
the VeNaHafoc Hu in the name Purim itself!
Alternatively, the ‘Pur’ is a special name for the dice that
Haman cast (Ya’aros Devash).
QUESTION: Why
was Achashveirosh’s notice to kill the Jews issued so far--almost a year--
in advance--didn’t he realize that this would provide ample time for the
Jews to act?
ANSWER:
It was done at Haman’s urging so that the king would not rescind
the decree, for once it was sealed with the royal seal, it could not be
recalled (Malbim Manos HaLevi). Alternatively,
one can suggest that Achashveirosh thought the Jews were powerless before
Hashem, based on his miscalculation they were “not redeemed at the end of
their 70 year exile.”
QUESTION: The Megillah records that
‘Pas-shegen HaKesav’ (Esther
3:14
)--what
does the word “Pas-shegen” mean?
ANSWER: Rashi and the Ibn Ezra write that Pas-shegen
means: the text, the nussach, the content. Artscroll translates it as
“copies” (of the document containing the decree).
QUESTION: How many humps did the Achashdranim Bnei HaRamachim
have? How many legs did it have?
ANSWER: According to HaRav Yaakov Emden, Z’TL (Megillah
18A), these were a unique type of camel with two humps and eight legs, and
were accordingly, exceedingly fast. Fascinatingly HaRav Emden notes
that these camels were reportedly in existence in Persia even in his time.
According to others, the phrase refers to a special type of mule which
was driven by expert riders. (See Ibn Ezra to Esther 8:11 and Rashash to
Megillah 18A).
QUESTION: In addition to his plan to kill all the Jews, what
edicts did Haman immediately issue against them?
ANSWER: Chazal (Megillah 16B) teach us what the other
edicts were from the Pasuk “LaYehudim Hoysa Orah…” (Esther
8:16
): The additional decrees included
prohibiting the study of Torah, the observance of Yom Tov, performing a Bris
Mila and the wearing of Tefillin.
QUESTION:
The Megillah teaches that
Esther told Mordechai that not only should the Bnei Yisroel not eat and
drink for three days--but that she and her Na’aros would also fast.
Yet, she said “Gam Ani Ven’aarosai Atzum Kein”--Atzum is in first
person singular. What happened to her maidens--weren’t they supposed
to fast as well?
ANSWER:
Rav Shlomo Kluger, Z’tl, in the Sefer HaChaim
explains that Esther could only state what she knew to be the truth--that
she would fast. She did not know what her Na’aros would do privately
and she would not say something that she did not know for certain to be the
truth.
QUESTION:
Why did Esther initially refuse Mordechai’s request
to appear before the king?
ANSWER:
She thought that she did not have to
put herself into danger without first being called by Achashveirosh, as
there would be ample time over the year to speak to him, and she would
probably see Achashveirosh soon as she had not seen him in 30 days.
QUESTION:
Why did Mordechai emphasize to Esther that she should
not be silent “Baeis Hazos”--at this time?
ANSWER:
Because it was Nissan, the time of
Geulah, and one should not wait for a different time.
QUESTION:
Why did Esther ask first that the people fast for
her, and then state that she and her maidens would also fast--wouldn’t it
have been Derech Eretz for her to say that she would fast--and then ask them
to fast too.
ANSWER:
Chazal
(Bava Kama 82A) teach that if one Davens for his friends and needs the
same thing, then he is answered first. She
therefore asked them to fast for her, so that they would be answered and
saved first (Maharal).
QUESTION:
Why
did Esther ask that everyone fast for three days?
ANSWER:
We provided the Ben Ish Chai’s answer
earlier in the week. Alternatively,
Chazal teach that Kinah (jealousy), Ta’ava (desire), and Kavod (honor
seeking) take a person out of this world.
Thus, one day was designated for each of these Middos, as the Zohar
HaKadosh teaches that Yamim represent Middos--these three Middos that had to
be corrected (Pri Tzaddik, Parshas Chukas).
QUESTION:
Who in the Megillah was
smitten BeSanveirim (illusions) and how was he cured?
ANSWER:
The
Sefer Orah VeSimcha brings the Medrash that Achashveirosh was suffering from
Sanveirim--but when Esther came to the Chatzer, Gavriel tilted the king’s
head towards her and he was healed. Achashveirosh therefore put out
his golden scepter to bring her closer since he was healed by seeing her.
QUESTION: Why did Esther invite Haman to her party with
Achashveirosh? The Gemara gives 12 reasons and Eliyahu HaNavi (as
quoted in the Gemara) confirms that Esther had all 12 of them in mind.
Can you name at least three?
ANSWER: The Gemara may be found in Megillah 15B.
Here are several reasons: a) she wanted Achashveirosh to suspect that
she and Haman were plotting together against him; b) she wanted the Jews not
to be overconfident with her political abilities to get them out of their
life threatening situation--by her inviting Haman to the party(!), they
would daven with even greater intensity; c) she wanted all the other
ministers to be jealous of Haman and so unite against him; d) she wanted
Haman to be available to trip himself up in some way ; e) so that
Achashveirosh would not realize that she was Jewish prior to the party ; and
f) so that Hashem would have special mercy on her--seeing that she, a Nevia
and a Tzadekes, would have to be in the same room with this arch-enemy of
the Jews.
QUESTION: At
the first Mishte--Esther’s request was that Achashveirosh and Haman come
back for a second Mishte--why couldn’t she accomplish her goal at the
first Mishte?
ANSWER:
Esther did not sense any change that had occurred in Klal Yisroel’s
situation at the time--and she was expecting to see a sign that the Tefillos
and fasts were accepted. Indeed,
the next morning brought Haman parading Mordechai through the streets of the
capital--the sign was there! (Ibn Ezra)
Alternatively, the Chasam Sofer explains that Amalek is defeated by
“Machar”--you wait until ‘tomorrow’ in order to defeat them (see
Rashi to Shmuel I 30:17).
QUESTION: According to Chazal, how many students was
Mordechai learning with when Haman came in to take him on the royal horse?
ANSWER:
Twenty-two Thousand. This is equivalent
to the number of Malochim who escorted Hashem to Har Sinai. This
perhaps demonstrates the new Kabalas HaTorah by Bnei Yisroel of Kimu VeKiblu…we
replaced the Malochim when we accepted to Torah of our own free will!
QUESTION:
Why did the tree that Haman had
prepared for Mordechai have to be 50 Amos tall?
ANSWER:
Haman was afraid that the noose would
break, and that Mordechai would thereupon be free of the death penalty (as
is the custom in all kingdoms), he thus wanted to ensure that Mordechai
would die from the fall in all events (Ben
Dovid). Alternatively, Haman
saw Mordechai in a dream flying on top of his house.
He knew that dreams have substance, so he wanted the tree to be
higher than his house to ensure that this was the meaning of the dream.
What the dream really meant would be (and was) that Mordechai was
placed “Al Bais Haman--in charge of Haman’s house” shortly thereafter.
QUESTION:
Who
killed his wife because of someone he loved, and killed someone he loved
because of his wife?
ANSWER:
Achashveirosh
killed Vashti based on Memuchan’s accusation, and killed Haman based upon
Esther’s accusation. ....Yet another reminder that Hashem makes the
world go around and around
QUESTION:
For
how long was Haman hung on the tree?
ANSWER:
From
16 Nisan--until 14 Adar of the next year. This was for the world to
see that the Bnei Yisroel were not to be killed but respected.
Finally, on the 14th of Adar almost a year later, his sons were
hung on the gallows below him (Shailos U’Teshvous Torah LeShma 321, based
upon the Targum Sheni).
QUESTION:
Why
is Haman specifically called an Agagi (8:3) when Esther pleads with
Achashveirosh to reverse his decree after Haman was hanged?
ANSWER:
The
Bnei Yissaschar explains that usually when a ruler dies, his decrees are
nullified, as his death is viewed as a sign that the decree was
inappropriate. However, because Haman was an Agagi and not really from
the ruling authority of Paras U’Madai, the decree was not nullified, and
Esther had to make a special appeal.
QUESTION: Agag and Haman each had a son with the same
name--what was it?
ANSWER: Veyzasa (see Esther 9:9 and Targum Sheni).
QUESTION: Which son of Haman was hung on the lowest
rung of the gallows, hanging just an Amah above the ground?
ANSWER:
Veyzasa (Targum Sheini 9:14). There is a reason for everything--even
as to how and where each of our enemies are punished--otherwise Chazal would
not record it. We similarly find at the Yam Suf that the Mitzriyim
were punished in different ways (being treated in the waters as lead,
stones, or straw, depending upon how they treated the Bnei Yisroel).
Everything has a Cheshbon--Everything!
QUESTION: What
was the special cause of VeHa’ir Shushan Tzhala VeSameicha (and the city
of
Shushan
rejoiced)--how was Shushan’s Simcha different from the Jews Simcha of
Layehudim Hoysa Orah VeSimcha...?
ANSWER:
Not only were the Jews happy, but those who respected true justice
were happy as well. When
Haman’s decree was first issued, the city of
Shushan
was
Navocha--they were confused (Manos HaLevi).
This was a direct fulfillment of the Pasuk teaches “Birvos
Tzaddikim Yismach Ha’am…when the righteous become great the people will
rejoice, when the wicked men rule the people sigh.” (Mishlei 29:2)
Alternatively, the term “VeHa’ir Shushan” indicates that not
only did the people rejoice, but even the inanimate objects of the city--the
trees and rocks also rejoiced together with the rejoicing of Mordechai
HaTzaddik.
QUESTION:
Why
is Charvona “Zachor Latov”?
ANSWER:
Some learn that the officer Charvona is spelled earlier in the Megillah with
an “Aleph”, and later in the Megillah with a “Hey” (when he tells
Achashveirosh about Haman’s tree) because it is actually not the same
person. Earlier in the Megillah (1:10) he is an officer of
Achashveirosh. Later, it is Eliyahu HaNavi, merely posing as Charvona,
who we remember for the good. Others learn that the officer Charvona
had Hirhurei Teshuva, and is thus remembered for the good.
QUESTION: How many mishtaos, or parties, are
mentioned all-told in the Megillah?
ANSWER: Six--a) the Mishte of Achashveirosh for all of
Perisa; b) the additional Mishte which Achashveirosh made for seven
days for just Shushan; c) the separate Mishte of Vashti; d) the Mishte made
by Achashveirosh when Esther became queen; e) the first Mishte among Esther,
Achashveirosh and Haman; f) the next day--the second Mishte among Esther,
Achashveirosh and Haman. If that isn’t enough, the Megillah separately
records that Haman and Achashveirosh sat down separately simply “to
drink” when the King’s initial order against the Jews was sent out
(Esther
3:15
)!
QUESTION: How many people were hanged in the course of the
Megillah?
ANSWER: 13--Haman, his ten sons, Bigsan, and Seresh.
QUESTION: Name two evil people in the Megillah whose names
rhyme.
ANSWER: Zeresh and Seresh (Seresh, one of the
infamous plotters whose plan was overheard by Mordechai).
QUESTION:
Why
do the unwalled cities and walled cities have different days for observing
Purim?
ANSWER:
The
Shoel U’Maishiv brings the Ramban who writes that the walled city dwellers
didn’t sense the miracle as much because they thought that they were
secure in their walled cities--and Mordechai and Esther got them to
understand that the miracle very much applied to them as well! Do you
think you’re secure because you have an alarm system?...
QUESTION: If you rearrange the letters of “Shushan”,
what does it spell?
ANSWER: “Sasson”--or happiness!
QUESTION: Identify six instances of Middah K’neged
Middah that appear in the Megillah.
ANSWER: a) Vashti made Jewish girls who were her
captives work for her unclothed--and so she was ordered to come before the
king unclothed (Megillah 12B); b) Haman was hung on the tree that he
prepared for Mordechai; c) Bigsan and Seresh wanted to kill the king, yet
they were killed instead; d) The Jews ate and drank at Achashveirosh’s
party, so they were forced to fast for three days; e) Haman wanted everyone
to bow to him--at the penalty of death, and in the end Achashverosh ordered
him to be killed--because he fell before Esther; and f) Mordechai put on
sackcloth and ashes on his head over what Haman had decreed, and in the end,
took over Haman’s position, wearing the royal apparel and a large gold
crown.
The Rema (in Shulchan Aruch,
Orach Chayim 695:2) writes that the Seudas Purim, the festive Purim meal,
should commence with Divrei Torah. The Mishne Berurah (in Orach Chayim
429, seif katan 2) rules that one must begin learning about Pesach on
Purim--which is exactly 30 days before Pesach. Accordingly, putting
the Rema and Mishne Berurah together, it is therefore a custom to commence
the Purim seudah with a halacha about Pesach. In this way, one also
connects the Geulah of Purim to the Geulah of Pesach (see Taanis 29A, which
states that the reason we should increase our simcha to such a great extent
in Adar is because it is the commencement of both the miracles of Purim and
Pesach).
QUESTION: What famous American object has the same gematria
as “Amalek”? What can you learn from that?
ANSWER: Amalek has the same gematria as
“dollar”--both have the numerical equivalent of 240. As far as the
lesson, we will only point to Amalek’s grandfather--Esav--and his passion
for money and worldly goods. We leave other lessons up to you.
QUESTION: Which cities in Eretz Yisroel (and outside it)
today would read the Megillah on two days--the fourteenth and the fifteenth
of Adar because of a doubt as to whether they were walled from the time of
Yehoshua Bin Nun?
ANSWER: Among the cities: In Eretz Yisroel: Chevron,
Yafo, Gush Chalav, Akko, Tzefas, Lod, Shechem and Teveria (which is a
separate issue--See Megillah 5B). In Chutz La’Aretz:
Damascus
and
Baghdad
. See Sefer Adar U’Purim by HaRav Yoel
Schwartz, Shlita, for further discussion.
QUESTION: What are the last five seforim in Tanach?
ANSWER: According to the printed Tanach, the last
five Seforim are the Megillos of Koheles and Esther, followed by Daniel,
Ezra-Nechemia and Divrei HaYamim. However, the Gemara in Bava Basra
14B-15A lists the following as the last Seforim of Tanach: Eichah
(describing the Churban), followed by Daniel, Megillas Esther, Ezra-Nechemia
and Divrei HaYamim. This second listing is, obviously, also
chronological, as Sefer Daniel discusses periods prior to the events of
Megillas Esther.
QUESTION:
Who
in the Megillah sought after the peace of one person and was rewarded with
being Zoche to seek the peace of his entire people?
ANSWER:
The Megillah teaches that Mordechai went “Lidrosh Es Shlom Esther” (
2:11
). Chazal teach that Hashem said “You went
to seek the peace of one person--in this merit you will seek the peace of
your entire nation--Vedover Shalom Lechol Zaro.” (Esther Raba 6:6). What
a great lesson--how great it is to seek someone else’s peace--think about
to where it can lead! Perhaps our Mishloach Manos and Matanos
LeEvyonim are to serve as our jump start in seeking the peace of others!
MAY
WE GO FROM REDEMPTION TO REDEMPTION!
----------------------------------------
Special
Note One: We provide by
clicking here a flyer relating to The Power of Purim that has been
distributed for many years. Please feel free to distribute and
redistribute!
In a very similar vein,
please Click
here for a link to an important message that is being distributed by the
Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation. Hakhel Note:
Dovid HaMelech teaches us in Hallel (Tehillim 116:1 et. al.)
“Ahavti Ki Yishma Hashem Es Kol Tachanunai…Dalosi Veli Yehoshia--I love
Him, for Hashem hears my voice, my supplications…I was brought low, but He
saved me.” Chazal teach that
even when we are poor in Mitzvos Hashem saves us through our Tefillos--let’s
get going!
Special
Note Two: Today is the 11th day of Adar--the first day mentioned in
Mesechta Megillah (2A) that the Megillah could be read under certain
circumstances. Do you feel greater Simcha coming on? If
not…start working on it!
Special Note Three:
Thoughts for Ta’anis Esther:
1. There is a special
inyan to recite Tehillim Chapter 22 on Ta’anis Esther and Purim, for this
is the Kepitel recited by Esther herself upon entering Achashveirosh’s
throne room uninvited (See Kav HaYashar 97). The Kav Hayashar
adds that when we gather today in Shul to daven, we are considered to be in
the “Chatzar HaMelech”--and “Bevadai”, surely through our Selichos
and Tefillos we arouse Mordechai HaTzadik and Esther HaMalka--who will
“certainly join” in our Tefillos. Accordingly, he writes, that
Ta’anis Esther is a day which is “MESUGAL ME’OD” for our tefillos to
be accepted in the zechus of Mordechai VeEsther. “One who needs
mercy from Hashem should recite Tehillim Chapter 22, and then pour his heart
out to Hashem for the mercy he needs--especially mentioning the Zechus of
Mordechai and Esther in whose Zechus the Sha’arei Rachamim should be
opened and his Tefillos should be accepted.”
Additional Note: The G’ra holds that this Chapter is
actually the Shir Shel Yom for Purim itself.
2. In the past, a
flyer with the Bracha of Rebbetzin Kanievsky which urged women on Ta’anis
Esther to recite Tehillim Chapters
28, 32, 79, 92, and 22, followed by Acheiu Kol Bais Yisroel.
Hakhel Note: The Chasam
Sofer writes that the Megillah especially teaches that Mordechai expressed a
“Tze’akah Gedolah U’Marah” when he heard the tragic news.
In the end, however, his pleas and the pleas of his people turned the
decree 180 degrees. This should
teach us that whatever the situation, Hashem is in control, and the
Tze’akah Marah can unbelievably change to Tzahalah VeSimcha!
3. The Yesod
V’Shoresh HaAvodah (Sha’ar 12: Perek 3) writes that one should
increase his Torah study on Ta’anis Esther…maybe you can learn just
a little more in honor of this
great day?
4. When contributing
Machatzis HaShekel today, one should say “Zecher L’Machatzis HaShekel”--this
is the remembrance of the Machatzis HaShekel, so as not to leave the
impression that this is an actual contribution to the Bais HaMikdosh, which
was given at this time of year. (Luach Eretz Yisroel of Rav
Tukchinsky Z’tl)
5.
The Mishna Berura (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 686, seif katan 2)
writes the following about Ta’anis Esther:
“It is called Ta’anis Esther so that we remember that Hashem
Yisborach sees and listens to each person in his time of trouble when he
fasts and returns to Hashem with all of his heart, as was done at that
time.” We must not lose sight
of the fact that Teshuva is a tremendously important part of the day today.
As we remain numbed by the shocking massacre in Eretz Yisroel last
Shabbos, as we look at the troubled state of our brethren worldwide, and at
the turbulent and tottering state of all of mankind, Teshuva should
certainly be a high priority today--make it yours!
6. This is a tough
request--so it is our third reminder:
on Purim, one should endeavor to give Mishloach Manos not only to his
relative, his best friend or his neighbor, but also to someone whom you are
a little bit “on the outs” with, or with whom you do not speak enough,
or with whom you have a somewhat cool relationship for various reasons, or
for a particular reason, or for no reason at all. Now--today--is the
time to think about who this person or those people will be…there is no
better time to break the ice--or even to warm the cool water--by knocking on
someone’s door unsolicited with a smile and a colorful Mishloach Manos.
What better way could there be to dispel the claims of Haman HaRasha
that we are “a dispersed and separated people”? Anyone who
dislikes coolness, discord or dispute between two groups or even within one
group of our people should also move to eliminate it from within himself and
his family, as well. So…get ready, practice and rehearse--knock on
that door…and “PURIM SAMEACH”-“A FREILICHIN PURIM”-“HAPPY
PURIM”!
Special Note Four:
The Rema (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 690:17) writes “the children’s
custom is to make an image of Haman HaRasha on sticks or stones, or to write
the name of Haman HaRasha on them, and to hit them against each other, so
that his name is erased…and from here comes the custom to make noise at
the mention of the name of Haman HaRasha when the Megillah is read in shul--and
one should not be Mevatel (nullify) a Minhag (custom) or make light of
it.”
The Mishna Berurah there (seif
katan 59) writes that this is not only the Minhag of children, but of
adults, as well, and adds that the Chacham Tzvi would bang with his leg at
the mention of Haman HaRasha. Although many communities and Rabbonim
objected to this custom as disturbing the Megillah reading and perhaps for
other reasons, it is indeed reported that the Chofetz Chaim himself stomped
with his foot when Haman HaRasha’s name was mentioned (Chofetz Chaim
Chayav U’Poalo). The Piskei Teshuvos (6:554) notes that
this was the Minhag of other Gedolei Yisroel, as well.
The Piskei Teshuvos
(ibid.) brings the explanation of the Chasam Sofer as to why we have noise
and disturbance--so as to demonstrate that we do not want to hear his name.
We may add that we should feel the same way about other Reshoim--past and
present. After all, the Posuk in Mishlei 10:7 states, “V’Shem
Reshoim Yirkav--the name of the wicked shall rot.” It is one thing
to take something into your mouth not knowing it was rotten, but would you
let your mouth touch something knowing it was spoiled?! This is
something we would most certainly be careful about. Our noise and
stomping at the mention of his name are the equivalent of saying the words
“Yimach Sh’mo” (we just do not want to talk during K’riyas
HaMegillah)--which is like ejecting the rotten item out of your mouth.
See Sefer Avudraham 2:230-231. We must recognize that Haman
HaRasha’s despised name had to be written (in various ways) in the
Megillah only for the very many lessons and reasons that the Anshei Knesses
HaGedola determined with their Ruach HaKodesh.
Now, please make sure that
you are sitting down for what you are about to read, for, although it is
Torah about Purim, it is not “Purim Torah”:
The Piskei Teshuvos (ibid.)
adds from the Ba’al Shevet Mussar, Z’tl, and Rav Chaim Pilagi, Z’tl,
that when we hit at the mention of Haman HaRasha’s (and according to some
Minhagim, his family members’) name, Hashem makes him actually feel these
smites--so that he is in tremendous pain. Why? Because the
miracle of Purim happened to every Jew in every generation--after all, if
Haman HaRasha’s plan had been successful, R’L, we would never have been
born. Therefore, he must feel all of the smites of all Jews of all
generations since Purim.
Let us appreciate Purim
deeply--and literally rejoice in our salvation.
Special Note Five: We
provide three additional questions that are Kosher for Purim and Year Round
Use--this time in honor of the One Hashem, and to thank His Two Agents--Mordechai
and Esther--for our salvation:
-
How many words are there in the “Al Hanisim”
of Purim? In Nusach Ashkenaz, there are 68. HaRav Yaakov
Emden in his Siddur writes that 68 is the Gematria of “Chaim”--and
we thank Hashem for the life he granted us at that time--which has its
life-bearing effects to this day, which will continue forever and ever!
-
Why did Esther request of the king that the
Bnei Yisroel be given an extra day to fight their enemies in Shushan (Megillah
9:13
)? The Megillas Sesarim (HaRav Yaakov
MeLisa--the Nesivos) writes that Shushan had more Kedusha in it because
the Sanhedrin was there, and because Mordechai was a Navi. When
Haman’s Gezeira was put into effect the Kedusha was lost, and could
not return until the Tumah was eradicated. Esther saw that the
Ruach HaKodesh had not yet come back, so she understood that the Tumah
in the city was still there. Accordingly, the 10 sons of Haman had
to be hung, the other Amaleikim in the city obliterated--and the Kedusha
then returned!
-
What happened to Zeresh? Well, first of
all, we curse her every year--“Arura Zeresh Aishes Mafchidi”.
The Targum (
9:14
) writes that she ran away with 70 of her
sons, and they became beggars. A Rav taught that this was truly a
tremendous punishment--for not only is an Ani considered like a Mais--but
she lived to see Mordechai the Jew in control of all Haman’s property
and possessions.
Special Note Six:
Chazal teach that Haman told Mordechai “Your Machatzis HaShekel
contributions preceded and bested my offer of 10,000 talents of silver.
Indeed, even today we are sure to read the Parsha of Shekalim, and give a
“Zecher L’Machatzis HaShekel” (a remembrance of the Machatzis HaShekel)
every year before Purim. This may very well be a reminder to us that
we should be on the alert to give “Shekalim”, Tzedakah, in order for us
to stave off and avert the designs and decrees of the Hamans of our
generation. We note that, in English, the first four letters of Haman
and Hamas--write both of their names on the bottom of your shoe this Purim,
Yemach Shemam to the both of them--are the same and there is never, ever,
such thing as coincidence. Let us remember, as we recite in the
Hagadah, that “in every generation they stand up to destroy us and
HaKadosh Baruch Hu saves us from their hand.” With our Tzedaka, we
will hopefully give HaKadosh Baruch Hu all the ammunition that He needs.
Additional
Note: In fact, HaRav Matisyahu Salomon, Shlita, quotes
the famous Rambam in Hilchos Megillah. The Rambam writes that “it is
better for a person to give more Matanos L’Evyonim than it is to spend
money on a larger Seudas Purim or Mishloach Manos--for there is no Simcha
Gedola U’Mefo’ara--there is no greater or more glorious joy--than one
who makes the unfortunate happy.” Indeed, HaRav Salomon notes, both
the Nefesh HaChaim and the Zohar HaKadosh write that if one brings Simcha to
the world; he is bringing Rachamim--mercy--into the world, and changing Din,
the attribute of strict justice, to Rachamim, Heavenly Mercy--and there can
be nothing better than that! Our
service, then, at this time of year, is to open the gates of Rachamim that
we so desperately need opened so wide by bringing Simcha into the world
through our own Simchas HaChaim, and all the more so by bringing others
Simchas HaChaim--making others happy as well!
---------------------------------------
BRACHOS ALERT!
Yesterday we noted that Cheerios Brand Products are not necessarily
Mezonos, as many “Cheerios” flavors no longer fall into the old saying
of “Gotta have a bowl of them oats”--a true symbol of the fluidity and
maneuverability of Olam Hazeh. In
any event, although we were advised that the general rule as to the Bracha
on Cheerios products is to ‘look at the first ingredient’, we note that
Multi-Grain Cheerios have the following six ingredients listed first:
Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Oats, Sugar, Whole Grain Barley, Whole
Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Rice.... Although
the first ingredient is indeed corn, given that items 2, 4, 5, and 6 could
be Mezonos, we called the OU, who advised us that the proper bracha
combination on Multi-Grain Cheerios is Borei Minei Mezonos/Al HaMichya,
because although the first ingredient is corn, the abundance of other
Mezonos grains indicate their importance in this product.
Additional Note: On Purim
we will be receiving in Mishloach Manos many products we would not otherwise
purchase. Accordingly, we should
be careful to check the Hashgacha on the product, as well as determine what
the Bracha is--especially before giving it to a young child.
Additional Note: We
should be careful not to waste food (and also avoid only questionably
fulfilling the mitzvah of Mishloach Manos) by giving thoughtfully prepared
Mishloach Manos to the person receiving it--not sending caramel popcorn to
an elderly couple; not sending non-Pas Yisroel products to your Rav. The
more the Mishloach Manos fits the person you are giving it to, the more
beautiful and meaningful the mitzvah is!
-------------------------------------------
Getting Megillah Ready:
Which name in the Megillah has the same Gematria as “Zeh Haman”?
-------------------------------------------
Special Note One:
Rabbi Ari Marburger, Shlita, renowned expert in Choshen Mishpat and
author of Business Halachah: A
Practical Halachic Guide to Modern Business (Artscroll)
has graciously provided us with a booklet entitled, Estate
Planning, Wills, and Halachah: A Practical Guide to Hilchos Yerusha,
which is available as a free download at the link below http://www.shtaros.com/media/153cbea9aab58bdcffff81deffffe41e.pdf
Special
Note Two: What happened to all of Haman’s possessions? The
Medrash (Shocher Tov 22) teaches that Haman’s money was distributed as
follows: 1/3 to Mordechai and Esther, 1/3 to those involved in Torah study,
and 1/3 toward reconstruction of the Bais Hamikdash. What a
V’Nahapoch Hu!
Special
Note Three: What did the G’RA send for Mishloach Manos? The
Sefer Ma’aseh Rav (249) provides the answer: Cooked
chicken and cooked fish, and similar ready-to-eat items.
Special Note Four: The
Sefer Halichos Shlomo, which contains the rulings of HaRav Shlomo
Zalman Auerbach, Zt’l, writes that, according to HaRav Auerbach the
definition of an “Evyon” for purposes of Purim is someone who does not
have money “l’tzrochim hahechreichim l’farnes baiso--the funds which
are necessary to provide for the necessities of one’s family.” If
you have not already done so, now is the time to give Tzedaka to those
excellent organizations which distribute Matanos LeEvyonim to the poor on
Purim. Remember--we are required to give only one Mishloach Manos--but
we are required to give two Matanos LeEvyonim (that’s twice as much)!
Additional Note: In the
Sefer Maaseh Rav, HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, was asked whether it
was preferable not to give an Evyon directly on Purim just as, in Hilchos
Tzedaka, it is preferable not to give an Evyon directly. HaRav
Kanievsky responded that here “lo mishane”--it does not make a
difference and that either way is proper.
Special Note Five:
The following Halachos relating to Matanos L’Evyonim and Mishloach Manos
for children have been distributed based upon the Sefer Halichos and
Hanhagos and are the P’sakim of, HaRav Eliyashiv, Shlita:
-
A father should give money to his young
children in order for them to give Matanos L’Evyonim on Purim, as
follows. Childern ages 6-7 and older should “own” the money
they give for Matanos L’Evyonim. Accordingly, a father should
give them money that he has designated **as belonging to them**, and
that money should be used for Matanos L’Evyonim. If a child is
younger than 6-7, a father should simply give them money and direct them
to give it to poor people.
-
Young children should send Mishloach Manos to
one another. Older sons and daughters, past Bar and Bas Mitzvah
are required to send Mishloach Manos.
Special Note Six: The
following is excerpted from the wonderful work “The Light of the Ben Ish
Chai on Megillat Esther”--the commentary of the Ben Ish Chai on the
Megillah, as translated by Rabbi Yerachmiel Bratt, Shlita:
“And Esther said, ‘Fast
for me, neither eat nor drink, for three nights and three days’ (Esther
4:16
). Haman was a Gilgul of Esav and Mordechai a
Gilgul of Yaakov. Yaakov and Esav are always at extremes. This
is based on the Pasuk, ‘HaKol Kol Yaakov…--The voice is the voice of
Yaakov and the hands are the hands of Esav.’ (Bereishis 27:22) When
the voice of Yaakov is strong (when Yaakov is immersed in Torah and Tefillah),
Esav’s hands (strength) is diminished. Esav is overcome when Yaakov
asserts his Torah force. In the time of Mordechai, the Jewish people
re-accepted the Torah and thus re-established their connection to Hashem.
To awaken the Torah’s merits, K’lal Yisroel had to fast for three
days. The Torah affects a person completely and contains three primary
components: thought, speech, and physical action. These three
activities embrace the gamut of human behavior. Each day of fasting
corresponded to one of the components, and thus to one aspect of Torah.
Esther specified that the fast should be for nights and days because she
wanted to invoke all aspects of Torah--whereas the primary time to learn the
written Torah is during the day, the primary time to learn Gemara is at
night. Additionally, three full days equals seventy two hours and this
number is equivalent to the Gematria of Chesed. Thus, the three-day
fast was instituted to demonstrate our rededication to Torah study, and
invoke Hashem’s Chesed upon us.
Special Note Seven:
At the recent Hakhel Shiur on Purim, Rabbi Ben Tzion Shafier, Shlita,
urged everyone to prepare for Purim by reading the Megillah anew without the
influences of his childhood thoughts--but as a Sefer of Tanach.
Rather than view King Acashveirosh as a roly- poly, fickle nitwit, we
should realize instead Chazal’s teaching on the beginning words of the
Megillah: “‘Hu
Achashveirosh’--Hu BeRisho Mitechilaso Ve’Ad Sofo--he is Achashveirosh--evil
from the beginning until the end.” Haman,
then, could find no better partner to annihilate the Jews than him--for
their annihilation was a great desire of his, as well.
It is very telling that even after the Neis Purim occurred, he still
did not allow the rebuilding of the Bais HaMikdash for as long as he was
king! Yet, with all of his
hatred for us, Hashem caused him to move his kingdom’s capital to Shushan,
the place of the Jews, so that Mordechai would not have to burden himself in
traveling any distance to his palace. Hakhel
Note: With this in mind, let us
take the time to study and appreciate the depth of every nuance and detail
in the Megillah--and make many new discoveries this year. We most
certainly invite you to share your discoveries and original thoughts with
us!
------------------------------------
Special Note One:
At his Hakhel Shiur on the meaning of Purim, Rabbi Zev Smith, Shlita,
made many great points, including the following:
1.
The essence of Purim is the realization that “Ain Od Melvado.” This
means that everything that preceded this world’s existence, that
everything that currently exists, and that everything that will exist
forever and ever is Hashem and His Will.
Indeed, the name of the Holiday Purim, indicates that something as
“by chance” as a lottery is under the sole and complete jurisdiction of
Hashem.
2.
HaRav Yeruchem Levovitz, Z’tl, taught that one should not only give
Mishloach Manos to friends--but to his “ex-friends” as well.
3.
The Chofetz Chaim, Z’tl, writes in a published letter (Michtevei
Chofetz Chaim 20): “We all
know very clearly that Hashem can bring the Geulah BeChol
Regah V’Regah--at any moment--as in the times of Mordechai and Esther
the complete Geulah happened overnight.
This is actually an explicit Posuk recorded in the last Navi,
Malachi: ‘Ki Pisom Yavoh El
Heichalo--for He will suddenly come to His Sanctuary.’
We have to be ready always!” Hakhel
Note: Teshuva Bechol Yom--for
each and every one of us!
4.
An essential part of Purim Day is “Kiymu VeKiblu.”
This does not only refer to all of Klal Yisroel’s voluntary
acceptance of the Torah--but to each individual’s rededication to Torah as
well. Every person should view
it as part of his Simchas Purim, as part of his Purim mandate, to rededicate
himself to Torah study. Rabbi
Smith cited two examples: One--His
favorite Siyum--a subway rider who was not capable of learning Gemara and
who completed Mishnayos in English on his back and forth commute every day. What
an accomplishment! Two--an
elderly gentlemen who “did not have time” to come to a Shiur that Rabbi
Smith was giving because he was studying with tremendous diligence for a
Dirshu test. Hakhel Note:
We will all be pressured for time over the next month, with many
demands and obligations upon us. The
Chofetz Chaim notes that when one keeps his set time for study without fail,
and in the case of a ‘Dochak Gadol’ makes up his studies within the day,
then a “Kedusha Gedolah Venora’ah--a great and awesome Kedusha rests on
him every single time he learns in this way.
Let us not forget this Kedusha
Gedolah Venora’ah every time that we keep our set time for learning.
We suggest that our Kiymu VeKiblu this Purim involve a special effort
in this regard. Remember the
words of the Chofetz Chaim--Kedusha Gedolah Venora’ah--on you!
For
tapes or CD’s of the Rabbi Smith’s Shiur or Rabbi Ben Tzion Shafier’s
brilliant Shiur, please call 718-252-5274.
Special Note Two:
At a Hakhel Shiur, Rabbi Yitzchok Sorotzkin, Shlita, related that
HaRav Nosson Wachtfogel, Z’tl, was once asked the following question:
All the abundance that we have today--is this a brocha--or a klala--a curse?
His response was that, in fact, it is neither. Rather, it is purely a
nisayon, a test for each one of us in life. Every generation has its
own tests. Seventy or eighty years ago in the very same country the
test may have been deprivation and even near-starvation. Today, as we
visit the supermarket, the clothing store, or any one of the “Depots”
that abound, we must realize that our goal is to strike the proper
balance--to thank Hashem with sincere and deep thanks for the bounty and
choices that we have (as per the meaning of the Brocha of Borei Nefashos),
and concomitantly not to blatantly or even discreetly engorge or overindulge
in that which would not please Hashem.
One must be a proactive
thinker while at a smorgasbord, on a weekend vacation, at the electronics
store, or even in front checkout counter in the supermarket--to decide
whether he really needs that new electronic gadget, pleasure, extravagance,
or even just the small extraneous item. We can pass the nisayon--replacing
excess and overindulgence with appreciation and gratitude!
Special Note Three:
We are currently in the thirteenth month of the year. Thirteen
may not have a positive connotation for sorcerers and the like.
Indeed, many office buildings do not have a “thirteenth floor”.
However, to us, the number 13 is very special, as it indicates our
uniqueness (and this maybe another reason why the rest of the world may not
like it). It represents Hashem’s 13 Attributes of Mercy towards us,
the 13 Attributes of Faith of the Rambam, the age of a Jewish man’s
adulthood, and, of course, is the gematria of the word “Echad”--representing
Hashem’s Oneness in this world and the entire universe. We should
truly rejoice in this thirteenth month for all of the exclusivity and
distinctiveness that it represents. How many times have you lived
through a thirteenth month of the year in the secular calendar?
Very much related
to this thought, we had received the following from a reader:
Purim = 80 + 6 +
200 + 10 + 40 = 336 3 + 3 +6= 12 -- 12 Shevotim joined together,
Mishloach Manos, friendship
Mordechai = 40 +
200 + 4 + 20 +10 = 274 2 + 7 +4=13
Esther = 1 + 60 +
400 + 200 = 661 6 + 6 + 1=13
B’simcha =
2 + 300 + 40 + 8 + 5 = 355 3 + 5 + 5=13
Finally, Haman =
5 + 40 + 50 = 95 9 + 5 = 14 -- 14th day of Adar!
Special Note Four:
Some Questions for the Week:
a)
In a Posuk in the Megillah that many exclaim together (
8:16
), the Posuk records “U’Mordechai Yatzah
Melifnei HaMelech…Mordechai left the king’s presence clad in royal
apparel….” The royal apparel
listed includes, however, “Bootz V’Argaman--linen and purple wool.”
How could it be that Mordechai would wear both linen and purple wood
together? Isn’t there a
Shatnez issue?
b) Sometimes the
Megillah refers to Achashveirosh as HaMelech Achashveirosh and sometimes
just as HaMelech. Why?
c)
Mesechta Megillah contains the famous Sugya in which scholars were
asked: “Bameh He’Erachta Yomim?--How did you achieve your length
of days?” What did you do right to achieve long life? We know
that Agadata in Shas is placed in a particular Mesechta because of its
relationship to that Mesechta. For instance, the primary Agadata
relating to the Churban is in the Mesechta relating to divorce, Gittin,
because it describes the temporary estrangement of Hashem from His people.
Why, is it, then, that Mesechta Megillah is the appropriate Tractate to
discuss how one merits length of days?
d) In the last Pasuk
of the Haftarah for Parshas Zachor, Shmuel tells Agag, the King of Amalek
the following before killing him: “Just as your sword made women
childless, so, too, shall your mother be rendered childless among women.”
If the only surviving member of Amalek was Agag, doesn’t this mean that
his mother was already dead--so what was Shmuel referring to (Shmuel I
15:33
)?
e) We recite Al
HaNisim in both Birchas HaMazon and Shemone Esrei on Purim. In Birchas
HaMazon we recite the Al HaNisim in the second Brocha, which relates to
thanks, and only afterwards, in the third brocha, do we pray for
Yerushalayim to be returned to us. Yet, in the Shemone Esrei, we first
pray for the return of Yerushalayim in V’LeYerushalayim Ircha and Retzay,
and only afterwards do we express our thanks to Hashem and recite the Al
HaNisim. Why is there a different order in Birchas HaMazon then in
Shemone Esrei?
f) In the Megillah
(Esther,
9:25
), when Esther comes to plead before her people,
the Megillah records Achashveirosh’s response: “Im HaSefer Yoshuv
Mashachvto Hara…”--what is the meaning of the phrase “Im HaSefer?”
Note: One should go through the Megillah **now** to identify--and know
the meaning of--the phrases he or she may not currently understand!
g) In the Al HaNisim,
we thank Hashem for saving us from the decree of “L’Hashmid L’Haarog
U’LE’Abed--from the complete and utter destruction of the Jewish
people,” who also, as this prayer of thanks records, would have also been
subject to “U’Shlalam L’Voz--the plundering of their possessions.”
If the Jewish people would have been so totally destroyed, so utterly
obliterated, what difference would it have made whether their possessions
were plundered? Who would have been there to care? Why need we
make specific and express mention of this in the Al HaNissim?
Special Note Five:
HaRav Shimon Schwab, Z’tl, (Rav Schwab on Prayer, Artscroll,
p.526) poses a “I should have thought of that” question: Why does
the Megillah in some detail, and why do Chazal subsequently in Al HaNissim,
spend the time and effort to describe that Haman was hung on a tree, and
that his 10 sons were hung on the tree almost a year later? Why do we
have to remind ourselves of this every year in the Megillah and in the Al
HaNissim so many times? Indeed, Rav Schwab points out--even in the
Maoz Tzur of Chanukah (!) we sing “Rov Bonov Vekinyanav Al Hoetz
Tolisa--Haman and a good number of his sons were hung on the tree.” What
special significance does the tree have to this very special day of Purim?
Rav Schwab luminously
suggests that Chazal (Chullin 139B) teach that Haman is alluded to in the
Torah with the Eitz HaDaas--Hashem asks Adam: “Hamin Hoetz
Asher…--Did you eat of the tree which I commanded you not to eat?”
What is the relationship of Haman to the Eitz HaDaas--is it merely a
play on words of Haman and Hamin? Obviously not. There is a
great lesson here. Haman intended to commit the most heinous crime
imaginable--the genocide of an entire people. The aveirah of Adam and
Chava seems to be of no comparison whatsoever. After all, they wanted
to grow spiritually--to know the difference between Tov and Ra (Beraishis
3:5)--it was an aveira for them to eat only because Hashem did not want them
to grow in this way at this time. They succumbed to the appeal which
the fruit had to their senses--albeit a supernal and lofty one. As Rav
Schwab teaches: “This was the most exalted form of an aveirah ever
committed.” Nevertheless, the Megillah and Chazal teach that the
worst possible aveira known to man--genocide--had its origins in the sublime
and elevated desire of Adam and Chava. This is the route of aveira,
this is the path of the Yetzer Hora. Those “worst kind” of aveiros
start somewhere--they have their origin in the slightest of aveiros. Haman’s
aveira only began…because of the “Hamin” that engendered it.
So, when we read and refer
to--and even pray about--the Tree of Haman this Purim, let us make sure that
we glean its great lesson. We will tell the Yetzer Hora, “No, I am
not going to begin--the one word of Lashon Hora, the one bite of
questionable food, picking up the muktza item because maybe it is a
“mitzvah” to do so, not paying the worker what he asks because you want
to teach him a lesson…all of the good intentions, all of the
“practically no aveira” of what you may be thinking, doing or
saying--remember that particular 50 amos-high tree--look up to its top--and
to the Shomayim which lies beyond!
Special Note Six:
THE COUNT UP TO PURIM!
THE POWER OF A TZIBBUR:
Any Tzibbur, acting together, can bring about Refuos and Yeshuos (healings
and deliverances) that all of K’lal Yisroel, acting individually, may not
necessarily accomplish. The Gemara in Rosh Hashana (18A) teaches that
Hashem is ready to accept the Teshuva of a Tzibbur the whole year
the same way that he accepts the Teshuva of an individual in the Aseres
Y’mei Teshuvah.
In the Megilla, we learn
from the words of Lech K’nos (
4:16
) that Mordechai and Esther elected to gather all of the Jews in Shushan to
daven, instead of asking everyone to do something on his own.
THE POWER OF TEFILLA:
The power of Tefilla is immeasurable. It can break the harshest of
decrees. Our cries brought about Yetzias Mitzraim. Moshe
Rabbeinu’s pleas broke the decree of destruction at the time of the golden
calf and brought us victory against Amalek. In fact, our Tefillos
broke Haman’s decree to destroy the entire Jewish people during this time
of year.
OUR GOAL: HAVE KAVANA
IN THE FIRST BROCHA OF SHEMONE ESREI: According to the Shulchan Aruch
(101:1), one is required to have Kavanna in the first Bracha of Shemone
Esrei. According to the Mishna Berurah, this means that one
should not daven at all until he feels that he will have Kavanna in
the first Brocha of Shemone Esrei. This is how important the first
Bracha is.
Our goal is to activate the
power of Tzibbur and the power of Tefilla together by asking each member of
the Tzibbur to have Kavanna in the first Bracha of Shemone Esrei when
davening each day from today, through Purim. Please especially have
Kavanna when reciting the words “Ozer” (Helper), “U’Moshia”
(Savior), “U’Magen” (Shield):
-
Ozer--a Helper, who thwarts an existing
immediate danger from overpowering a person (example: you have
already been attacked and the attacker is defeated);
-
Moshia--a Savior, who cancels danger
threatening to overpower a person (example: prior to his
attacking, the attacker runs away);
-
Mogen--a Shield, who prevents trouble from
reaching you in the first place (example: the attacker never
leaves home).
See Michtav M’Eliyahu 4:65 as brought in Praying with Fire
(page 117).
IMAGINE THE Z’CHUSIM:
The z’chusim which can be created by the thousands of us getting together
to have Kavanna--in the first Bracha of Shemone Esrei, are literally
astounding. Davening properly, that is, having Kavanna for the
simple translation of the words of the first Bracha, which we are
all capable of doing with little effort, can convert a Shemone Esrei that
perhaps should not have been said, into a true prayer to Hashem. The
results will B’EH be Refuos and Yeshuos for K’lal Yisroel.
IMPLEMENTATION: It is
recommended that you B’EH make a daily notation in the calendar provided
below.
|
Tuesday
9 Adar II
□Shacharis
□Mincha
 □Maariv
|
Wednesday
10 Adar II
□Shacharis
□Mincha
□ Maariv
|
Thursday
11 Adar II
□Shacharis
□Mincha
□Maariv
|
Friday
12 Adar II
□Shacharis
□Mincha
□Maariv
|
Shabbos
13 Adar II
□Shacharis
 □Musaf
□Mincha
□ Maariv
|
Sunday
14 Adar II
□ Shacharis
□Mincha
|
Hatzlacha--to all of us!
--------------------------------------------
Special
Note One: Klal Yisroel is still
in shock over the massacre of Rabbi and Mrs. Fogel and their three children,
H’YD, on Leil Shabbos Kodesh. This
is too obviously a Tzarah for all of us.
Rabbeinu Ovadiah MeBartenurah to the Mishnah in Megillah (3:6)
writes: “Al Iskei HaCheit
Ba’ah Puranus LeOlam--VeYachaziru B’Teshuva VeYenatzlu Metzarasam--punishment
comes to the world because of sin, and if we do Teshuva we will be saved
from our Tza’ar. There is
something that we can do in the
wake of this great tragedy. It
is Teshuva--at least on one item or in one area--today.
Special
Note Two: With the recent
succession of gasp-worthy events in
Japan
, we
are reminded day after day, with each additional event, and each additional
discovery, that nothing--really and absolutely nothing--is to be taken for
granted. Until now, some may
have recited the Bracha every morning of “Rokah HaAretz Al HaMayim--Who
spreads out the earth upon the waters” as a giveaway, taken for granted,
type of Bracha. After all, we
are on dry land, and as long as Hashem keeps the world going, that is where
we remain. At the very least, we
should be awakened to recite each and every one of the Birchas HaShachar
with focus, noting the Special Gift
from Hashem in each Bracha.
Additional
Note: It would be particularly
appropriate for us to pay special attention to the Bracha of Gevuros (i.e.,
the Second Bracha in Shemone Esrei) this week, in recognition of the Gevuros
Hashem. In fact, there is a Remez to Purim that we discovered in the
Bracha of Gevuros: “Melech Maimis U’Mechayeh U’Matzmiach Yeshua--King
Who causes death and causes life, and makes salvations sprout.” In
the Megillah, we see Haman put to death, Mordechai’s life spared and his
rise in power (a Mechayeh!) and the Bnei Yisroel’s subsequent
salvation…. It is interesting to note that the word “sprout” or
“tzemach” is once again used in the Fifteenth Bracha of Shemone Esrei--”Es
Tzemach Dovid.” This teaches us that just as the salvation of Purim
continued sprouting until it finally sprouted out in all its glory after so
many years—so, too, is our Geulah sprouting each and every day. We
should very well appreciate this each and every time that we recite Es
Tzemach Dovid!
Special
Note Three: We provide by the
following link -- http://tinyurl.com/4zbs3a2
the “Chazak Inspiration Line
Index” of personal stories in 99 different areas.
The Chazak Inspiration Line is an incredible and free service of the
Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation. For
further information, the general number of the Chofetz Chaim Heritage
Foundation is 845-352-3505.
Special
Note Four: We once again make available by the following link
a masterful Shiur in honor of Purim given for Hakhel by Rabbi Yitzchok
Sorotzkin, Shlita, entitled “Shushan American Style”
http://tinyurl.com/4sv4oqn
Special
Note Five: We once again provide below a series of Pesakim of
HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, Shlita, relating to Purim as recorded (with his own
approbation) by his close Talmid, Rabbi Doniel Kleinman, Shlita, in Sefer
Koveitz Halachos--Purim. Of
course, one must consult with his own Rav or Posek with respect to any
particular Shailah that he may have:
1.
Even if one is exempt from
fasting because of illness, he should minimize the amount of food and drink
that he consumes on the Ta’anis. A pregnant woman and a nursing
woman may consume regular amounts, as necessary.
2.
If one intends to rise
early on Ta’anis Esther and eat before Alos Hashachar, he must start his
Seudah at least a half hour before Alos, although it is permissible to eat
less than a Kebeitzah within the half hour period.
3.
This Shabbos, a Megillah is
not Muktzah (not even Machmas Chisaron Kis) for one can study Torah from it.
4.
Before one touches his
Megillah, he should wash his hands (see Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 147:1).
5.
When Chazal teach that a
person who does melacha on Purim will not see a siman bracha from it, this
does not refer to permissible melacha--such as a dovor ho’avad (matters
relating to preventing a financial loss) and melacha for simcha. Additionally,
one is permitted to cut his hair and nails and do laundry.
6.
It is best if women go to
Shul to hear the Megillah read BeTzibbur. If one has a wife, a son who
has reached the age of Chinuch, and a baby in the house--who should go to
Shul--his wife, or the older child? It would appear better for the
wife to stay home (and hopefully hear the Megillah together with ten women
later) and that he should bring his son to Shul to fulfill the Mitzvah of
chinuch (BeRov Am).
7.
If someone knows that he
will not be able to hear every word in Shul, and will have to make up the
words he does not hear from a Chumash (which is only B’dieved)--it is
better to make a smaller Minyan in one’s home and be yotzeh lechatchilah
by hearing every word from a Megillah. However, if one will be forced
to read or hear the Megillah without a Minyan, it is better to go to Shul
and make up the words from one’s Chumash when necessary.
8.
If one person didn’t hear
the Megillah, and finds nine people who agree to listen again even though
they were already yotzeh, it is still called Megillah B’Tzibur.
9.
If a person senses that he
lost his focus on the Megillah, he should read from his Chumash from the
place where he lost his focus until he catches up to the Ba’al Kriyah.
This holds true for both men and women. It is for this reason
that it is best to have one’s own Kosher Megillah, and to lein the
Megillah together with the Chazan. Indeed, if one is uncertain whether
he missed one word of the Megillah (either at night or during the day), he
must hear the entire Megillah reading again.
10.
One should drink a little
bit of wine at night of Purim and have candles lit at his Purim night meal,
as well.
11.
One can be Yotzei the
Mitzvah of Matanos LaEvyonim with a check even if it is postdated, because
one can use the check in payment or otherwise negotiate it to someone else.
12.
A woman can be Yotzeis her
Matanos LaEvyonim through her husband’s giving, but it is better for her
husband to tell her that he is giving on her behalf.
13.
If a person sends Mishloach
Manos before Purim and it arrives on Purim, he is Yotzei the Mitzvah.
Similarly, if one leaves Mishloach Manos at his friend’s door Purim night
and his friend discovers it in the morning, one is Yotzei Misholach Manos.
14.
As brought in the Rema to
Shulchan Aruch, one should learn Torah immediately prior to the Purim Seudah,
since the Pasuk states “LaYehudim Haysa Orah VeSimcha”--the light of
Torah must precede the Simcha of the meal because it brings a person to true
Simcha. It is not sufficient for a person to rely on his study of
Torah in the morning.
15.
Women are equally as
obligated in the Seuda as men. Drinking should be done during the
Seuda. Women should also drink a little bit (a revi’is or less) of
wine, and can also be Yotzeis with grape juice instead of wine.
However, there is no obligation for children under Bar/Bas Mitzvah to drink
even grape juice. It is, in all events, forbidden for anyone to become
drunk. The lesson is clear--our Seudah should be graced only by the
Yetzer Hatov and the Torah atmosphere that Mordechai HaTzadik and Esther
HaMalka were ready to give their lives for--and would be so proud of!
------------------------------------
Special Note One:
We received the following from a reader in response to our question
regarding the special word ‘Machar’ used in connection with our battle
against Amalek: “I heard an
idea about destroying Amalek ‘tomorrow’--Eisav and Amalek are all about
today, the instant obvious results of things, the impulse, the short term
world--whereas K’lal Yisroel is about eternity and being able to see
beyond the immediate. That is
why our tapping into this Koach of seeing beyond must be use in order to
fight Amalek
Special Note Two:
More on the struggle of Shuls vs. cell phones:
We received word from a reader that in one Shul on the West Coast of
the
United States
the Shul cell phone policy is that if it makes any
audible sound--the charge is $18.00 right into the Pushka!
Special Note Three:
In a recent Shiur, Rabbi Dovid Finkelman, Shlita, provided the
following important parameters with which someone giving criticism should be
guided. It may be useful to
print these out, keep them in your wallet or your purse, and take them out
and glance at them prior to giving criticism:
A.
Do not criticize out of anger. Make
sure you are calm and collected.
B.
Say a Keppitel Tehillim
C.
No one likes to hear a long diatribe.
D.
Just like adults are people, teenagers and even little children are
people too.
E.
When Yaakov Avinu began to criticize the shepherds who were bringing
in their sheep early, he started with the word ‘Achai’--you are my
brothers (Bereishis 29:4). Similarly,
one should begin with an expression of warmth and caring.
F.
The criticism should not be made or perceived as a personal attack.
Do not allow your personal Negios to make your way into your words.
G.
Each person is different, and your words cannot be ‘boiler
plate’, but must be sincerely directed to the person, and the situation in
front of you.
Special Note Four:
If you begin today, and study just one Perek a day of Megillas Esther
(even with only one commentary or the Artscroll or the like), you will
complete your study of the Ten Chapter of the Megillah on Purim--what an
important and timely accomplishment!
Special Note Five:
Today, the Daf Yomi Cycle began Mesechta Menachos, discussing the
Menachos, the flour offerings that
were brought in the Beis HaMikdash. It
is fascinating to note that this Mesechta comes after Mesechta Zevachim
(completed yesterday) which discusses animal
offerings in the Beis HaMikdash. One
would have thought that the study of Menachos would come before the study of
Zevachim, for after all, don’t we move up the ladder from a Tzome’ach,
vegetation--to Chai, living creatures. Upon
quick reflection, however, we note that in this week’s Parsha
(non-coincidentally discussing both Zevachim, animal offerings and Menachos,
meal offerings), we find that the Parsha of Zevachim is taught to us in the
Torah before the Parsha of Menachos. Thus,
the Torah She’Be’al Peh is simply following Torah She’Bechsav in its
order. The issue, however,
returns--should not Menachos be presented first in the Torah--for as we see
in the Sheishes Yemei Bereshis creation progresses from Domeim (like stone)
to Tzomeach (like the Menachos)--and then to Chai (like the Zevachim)?!
We may suggest that there is a fundamental lesson here. When
we focus upon dedication to the service of Hashem to Torah and Mitzvos, we
should also focus--at the outset and from the beginning on apportioning our
very best. We are taught to
start with the best that we have to offer--the animals, and not the
vegetable. This appears, indeed,
to be a great difference between the Korban of Kayin and the Korban of Hevel--with
Kayin starting out by offering the lower level Tzomeach and Hevel
demonstrating that this is not the correct approach, but that rather one
should begin from “Mebechoros Tzono U’Meichelbeihen…from the first of
his flock and from their choicest” (Bereishis 4:4).
Thus, the lesson is taught to all mankind at the beginning of the
Torah and reiterated for us here in our more sublime service.
As Rabbi Avrohom Ehrman, Shlita, teaches in his Sefer Journey to Virtue: “Whenever
performing a Mitzvah, whatever its form, it should be done with the best
materials and in the finest possible fashion that one can.”
Likewise, the Sefer Orchos Tzadikim notes that Yaakov Avinu went back by himself to
retrieve ‘Pachim Ketanim’--even small containers which he had left
behind. Yet, he was willing to
give up all of the wealth he had acquired in the house of Lavan (which was,
of course, enormous) in order to acquire Eisav’s portion in the Me’aras
Hamachpeila. By this, he
demonstrated to his children forever the importance of knowing how and when
to spend one’s money, and the importance of its proper apportionment in
the performance of Mitzvos.
Additional Note:
We received the following moving event from a reader:
In 5689, during a Siyum on Zevachim in Vienna, Rabbi Meir Shapira,
Zt’l, spoke about the murder of the Yeshivah students in Chevron, which
occurred at that time: “At the
end of Zevachim we are told: For
you have not come till now to the rest and the inheritance; ‘the rest’
means the resting place of the ark; ‘the inheritance’ means a permanent
inheritance. The resting of the
ark accompanies the permanent inheritance. A
permanent inheritance will come only after we see to a resting-place for the
ark. Irreparable gashes are
being torn every day in the cities of Eretz
Israel
that have been destroyed. We
haven’t had the merit to come to our forefathers’ inheritance. It
is a troublesome time for Yaakov when those who bear the ark also don’t
have a chance to rest. With the
loss of these boys, Sifrei Torah were burnt--the Torah with which they were
supposed to light the darkness of the world.
Today, we finish Zevachim, we have had enough sacrifices! We
want to start Menachos–the resting (menuchah) of the ark and the permanent
inheritance (menuchah)!” concluded Rabbi Shapira.
Hakhel Note: May it come
speedily and in our days!
Special Note Six:
As we will begin to learn in the coming Sefer Vayikrah of all the
great Avodah that was done in the Bais HaMikdash, we can and should become HOMEsick.
However, there is a tremendous conciliation that the Targum (to
Tehillim 84:8) provides us with. The
Posuk there states “Yeilchu MaiChayil El Chayil…--they should go from
strength to strength.” We
typically understand this to mean that immediately after one davens, he
should learn at least a little bit so that he goes from one strength--the
strength of Davening--to the next strength of learning.
This is actually codified in Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 155:1, where
the MeChabeir rules: “After
one leaves the Beis Hakenesses he should go to Beis HaMidrash and have a set
time for study, which he should not give up even if he thinks he will be
able to make a large profit.” So,
then, what does the Targum to this Posuk add?
The Targum translates ‘MaiChayil El Chayil’ as ‘one should go
from the Bais HaMikdash to the
Bais HaMidrash’--clearly and
incredibly indicating that the Bais HaMidrash is the strength one should
pursue after leaving the Bais
HaMikdash. We must understand
and apply from this teaching how great our House of Study truly is--one
elevates himself even after leaving the Bais HaMikdash by going into the
Bais HaMidrash! As we continue
through the Parshios of the Avodah in the Bais HaMikdash, and to the extent
it is not rebuilt today or any time during Sefer Vayikrah, we should take
note of the great importance of the Bais HaMidrash where we study in our
times. Indeed, Chazal (Berachos
8A) teach that “MeYom SheCharav Bais HaMikdash Ain Lo LeHakadosh Baruch Hu
Elah Daled Amos Shel Halacha--from the time the Bais HaMikdash was destroyed
Hashem’s treasure remains as the ‘Four Amos Shel Halacha’ that we
study. Over the next several
weeks, we may be distracted with preparations and involvements--even for
good things--but we should take the lesson of the Targum and remember the
preeminent importance of the House of Study in our daily lives.
May we soon be zoche to follow the actual dictates of the Targum--to
leave the Bais HaMikdash
and go the Bais HaMidrash!
Special Note Seven:
We continue with our Erev Shabbos--Halachos of Shabbos Series:
1.
In ‘Shimru Shabbsosai’, one of the beautiful Zemiros of Shabbos
morning, we happily sing the following phrase: “Maharu Es Haman La’asos
Es D’var Esther.”(Esther 5:5) This
is a Pasuk in the Megillah in which Achashveirosh instructs his servants to
rush Haman to come to the first Mishteh that Esther has prepared on their
behalf. Why is this placed in
the Zemiros? How does Purim
finds its way into our Shabbos table?
2.
At a recent Hakhel Shiur, Rabbi Dovid Ribiat, Shlita, provided the
following practical Halachos:
A.
One cannot ask any Jewish child to do anything on Shabbos that the
adult himself cannot do, even if the child is under
the age of Chinuch, unless: (a)
The child, is, in fact, under age
(under 4; over 4 begins to become a Chinuch issue); (b) one does not
specifically instruct or gesture to the child to do the act (such as turn on
a switch, move a knob, or plug in an appliance); and (c) the child must not
be aware of the fact that he is doing something that will please the adult.
B.
The term ‘Misaseik’ involves performing a Melacha without the
intent to do so. If one, for
instance, carried out a tissue in his suit pocket without intending to, he
would be a Misaseik in the Melacha of Hotza’ah.
We know, however, that the Halacha is “Chayav Adam LeMashmeish
Begadav--a person must check his pockets before leaving his house on Erev
Shabbos in order to avoid even inadvertent carrying on Shabbos.”
Thus, Rabbi Ribiat concludes, there is an obligation to avoid
Misaseik as well. The Teshuva to
be done for someone who was Misaseik is to take precautions to avoid
Misaseik in the future. Additional
Note: Rabbi Ribiat pointed out
that some actions may not fall under the category of Misaseik, but actually
into the category of Shogeg. For
instance, if one flicks on a light switch on Shabbos, knowing that it is
Shabbos and that it is Assur, but simply forgetting that he is not supposed
to do so, this may be classified as a Shogeg.
This, would of course, would involve a very different kind of
Teshuvah, and a person’s Rav or Posek should be consulted.
C.
If a lit candle falls on the table on Shabbos, one should simply pick
it up and put it back into the Leichter.
D.
Live animals, including pets, are Muktzah Machmas Gufo, and
accordingly cannot be moved or picked up.
However, a dead insect is considered to be a Graf Shel Re’ii. It
is for this reason that if one finds the insect, for example in one’s
soup, he can lift it up together with a little bit of soup (so there is no
borer issue) and dispose of it. In
a similar vein, if one’s garbage does not have non-Muktzah items within
it, he can still move it when it is full and unpleasant based on the
principle of Graf Shel Re’ii. Hakhel
Note: The Poskim write that it
is better for a non-Jew to move a Graf Shel Reii, if possible.
E.
One cannot fix or spray a Shaitel on Shabbos because of Tikkun Manna
issues. If the spray is
fragrant, there would be an Issur of Molid Reiach as well.
F.
One is permitted to leave on an answering machine or a fax machine on
Shabbos in order to receive a message or fax--for instance from a family
member in Eretz Yisroel. It is
Shabbos wherever the person is physically located--so that for the person in
Eretz Yisroel leaving the message or sending the fax, Shabbos has ended.
As far as actually physically picking up the fax page received,
Muktzah issues are involved and a Rav should be consulted.
-----------------------------
Special Note
One: We provide by clicking
here a
great resource entitled: “Ten
Steps For Positioning the Head Tefillin”--you can print it out for
yourself, and distribute it in your Shul and to others, as well.
If it helps even one person put on Tefillin properly, it can save
thousands of Brachos Levatala over a life time--and bring thousands of
properly performed Mitzvos into a person’s life!
Special Note Two: A
reader questioned as to why the word ‘Machar’
or ‘tomorrow’ is used particularly with respect to our battle
against Amalek. For instance,
when Yehoshua went to fight Amalek, Moshe Rabbeinu told him:
“Machar Anochi Nitzav Al
Rosh Hagivah--Tomorrow, I will stand on top of the hill [and the battle will
begin]...” (Shemos 17:9). Similarly,
Esther HaMalka told Achashveirosh: “Machar E’eseh KiDvar HaMelech”--Tomorrow, come back [with Haman]
and I will do as the King requested... (Esther 5:8).
Why does ‘Machar’seem
to be needed
against Amalek?! Your
thoughts are very much welcome.
Special
Note Three: Two interesting
insights--one relating to Mishloach Manos and the other to Matanos
Le’Evyonim:
1.
A well known Rav is reported to have related in Shiur that a person
should make a list of people who he wants to give Mishloach Manos to, then
rip it up and give to everyone who was not on the list!
2.
As Purim approaches, one may feel that he has to be a little bit
tighter with Tzedaka until Purim comes, and may also feel uneasy about all
of the contributions on Purim as well. There
is a story related about R’ Itzele Petteburger, Z’tl, who reached into
his pocket and gave a stranger Tzedaka.
After the person left, R’ Itzele remarked that he felt no
difficulty, no hold-back, with his act of giving--so the Tzedaka in that
case was probably not a true one. The
Yetzer Hara would only bring about hesitation and resistance when the
Mitzvah was real--otherwise, he will let it go by with pleasure. In
a similar vein, the Torah in last week’s Parsha records that Moshe
Rabbeinu gave an exact accounting of what happened with the Mishkan’s
collections, because people would be or were suspicious of him otherwise.
What?! Suspicious of
Moshe Rabbeinu--who had brought them out of Mitzrayim and in fact had
brought so much spiritual and physical wealth to them?!
Where did all of their money come from anyway?!
It must be, then, that the Yetzer Hara provides levels of friction
and antagonism when it comes to true giving--which would not come about if
one was spending the money on an expensive dinner, designer sweater, or on
an extra pair of shoes or spare laptop.
So, if you are approached for Tzedaka within
the next ten days--remember for the large part where your inner resistance
is coming from. Similarly, when
giving Matanos Le’Evyonim--overcome the challenge and remember to give
each and every person wisely--and B’Sever Panim Yafos!
Special Note Four:
Dovid HaMelech exclaims: “Tashmieinu
Sasson VeSimcha…Make me hear joy and gladness...” (Tehillim 51:10).
This Posuk teaches us that the increasing Simcha that we would like
to attain this month is a gift from Hashem, and
we should daven for it! Indeed,
Rabbi Moshe Tuvia Lieff, Shlita, notes that because we have a double Adar
this year we can take 59 days of joy, add on a 1 representing the month of
Adar Sheini, and attain 60. We
thus have a possibility of Bittul BeShishim--we have enough to be mevatel,
to nullify an attitude and feeling of atzvus, sadness... for the rest of the
year!
There are some great
additional steps we can take towards attaining Simcha this month.
In a recent Shiur, HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon, Shlita, asked everyone
to study the concept of Simcha as related in the Sefer Mesilas
Yesharim, Chapter 19. There,
the Mesilas Yesharim teaches that a person should recognize that the
true Simcha is Simcha Shel Mitzvah, which
is the recognition and appreciation of one’s entitlement and privilege to
daven to Hashem who is all-powerful, to study Hashem’s Torah, and to serve
him through the performance of Mitzvos.
Simcha Shel Mitzvah is not simply a Simcha that is contained
in our life--it is the Simcha that
actually sustains our life.
Indeed, the Kuzari writes that each Mitzvah opportunity should be viewed as an
incredible invitation by Hashem Himself to be taken out of emptiness and
squalor and instead to sit and eat at the King’s Table!
Moreover, the more Hashem wants to invite you to Olam Haba, the more
opportunity of Mitzvah--the more invitations--he gives to you. Each
such invitation brings you to a position at the table which is closer and
closer to the King. Remember,
your ultimate stay at the King’s table will not be for a short meal or
even a banquet--rather, your final position at the table--will be an
everlasting one!
HaRav Salomon brought one
way in which one can determine whether in fact he experienced Simcha Shel
Mitzvah. He analogized to one
coming home from a Chasunah. How
did you feel when you came back--”I had nothing to do”
“I was bored” “I am
still hungry”--or “I am so happy for the Chosson and Kallah”
“What a great Simcha” “I
felt real Achdus there.” Your
feelings after the Chasunah will give you the insight as to how meaningful
it was for you. Similarly, after
you Daven, after you study Torah, or after you perform the other 611 Mitzvos--Do
you feel uplifted? Do you feel happy? Do you feel accomplished?
One can help himself grow
in attaining Simcha Shel Mitzvah with some Hachana,
simple preparation before doing a Mitzvah.
Reflect for a moment--what a
great opportunity doing this Mitzvah is--what a great right--what a great
privilege--from Hashem Himself!
Adar is an especially
graced time for growth in Simcha Shel Mitzvah--for this is the Avodah of the
Month. Let us work on this great
accomplishment together by taking a moment to reflect before
we perform a Mitzvah--and then feel the joy after
we have performed it…and forever thereafter!
--------------------------------
BRACHOS
ALERT! We had asked
the OU about the Bracha on Jolly Rancher candies.
They graciously responded as follows:
“We showed Rav Belsky the formulas for Twizzlers , Jolly Rancher
Awesome Twosomes and Young & Smylie Strawberry Licorice and
after reviewing the formulas he said that the proper Bracha Rishona on all
of these products is Shehakol. Even
though they contain wheat flour, the flour is only Lidabek and is not added
for Ta’am. He said that he had
heard this Psak from Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky, Zt’l, as well.”
------------------------------------
Special Note
One: Once, after resolving a
difficulty in a Rambam, Rebbe Yisroel Salanter, Z’tl, fainted.
“If I have such talent,” Rebbe Yisroel explained upon coming to,
“I have a tremendous responsibility,” the Heavenly Court will demand of
me: “Why didn’t you get the
whole world to do Teshuva?”
Hakhel Note I: We all have
tremendous Kochos, more than we know. With these Kochos comes
responsibilities, not only to ourselves but to others.
This year, Purim will be celebrated on a Sunday, which means that
there is a greater responsibility to somehow and in some way involve those
who you know who are not yet Torah observant in the meaning and importance
of the day. May we suggest that
you go to the www.kiruv.com website and review the great possibilities that
you have of bringing a brother closer to Torah.
Even if you simply refer an uneducated acquaintance to some
inspirational websites, you will have accomplished a great deal.
These include: ohr.edu,
aish.com, simpletoremember.com, beingjewish.com, jewishresourcecard.com.
You don’t have to faint--and Hatzlacha Rabba!
Hakhel Note II: The Maharal explains
that the reason Haman was so happy that the month in which he would kill the
Jews came up as Adar was because it was the last month of the year, thus
symbolizing that it was the month which would c’v be the end of Klal
Yisroel’s existence. He was so
mistaken, because Adar as the last month, symbolized our existence beyond
that of all of the other nations--we would continue and be last!
We each can do our part in not only keeping ourselves part of those
that are ‘last,’ but bringing our neighbors, friends, co-workers, etc.
into the great ‘Adar Group’ as well!
Special Note
Two: As we learned in last
week’s Parsha, when one entered the Kodesh, the Shulchan, or the table
with the Lechem HaPanim on it was on
the right and the Menorah was on
the left. The Shulchan, of
course, symbolizes prosperity and blessing in this world while the Menorah
represents the light of Torah and its study.
We would have better understood it if the Menorah was to the right and the Shulchan to the left.
After all, we attribute greater Chashivus to the right, and, moreover
the right was north--which was the direction in which the Kadshei Kadshim--the
most holy of Karbanos were brought. In
order to resolve this paradox, some commentaries explain that there is a
great difference between our approach to attaining the ‘Shulchan’ and
our approach to attaining the ‘Menorah’ in life.
What do we mean? Chazal (Pesachim
50B) teach that Torah can first be studied She’lo Lishmah--not for its own
sake, and that will eventually lead to Lishmah.
As Chazal especially express it: “Mitoch
She’lo Lishmah Bah Lishmah.” With
this, we can understand why we first begin teaching young children with
candies and treats, prizes and more prizes.
As a person grows, however, he realizes that it is the Torah itself
which is the eternal treat and the everlasting prize.
When it comes to the Shulchan, however, there is no room for She’lo
Lishmah. We cannot focus upon
earthly passions, desires, goals, and attainments as an end in itself--even
with the intent of eventually making one’s life more noble and elevated.
One should not ever place the emphasis on satisfaction of Olam Hazeh
needs as an end in and of itself. It
is for this reason that the Shulchan must be on the right--for it must
always be in the ‘Lishmah mode.’ What
a great lesson! Many times
throughout the day when one finds the challenge arise as to a particular
indulgence, gratification or desire, he should remember that the Menorah is
to the left… but that the Shulchan always remains to the right!
Special Note
Three: This time of year
represents and reminds us of the special level of Hashgacha that Hashem
graces us with. Sometimes it is
clear to see, and sometimes we may not even realize how we were lead in a
particular direction or on a specific path.
Indeed, some commentaries to Tehillim 117 explain that the reason we
exclaim: “Halelu Es Hashem Kol
Goyim, Shabechuhu Kol HaUmim--praise Hashem all nations, praise Him all
nationalities” is because we do not even know the nature or extent of the
designs and schemes against us from which we were saved--and only they do.
On the other hand, with the Nes of Purim, it was clear for all to see
Hashem’s tremendous ‘behind-the-scenes’ actions for many years--and
that but for the great Hashgacha Pratis we would have been annihilated--as
had actually happened to scores of nations previously in existence.
Indeed, the term “Megillas Esther” expressly affirms the dual
nature of our Hashgacha--sometimes it is ‘Megillah,’ meaning thoroughly
revealed--and sometimes it is ‘Esther,’ meaning wholly hidden.
It would certainly be an appropriate Avodah at this time of year to
work on experiencing and appreciating the Hashgacha Pratis in each one of
our personal lives. “Why did I
feel that I was coming down with a cold and then not get it?”
“Why did my cell phone break today?”
“How did I get involved in redding this Shidduch?”
“Why did I learn this today--is there some way in which I should be
applying it?”... Although one
cannot go through an entire day noting this and noting that, it most
certainly behooves us during the month of Adar to write down at
least one Hashgacha Pratis incident of the day which you recognized as a
clear indication of Hashem’s hand in your life.
It is no secret, and we have noted here before, that once a person
recognizes the tremendous Hashgacha to which he is subject, the more Simcha
he will feel in his closeness to Hashem.
Your own personal Adar 5771 Hashgacha Pratis Calendar--a marvelous
goal and special achievement for what we hope will be a Simcha-filled month!
MISHENICHNAS ADAR MARBIN
BESIMCHA! HaRav Dessler, Z’tl,
notes that there should be a progressive increase in Simcha with each day as
we are propelled further into Adar. We
must also make sure to increase the spectrum of Simcha for others as well.
With the recent awakening of many prominent and political figures who
have also urged the President to grant Yehonasan
Ben Malka clemency, we may take it as a Siman that Min HaShomayim
(although, of course, we are not Nevi’im) that we, whose
actions really matter should take action for his release from
incarceration, so that he too can experience the Simcha of Adar.
Please recite Tehillim 121, and call the White House Comment Line
202-456-1111 or 1414. Readers
have requested, that especially at this time of increased Simcha, we also
daven for the release of the two Bochurim still incarcerated in Japan--Yoel Zeev ben Mirel Rissa Chava and Yaakov Yosef ben Raizel.
We must also remember Gilad Ben Aviva Shalit who has been languishing at the wicked hands
of Sonei Yisroel so close to home. May
each one of them soon experience true Simcha...and what great Simcha we
would feel with each and every one of
them being released!
------------------------------------------------
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
Dovid HaMelech teaches in Tehillim (110:10):
“Reishis Chochma Yiras Hashem...--the beginning of wisdom is the fear
of Heaven.” Yet, his son,
Shlomo HaMelech teaches in Koheles (12:13):
“Sof Davar HaKol Nishma
Es HaElokim Yirah…--the end of the matter,
when all has been considered is to fear Hashem...”
So, how are we to understand this--is Yiras Shomayim the beginning and the end of everything?!
------------------------------------------------
Special Note One:
From PROJECT KAVEY (Rabbi Dov Brezak, Shlita):
In past generations respect for authority dictated that children
would accept our critique and adjust their behavior. Today’s
children are full of attitude and do not want to be told anything. How
can we raise children successfully if they have an aversion to following our
guidance and accepting our directives? The solution is to cultivate in
our children the awareness that we are truly on their side and out for their
benefit. Perceiving us as ally rather than adversary will help our
children accept our directives and follow our instructions even if they do
not want to.
If you would like to
join a live parenting line or would like more information, contact tips@kavey.org,
or call 646-504-1016 (US), 020-7043-5619 (UK), 082-441-2713 (SA), 052-769-7588 (IL)
Special Note Two:
If you start tomorrow and learn just three Mishnayos a day (last week
it was just two Mishnayos a day), you will finish Mishnayos Mesechta
Megillah in time to make a Siyum on Purim itself.
Start today--to ensure that you have begun the Purim preparation
process. Remember, the power and
potency of a Mitzvah is an expression of the thought and preparation that
goes into it!
Additional Note:
Now would also be a good time to begin thinking about not only who
you have to send Mishloach Manos
to, but also who would be truly moved
and appreciative for being remembered, thought about, or reconciled
with-- through Mishloach Manos. Rabbi
Yechiel Spero, Shlita, in A Touch of
Purity writes that in the phrase “Mishloach Manos Ish LeRei’eihu” both the word Ish
and LeRei’eihu have the same
Gematria (311) to indicate the level of identification, affection, and
oneness that one should have with another--and that one can exhibit by
thoughtfully giving!
Special Note Three:
It is fascinating to note that the Sefer Chofetz
Chaim in Chapter 4, Paragraph 11 provides significant detail as to how one
should go about obtaining information from another regarding a Shidduch.
Then, in the very next Paragraph, Chapter
4, Paragraph 12 the Chofetz Chaim relates how one does Teshuva for all
sins of Lashon Hara. What is the
connection of these two paragraphs? We
can make the significant inference that one must be especially
and extremely careful regarding Shidduch information, so that he need
not have the need to do Teshuva as a result of his actions.
This is obviously a particularly sensitive and delicate area, and one
must be especially careful to navigate it properly.
The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation is therefore providing a great
service to the community by distributing The
Shidduchim Guide by email, free of charge, over the next several weeks
(the first email began yesterday, 1 Adar Sheini) until the next Shemiras
Halashon email cycle begins on April 5th.
In order to subscribe to this short daily Shidduchim
Guide installment, please send an email to alessonaday@chofetzchaimusa.org
Additional Note:
Because last week was Parshas Shekolim, we did not have the
opportunity to read the Haftara of Machar Chodesh.
However, the extremely powerful lesson the HaRav Chaim Kanievsky,
Shlita, teaches from that Haftara can still be reiterated now.
Yehonasan and Dovid contrived a plan by which Dovid would get a
message from Yehonasan as to Shaul’s feelings towards Dovid without
actually meeting each other. What
benefit was there in initially avoiding the meeting by which Yehonasan would
convey the necessary information to Dovid. After all, it was obviously a
great to’eles relating to the saving Dovid’s life, and, as the Pesukim
show, they ended up meeting anyway. HaRav
Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, answers that to the extent one can minimize Loshon
Hora spoken--even if it is l’toeles (with a legitimate Halachic
purpose)--nevertheless, to the extent it could be done in some other
way--without directly impugning someone, this must be done. Yehonasan
did not want to utter one unnecessary negative word against his father--and
when he met Dovid, he did not do so. What Dovid learned, he learned
from the “arrows” that Yehonasan shot. The Navi is teaching us the
great lesson of how far we must go to keep our tongue from any kind of
evil--and even when Loshon Hora l’toeles may be spoken; it must be
presented properly. Accordingly,
we urge you to sign up today for The
Shidduchim Guide--even if you or your family member is not in the
‘parsha’ of Shidduchim, you may be involved in redding Shidduchim to
others, or in being asked Shidduch-related information.
Special Note Four:
We continue to study the great significance of ‘firsts’ and
‘lasts’. We conclude our
Shemone Esrei with the moving Posuk from Sefer Tehillim (19:15) “Yehiyu
LeRatzon Imrei Phi VeHegyon Libi Lefanecha Hashem Tzuri VeGoali--May the
words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart find favor before you Hashem,
My Strength and My Redeemer.” The
recitation of this Posuk is not only
moving to us, however--but to
Hashem as well! The Mishna
Berura (to Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 122:2, seif katan 8) brings from the Seder
HaYom who writes that this Posuk is “Mesugal LeKamma Inyanim”--it
begins with a Yud, ends with a Yud, has Ten Words, and Ten Yuds, and a total
of 42 letters (an allusion to Hashem’s Name of 42 letters), and adds that
“Soddo Sod Gadol--it’s essence is very great.” Accordingly, the Mishna
Berurah, a Halacha sefer, continues and concludes “one must recite the
Posuk slowly and with Kavannah--and it will help much in one’s Tefillos
being accepted and not being returned empty-handed.”
The outstanding efficacy of just one Posuk--let us keep our strength
and our stamina--to recite it properly at the end of Shemone Esrei!
---------------------------------
Special Note One:
With the third Yahrzeit of the Bachurim of Mercaz HaRav H’YD upon
us, it behooves us greatly to do a special act of Chesed (including Tzedaka)
in their zechus today; perhaps for those who are able--eight different acts
of Chesed--one for each Holy Neshama. With
this, we affirmatively demonstrate to HaKadosh Baruch Hu that while they
murder c’v in Your Name, we LOVE in Your Name…we wait for Geulah so
anxiously when we can bring our LOVE of You and Your Creations to new and
previously untold heights. Let
us also be especially kind and peaceful today as a reminder of who these
prized Bachurim were. May we be
zoche to Besoros Tovos, Yeshuos and Nechamos--and to witness Techias
HaMeisim in our days, as well.
Special Note Two:
The Torah (Shemos 12:2) teaches that “HaChodesh HaZeh Lochem Rosh
Chadashim Rishon Hu Lachem Lechodshei HaShanah”--notwithstanding when the
New Year begins--the First Month of our Year is Nissan, and Tishrei is
actually the Seventh Month of the Year (see Mishna Rosh Hashanah 1:1 for
further explanation). Accordingly,
with Adar Beis, we arrive at the last month of the Year--and this morning we
have recited “UleChaparas Posha” for the last time this Leap Year!
On Erev Shabbos, we noted that last is not always a negative. As we
learn from Yaakov placing Rochel and Yosef last in their greeting
Eisav--Acharon Acharon Chaviv--the last can be the most precious.
Indeed, some even ‘save the best for last--for it to have a longer
lasting effect’. So, we can
use this last month to great advantage--by cleaning up the spills of the
past 12 months, and inaugurating Nissan on a new and smooth pavement.
Is it any wonder that the first Mishna in Mesechta Shekalim, and
Parshas Shekalim that we read last week, REMIND US to prepare in the month
ahead--to be ready and to donate the Shekalim on time?!
We too can accomplish and attain a successful Adar day
by day--starting today. We
can begin today by determining if we have properly honored or can in some
way improve in honoring Rosh Chodesh. Will
I have a Seudah today (especially women--as it is a special day for them in
celebration of their not participating in the Chait HaEigel)?
Am I dressed properly for the day?
Can I learn a little more today?
Will my Mincha Shemone Esrei today be infused with more Kavanna--will
I recite the awesome Tefillah of Ya’aleh
VeYavo--in which I ask that my Tefillos pierce
through the Seven Heavens and appear before Hashem’s Throne for
Remembrance--slowly and with the expectation and drive that they are
piercing through to the top? Oh,
what opportunity we have to take us out of the disappointment and dismay,
out of the confusion and terror, of Galus through the powerful Tefillos
gifted to us!
Additional Note One:
With the advent of Adar Sheni, we continue our program of monthly
advancement in the Foundations of Our Faith--as Adar Sheni is the Seventh
Month since Tishrei, we commence the Seventh of the Ani Ma’amins.
This Ani Ma’amin
teaches that while all the words of the Nevi’im are true--Moshe
Rabbeinu’s Nevuah was absolutely and irrefutably the greatest level of
Nevuah that was ever and will ever be attained.
Accordingly, the Torah which he gave is immutable and irreplaceable.
As the Navi adjures: “Zichru Toras Moshe Avdi--Remember the Torah
of Moshe, My Servant--for this is the One and Only Torah.
Imposters have attempted to impugn its teachings and especially its
teachings as applied to later generations--but because you know it was given
by the greatest Navi to ever live--you will always hold as Hashem’s
One-Time Gift to Mankind for Eternity. Let
us especially affirm this belief every day as we recite this Ani Ma’amin.
Additional Note Two:
We have pointed out that the 13 months of the Year are reflected in
the 13 praises of the last Chapter of Tehillim--Tehillim 150. The 13th month
is reflected by the repetition of the final Pasuk of all of Tehillim--“Kol
HaNeshama Tehallel Ka HalleluKa”--Let
all Neshamos, and as Chazal add Al
Kol Neshima, for my every breath do I express--Praise to Hashem. Most
certainly, our repeating this Pasuk a second time represents a more intense
and dedicated affirmation of this climax and conclusion of Tehillim.
This month, as we recite and repeat this Pasuk in Pesukei DeZimrah we
should especially note it and give it a special emphasis.
We should make sure to breathe in this message--dedicating ourselves
to thanks and praise for Hashem’s eternal gifts to us now--and hoping for
the day soon when all of Creation will be ‘in the know’ together with
us!
-----------------------------
Special
Note One: A reader provided this
message to us from Rabbi Label Lam, Shlita:
“25 years ago my wife heard in a Shiur from Rebbetzin Fried and
related to me a most beautiful explanation of a verse we say and sing often.
At the end of Shir HaMa’alos
before bentching on Shabbos and other times too we recite the following
words of King David, “Those who sow with tears harvest with joyous song! Though
he walks along weeping carrying the bag of seed, he will return with joyous
song carrying his bundles!” That’s
the way the words are usually translated but they can be read otherwise. “Hazorim b’dima- b’rina”- There are two types of people that
sow seeds! Those who sow with tears and those who sow with joy! “Yiktzoru”-
they will both harvest! “Haloch
yelech u’bacho”- one who goes along weeping and complaining- “nosei
meshech hazarah” will bear a yield according to the seed (one for one)
“Bo yavo b’rina” –
One who goes about his business with joyous song, “Nosei
Alumosav” will bear bundles! Hakhel
Note: To subscribe to Rabbi
Lam’s wonderful weekly Devar Torah on the Parsha, please send an email to
rabbilabellam@yahoo.com
Special
Note Two: From a reader:
“I learned an invaluable lesson this morning. I
plopped down on the couch to daven, but without realizing it, I sat on a
beautiful picture that we had just bought from R’ Yonah Weinreb for our
cousin as a wedding gift. It was
OK, but it bent a bit and needs to be fixed up by their offices. I was very
upset and started davening but not as well as I should have because I was
upset at myself for always seeming to mess things up. Then,
I realized that this is what Teshuva is all about, you need to be upset
about what you have done, resolve to fix it--and then start again.
I was thinking that’s what
Teshuva BeChol Yom can be--you think about what you did wrong the day
before, be upset over it, try to fix whatever possible (here, the picture!),
and move on with a bit more awareness and drive to better yourself going
forward (I’m not plopping on the couch in the future...).”
Hakhel Note: Thank you
for the beautiful and practical insight!
Additional
Note: The Sefer Orchos Tzaddikim writes that one of the principles of Teshuva is “To know the truth, that Teshuva is the Refuah Sheleima for aveiros; if
a person who is ill doesn’t believe that a medicine will heal him won’t
take it--but if he knows for sure that it will help, he will take the pill
or medication, no matter how difficult it may be. If
a person truly appreciates the truth--the efficacy of Teshuva, and its
enormous healing ability--he should and will be extremely vigilant,
extremely caring and careful--to take Hashem’s Medication--daily!
Special
Note Three: As we conclude Sefer Shemos tomorrow, we recognize that there is
a new beginning next week with Sefer Vayikra.
It is a momentous ending of the Sefer HaGeulah, and the inauguration
of the aftermath of Geulah--the Toras Kohanim--service of Hashem on a higher
plane in a Mikdash. Non-coincidentally,
the Daf Yomi will be concluding Mesechta Zevachim and commencing Mesechta
Menachos--also emphasizing the necessity of broadening our scope in Avodas
Hashem. We are even ending the
month and beginning anew early next week.
Most definitely, this should be a Shabbos of real reflection--what am
I concluding--and what will I be beginning?
How will I utilize the opportunity?
Will I realize that when Purim arrives the year will be half
over--and that it would truly be an accomplishment to Improve in Avodas
Hashem before the second half of
the Year--with a concrete improvement that I have been meaning to make
--especially in Torah or Tefillah? As
we see the great work product of the Mishkan come to final fruition in
Parshas Pekudei--let us practically and meaningfully take the lesson of its
building to the meaningful next step--real and actual growth in Avodas
Hashem.
Additional
Note: As we will be finishing
the last Parsha of Shemos, and commencing the first Parsha of Vayikra; as we
will conclude the last day of Adar I and start the first day of Adar II; as
we will complete the last Daf of Zevachim and begin the first Daf of
Menachos--it may also be a good time to review what we are FIRST
or close to first to do and
what we are LAST or close to last
to do. Where do we especially
place our true Zerizus efforts and excel--and what do we particularly put
off doing. Is there any part of
this that could or should change? Where
am I in terms of arriving in Shul for Minyan or a Shiur--at the head of the
class, around the middle, or towards the end?
Is there anything that should I put off to the end?
We know that there must be some way that last is important--after all
in the Ani Ma’amins themselves--we affirm our belief that Hashem is Rishon
and Acharon--First and Last! Here
is a possible suggestion for what a person can do First or at the outset of
every day--give Tzedaka (as the Pasuk teaches--”Ani BeTzedek Ecehezeh
Ponecha), and perhaps a LAST thing to do every day--highlight the most
successful and least successful part of the day passed--and think about how
to rectify the ‘plopping’ (above)--and how to keep the successes coming!
Special
Note Four: We continue with our
Erev Shabbos--Halachos of Shabbos Series:
1.
A Muktzah item (e.g. raw fish or flour) in a refrigerator or freezer
that is preventing one from removing a non-Muktzah item (e.g. Challah) which
is needed on Shabbos may be moved in the following manner: One
should place one’s hands in the refrigerator or freezer and take hold of
the non-Muktzah item (e.g. Challah). While
removing the non-Muktzah item a person may place his hands in the front of
the Muktzah item to prevent the non-Muktzah from falling out. In
the event that this is not possible one may push the Muktzah item to the
side (e.g. raw fish or flour) using with a Non-Muktzah object (e.g. a
knife). Notes:
(a) If a freezer broke and raw fish or meat will spoil (which would
result in a serious financial loss), one may rely on the authorities that
rule that raw fish or meat is not Muktzah on Shabbos. (b) Raw eggs are not
considered Muktza as some people will use them in that state.
(Muktza: A Practical Guide,
by Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen, Shlita--Artscroll Halacha Series).
2.
Last week, we brought the Yerushalmi Tzaddik’s recommendation that
each Shabbos Seudah have a story to strengthen Emunah/ Emunas Chachomim.
For readers who requested, we once again supply the
email address for Shabbos Stories--a weekly free email compilation
from a wide variety of sources--it is keren18@juno.com
Hakhel Note: This will
assist you with the story, but the Niggunim--no matter how tired or tone
deaf you are--are up to you--and may be indicative in some way of just
exactly how happy you are in celebrating the Shabbos.
In any event, remember that the Chitzoniyos is Me’orrer the
P’nimius. Chazal in Mesechta
Megillah (12B) teach us the difference betwen the secular festive meal--such
as that of Achashveirosh--and our festive meals--is that they immediately
involve themselves in inanities, while we infuse and raise the Seudah with
Torah and Zemiros...
3.
On Leil Shabbos, if one is davening privately, or he finishes Shemone
Esrei after the Minyan, he is still permitted to recite the paragraph of
‘Magen Avos BiD’voro until the
words Zecher Lema’aseh Beraishis “ privately
(Rema to Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 268:8)
4.
Also on Leil Shabbos, the Mishna Berurah writes that if one did not
succeed in reciting Vayechulu with a Minyan in Shul , he should find another
person and recite Vayechulu together with him--so that together they recite
Eidus--or testimony--that Hashem created the world in seven days.
However, there is a
question here--where do we find that Eidus--testimony is recited
together---isn’t testimony to be provided
consecutively--one witness after the other--so that both voices can be heard
and, moreover, one witness won’t listen to or be influenced by, the
testimony of the other? Rabbi
Shmuel Smith, Shlita points to the Magen
Avrohom who explains that there is an opinion that Eidus was in fact to
be said together. The Machatzis
Hashekel (an appropriate
commentary to learn this week!) explains that since we are giving such
important testimony about Hashem’s creation of the Heavens and the
Earth-we are especially stringent to fulfill all Shittos--even this unique
opinion that testimony is to be recited together!
5.
The Chofetz Chaim once convinced a Jew who was Mechallel Shabbos in
his business to become Shomer Shabbos. “The
only thing, Rebbe, is that I need to work another one or two Shabbosim in
order to straighten out all my books and records, and finish my Shabbos
affairs,” he said. The Chofetz
Chaim lovingly looked at the man and said--” I am not the Ba’al HaBayis
over Shabbos to be able to grant your request.
Shabbos belongs to Hashem--and he has already determined that each
and every moment of each and every Shabbos is of great and untold
significance and importance--so forget your cheshbonos--and rely on
Hashem’s Hand to help you!” Let
us appreciate each precious moment of Shabbos--and make sure that we
recognize and demonstrate through our especially sincere and sublime action
that it is Hashem Himself who is the Ba’al Habayis over the day!
Special
Note Five: How could we conclude
Adar I and be on the portals of Adar II without beginning with a few short
questions on the Megillah?
1.
What other name was Achashveirosh known by in Tanach?
2.
Can you give at least three reasons why Achashveirosh made his
incomparable Mishte at the outset of the Megillah?
3.
What does the word HaPartemim mean?
4.
According to the opinion that Memuchan was Haman, why was it,
BeHashgacha, that he
had to give the advice to kill Vashti?
Also, al pi hatevah--why would he want to kill Vashti--what did she
do to him already?!
5.
Why didn’t Esther relate where she was from--why did Mordechai tell
her not to?
6.
Why was Mordechai sitting at the Sha’ar HaMelech not a ‘give
away’ as to where Esther was from?
7.
Why didn’t Mordechai tell Achashveirosh of the plot of Bigsan Veseresh
directly--why did he relate it through Esther?
]
8.
Why was Achashveirosh notice to kill the Jews issued so far--almost a
year-- in advance--didn’t he realize that this would provide ample time
for the Jews to act?
9.
At the first Mishte--Esther’s request was that Achashveirosh and
Haman come back for a second Mishte--why couldn’t she accomplish her goal
at the first Mishte?
10.
What was the special cause of VeHa’ir Shushan Tzhala VeSameicha--how
was this Simcha different from Layehudim Hoysa Orah VeSimcha...?
Answers
you want also?!
Good Shabbos and Simchas Adar!
-----------------------------
KASHRUS
ALERT! From the Star-K: Dole Value Added Coleslaw with added dressing packets are not Star-K certified. The
Star-K symbol appearing next to the sell by date code was labeled in error. Corrective
action is being taken.
Special Note One: We
received the following from a reader: “A new disease has infiltrated our
community--reading the Blackberry in Shul. I
think this is even worse than talking during davening. To me, one who
consults his Blackberry during davening is ignoring Hakadosh Boruch Hu and
disregarding Kavanna. I know the
Blackberry is tempting so I leave mine at home and don't bring it to Shul.
I teach a course in graduate school and one of rules of the class is
no Blackberries as it is disturbing to the instructor and to the
classmates--AL ACHAS KAMMA V’CHAMA LIFNEI MELECH MALCHEI HAMELACHIM in His
Very Own Home.” Hakhel
Note: We have previously
mentioned this issue several times, most recently last week.
We are pleased to note that some Shuls have not only prohibited use
of the cell phone in any manner within the Shul itself, but have even
designated the hallways adjacent to the interior Shul entrances as
absolutely and unequivocally “cell-phone free”.
Anyone taking an active role in his Shul or in assisting his Rav in
this regard can undoubtedly earn much merit.
We additionally note that your Blackberry Takanos should apply while
Bentching (put on silent, or turn off), or when studying anywhere--even at
home. Stay away from
desire--keep your ears free and your hands free from the cell phone or
similar devices during your special spiritual points of the day.
Special Note Two: We
received the following important observation from a reader relating to the
Note yesterday on our relationship to gold and silver:
“Following
up on your point that Eretz Yisroel has no gold or silver, it is interesting
that it has no black gold--oil--either, despite the fact that it is in the
heart of the greatest oil deposits in the world.
Jordan,
Syria
and
Lebanon
also have no oil as large parts of each of those
countries were also part of Eretz Yisroel. There
is definitely a message here, as well.”
Special Note Three: Yesterday,
we noted a Torah Prohibition--we are never allowed to remove the Badim, the
staves, from the Aron. This
teaches that there is more than a connection between the Torah student and
the Torah supporter--there is a
oneness. In amplification of
this thought, and to spur further action in the beautiful and broad realm of
Torah support, we provide the following meaningful passage from the Sefer Tomer Devorah (Chapter 8), by HaRav Moshe Cordovero, Z’tl:
“One should help students of the Torah and support them, whether
with money or in deed, providing them with the things they require,
preparing their food, and carrying out their wishes so that they need not
cease their Torah study. He
should take care not to disparage their learning, lest they flag in their
efforts to study. He should
praise their good deeds so that they gain strength in their service, and he
should provide them with the books they need, a house of study, and so
forth. Anything that strengthens
and supports those who toil in Torah derives from the Sefiros,
the Heavenly attributes of Netzach
and Hod. Each
person should contribute whatever he can, however little or much. Ultimately,
whatever a person can do to honor the Torah and strengthen its
observance--whether verbally, physically, or financially--arousing
people’s hearts to Torah and inspiring them to hold fast to it, is rooted
in these two Heavenly attributes….”
Let
us make a special effort today, and every day to encourage, support, aid,
and assist Torah study. We add
that HaRav Chaim Shmulevitz, Z’tl, would advise his students that when
they study with earnestness and zeal, without wasting time and with
enthusiasm and energy, they influence the people studying near them to study
with greater devotion and dedication as well.
The snow ball effect of honor and commitment continues to those
studying near them and so on…and it all comes back to your original
efforts, to your original passion and sincerity.
You can be a great Torah supporter while studying yourself--simply by the way you
study!
Special Note Four: The following useful questions and answers have
been excerpted from The Guidelines Series, “Questions and Answers About
the Laws of Brachos”, a two-volume practical and wonderful work by Rabbi
Elozor Barclay, Shlita, and Rabbi Yitzchok Jaeger, Shlita. These
excellent Seforim are published by Targum Press and are available in your
local book store.
The questions presented
below relate specifically to Netilas Yadayim before eating bread:
(a) Which type of
vessel should be used for Netilas Yadayim?
The vessel may be made from
any type of material, e.g. metal, glass, wood, china, plastic, stone. However,
all of the following conditions must be fulfilled for the vessel to qualify:
-It must hold at least a
Reviyis.
-It must be intact.
-It must be capable of
standing upright without support.
-It must be designed to
hold liquids.
-It must be shaped like a
container.
(b) What is meant by
an intact vessel?
The vessel should not be
chipped, cracked, or have a hole in its side or base. In certain
circumstances, a vessel with such a flaw may be suitable, but the details of
these rules are complex. It is therefore advisable to always use an
intact vessel.
(c) May one use a
disposable cup?
Since opinions differ about
this, it should only be used in emergencies. The same applies to an
empty juice carton.
(d) What if the water
has a cloudy appearance?
This phenomenon occurs when
high water pressure creates air bubbles in the water. If the water is
allowed to stand in a vessel, the air bubbles rise, leaving the water clear.
Such water may be used for Netilas Yadayim, but according to some
opinions, one should wait until the water becomes clear.
(e) May one use sea
water?
If the water is so salty
that even a dog cannot drink it, one may not use it for NetilasYadayim.
Nevertheless, it is permitted to purify the hands by immersing them in
the sea, despite its being extremely salty.
(f) May one use
seltzer?
Yes.
(g) What if a woman
forgot to remove her rings before Netilas Yadayim?
If the rings are slightly
loose, she does not need to wash again. However, if the rings are
well-fitting, she must remove them and wash again. If she realized
after reciting the Bracha, she should not repeat the Bracha.
(h) May one say
“nu” after having made the Bracha?
No. It is forbidden
to make any sound, especially one that has a well known meaning, such as
“nu” or “sha”. You are also not allowed to say “nu” or
“sha” during Bentching.
----------------------------
QUESTION
OF THE WEEK:
In the Torah’s description of the building of the Mishkan, the
construction of each item is described with the word ‘Vaya’as--and he
made’ (see, for example, Shemos 36:14, 20; Shemos 37:10, 17, 25; and
Shemos 38:1, 8, 9). The only
exception is with respect to the construction of the Aron in which the Torah
writes “Vaya’as Betzalel Es
HaAron”--specifically naming him.
What is the significance of naming him here--only here regarding the
Aron?!
-----------------------------------
Special
Note One: In last week’s
Parsha, the Torah lists the three metals needed to build the Mishkan: “Zahav
Kesef VeNechoshes--gold, silver, and copper” (Shemos 35:5).
The Medrash Rabbah teaches that Nechoshes symbolizes Eretz Yisroel--for
it has copper mines, and not gold or silver mines.
This fact, of course, provides us with pause for reflection.
Why is Eretz Yisroel not a haven for gold or silver?
The answer starts to get obvious.
It is no coincidence, as it never is, that the Torah instructs
regarding the king “Kesef VeZahav Lo Yarbeh Lo--he should not have more
gold and silver than he needs.” (Sefer Shenayim Mikrah in the name of the Maharzu). While we must
take care of our monetary and material needs, and while Eretz Yisroel is
truly “Eretz Asher Lo Sechsar Kol Bah--a place from which nothing is
missing”, we must remember that the
intention of the blessings of this world is for them to bring blessings to
the next world--and that the blessings here should not serve as ends in
and of themselves. For Eretz
Yisroel to be the ‘South Africa of the World’ would send the wrong
message to us all about what both we and Eretz Yisroel are all about.
Where,
then, is Zahav and Kesef placed first? In
its donations to the Mishkan! When
performing Mitzvos, when spending money with the thought of ‘LeSheim
Shomayim’ or ‘LeSheim Mitzvah.’ We
are then using our greatest blessings her for even greater blessings in the
World to Come. Now, what if one
is not blessed with a high degree of material wealth--what if one does not
have the Zahav VeKesef to donate, to use for the right reasons?
Chazal (Kiddushin 40A) teach that when it comes to a Mitzvah, Hashem
looks towards a person’s intent, even if he is unable to carry it
out--and, remarkably in the Beis Din Shel Ma’alah it is viewed as if his
intent was actually accomplished. The
Malbim writes that this great principle also applies when one wants to give
much Tzedaka but is incapable of doing so--his lack of material wealth, with
genuine intentions and with sincere aspirations, actually translates into
great and everlasting, actual spiritual wealth!
Additional
Note I: We note that if one does
intend to give a certain amount to Tzedaka, he should have in mind that it
is Bli Neder until he actually gives the donation.
In other words, he should not be ‘Gamar BeLibo’, he should not
have concluded in his own mind, that he is giving the money until he
actually does so (see Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De’ah 258).
Additional
Note II: The Meshech Chochma points out that the Keilim in the Bais HaMikdash
which were carried with Badim (staves) also had rings which the Torah
describes as ‘Batim LeBadim’
(see for example, Shemos 36:14) or housings
to the staves to hold them onto the particular Keilim.
There was one exception--the rings which held the staves of the Aron
in place were not referred to as ‘Batim’, as housings, but simply as
rings. Why was the Aron
different? The Meshech
Chochma explains that a Bayis, a house, is something that one enters and
exits, comes and leaves from when needed.
So, too, the staves of the Shulchan, the Mizbeiach HaOlah, and the
Mizbeiach HaKetores were all removed when the Mishkan encamped--the staves
left their houses. This was not
true of the Aron in which the staves remained in place permanently--the
Badim of the Aron actually took on the name of the Aron, becoming part of
the Aron itself. The Aron’s
staves, of course, symbolize those who lift up and support the Torah and the
study of Torah. The Torah is
teaching us that the supporters are not just ‘housing’ for the Torah,
but actually are a part of the Aron itself.
The act of giving, the act of support and the study--become one!
Additional
Note
III
:
Chazal (Shevi’is 10:3) teach that Hillel HaZakein instituted the
concept of a Prozbul so that wealthier people would lend money to poor
people without worrying about the Shemittah year wiping out the debt.
So, who would you say the Takanah of Prozbul was for--the wealthy
person--or the poor person?
The Mishna (ibid.) actually and incredibly expressly states that the
Prozbul was instituted for the benefit
of the wealthier people so that they would not violate the Torah
prohibition (“HiShamer Lecha…”, Devarim 15:9) of not lending money for
the fear that the Shemittah year would absolve the debt!
Remember,
the next time your give Tzedakah--you may be giving the paper--but you are
getting the gold!
Special
Note Two: HaRav Avigdor Miller,
Z’tl, highlights the current importance of the Second Bracha of Shemone
Esrei for us. This Bracha, no
less than five times, refers to Techiyas HaMeisim.
HaRav Miller notes that the time will soon come when Techiyas
HaMeisim will have actually taken place, and this Bracha which we had
recited with such zeal and anticipation will be evident before our eyes, and
will involve no Nisayon whatsoever. Accordingly,
now is the time, HaRav Miller
urges, for one to infuse his sincere and heartfelt Emunah into the Bracha--with
the full knowledge and awesome awareness that each and every word of the
Bracha will become wonderful and incomparable reality!
-----------------------------
Special Note One: Yesterday,
we provided the moving initial words of Tehillim Chapter 99, which seems to squarely describe our current situation
today and what we should do about it. It
may be telling that the very next Kepitel of Tehillim, Chapter 100, is “Mizmor LeSodah Hariu LaShem Kol HaAretz--a Song
of Thanksgiving--let everyone on earth call out to Hashem in thanks and
praise!” If we can properly
fulfill our role in Chapter 99…it would appear that we can shortly
thereafter arrive at Tehillim 100! May
we accordingly suggest, that from time to time during the day, we
think of the Keruvim--we look to Hashem,
and Hashem looks to us. This
thought and focus can serve as a practical and beautiful stepping stone to a
great mantra for our advanced times--Teshuva
BeChol Yom!
Special Note Two: This
week, we will be concluding our presentation of imperative and essential
insights from the classic Sefer Orchos
Tzadikim. We continue with
the following extremely practical and meaningful thought from the Sefer:
“Kol Adom Nimshach BiSvarosav Achar Midosav--every person’s
thoughts directly result from his Middos, from his personal character
traits.” Thus, an Atzel, a
languid person’s, ambitions will be in consonance with his laziness; a hot
tempered person’s thoughts will quickly lead him to anger; and a haughty
or arrogant person will view matters from his (of course, the only!)
perspective. Likewise, a person
who feels love towards others will think in a loving way, and a person who
is critical and looks down upon others will understand events in that vein.
Therefore, the Orchos Tzadikim
urges that if one truly wants to be an Eved Hashem, he must first work on
eliminating his bad Middos, so that his thoughts and reactions will be led
in the right--rather than the wrong--direction!
It would be appropriate for a person to make a list of the three or
four key negative Middos that adversely affect him, and think of practical ways that can help him move away from them.
By doing so, one is merely not ridding himself of bad character--but
is cleansing his thoughts, thereby improving and purifying his actions and
deeds on an ongoing basis and an everlasting way!
To make it a bit easier, we provide the following brief list of
possibly negative traits. Identify
a few key ones for yourself, and write down just a few ways in which you can
improve upon each one of them. It
is not just a matter of Middos--it is a matter of the thoughts and the deeds
for the rest of your life (moreover, your eternal life) that will so
splendidly benefit! 1.
Ga’avah--being haughty
or arrogant; It’s my way or the
highway. 2.
Azus--being brazen and
shameless; even the Chofetz Chaim felt that a student with too much of this
destructive Middah could be grounds for being expelled from Yeshiva.
3. Sinah--hating
(check to see how often you use the word hate, despise, detest, abhor,
disgusts or even dislike). 4. Ka’as--how
often do you feel anger surging and somehow overtaking you?
Are you able to ever control it even if it comes infrequently?
Are there some people who you especially feel it towards, and can
this relationship or attitude be improved in some way?
5. Kinah--he
is healthier, richer, smarter, nicer looking, more successful, more
accomplished, more fortunate, more talented, more...than me.
So, now what?? What does his Tachlis HaChaim, his rewards and punishments, his necessary tikkunim,
have to do with yours?
6. Atzlus--HaRav Shmuel Berenbaum, Z’tl actually once described this
Middah as the source of all bad character traits--for if one does not
appreciate his value and the value of his time and his accomplishments, then
he may just as well say this, do that, etc.
Do I arrive on time to Tefillah and Torah study?
How many times have I had to skip some of Pesukei DeZimra this month
because I came late to Shul? Am
I too tired to clean up after myself or pick something up off the floor
(especially when ‘no one is looking’)?
Do my excuses always seem like excellent ones?
7. Tzaikanus--stinginess--erring
on the side of paying less when buying something for Shabbos, or when paying
for a Mitzvah, or when giving Tzedakah.
8. Shichecha--negligent
forgetfulness--not writing down what or how much you borrowed, forgetting to
make the call to help someone else out (such as a shidduch call), not
writing down or constantly recalling what you have to improve in... 9.
Chanifus--supporting or
acquiescing to improper ways; letting the inappropriate joke be told;
encouraging or complimenting one in a way which will allow him to justify or
continue his behavior; smiling or nodding at someone because even though you
know he is wrong, because
he is rich or because he is considered a prestigious person.
10. Sheker--falseness.
Even little openings of its darkness can have devastating results.
“Just tell him I’m not in the office” amounts to two people not
telling the actual truth--the boss and the employee.
Avoiding all shades of lying. The
Sefer Orchos Tzaddikim writes that
if one’s thoughts are always true, then even his dreams and visions in the
night will be true--and he will even be able to understand events like
angels. In Kelm, where the
Middah of Emes was a great hallmark, they placed great significance and
weight on their own dreams--we can now understand why!
As we move towards the close of this month of Simcha towards the
next month of Simcha--we can increase and develop, expand and enhance our
personal joy--through the pleasure and happiness, through the elation--of
our own personal accomplishment! What
a great time--and a great day--to begin!
Do you need a piece of paper? Please
start your great new Simcha--now!!
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