Bs”d
Parshas Bereishis (5769)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
In observing the significant opening of the Chumash we see a consistent repetition of “vayavdeil”; a “separation” on the part of Hashem. This obviously is to communicate to us the message of priority of importance. Hashem expects as a most basic mentality and behaviour the sensitivity to constantly and consistently be a “mavdil”—to be able to discern the fine light of the truth in all issues.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayechi (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Many of us are under the false impression that humans are endowed by Hashem with the power to exert their power to harm others. The truth is clearly expressed at the end of our sedra when the brothers of Yosef feared his revenge. (50:19) Yosef unequivocally expresses “Hasachas Elokim anochi” as Rashi clearly explains that even if I would have wanted to harm you it would have been impossible if it had not been willed by Hashem.
How important it is for us to understand and implant this vital and critical outlook and integrate it into the practicalities of our way of life.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayeshev (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Amazing! Both this week’s sedra and last week’s deal with brothers wanting to kill. Esav is approaching Yaakov Avinu with an army, filled with hatred, with the intention to destroy and Yaakov successfully difuses this and Esav is filled with love. In our parshas Yosef is approaching his brothers with a good-will mission and is greeted by them with Lechu v’nahargayhu (37:20)—let’s destroy him; filled with hatred which Yosef’s fails to discourage and dispel.
When Yaakov Avinu presents his case to Esav, Rashi (32:6) explains that he had expressed that he had a true appreciation for Esav’s positive traits, and characteristics and was understanding of why Esav was upset with him. This means that despite all the wickedness and negative traits of Esav, Yaakov was able to focus and “bull’s eye” onto his attributes. It appears from the simplicity that it is probable to say that on the basis of this he was able to accomplish that Esav was willing to back down on his agenda and even bring Esav to a disposition of love.
Yosef was able to discern the shortcomings of his brothers and dutifully brought them to the attention of Yaakov Avinu. If our assumption is correct that Yaakov Avinue was successful in achieving the true love of Esav through relating to his positive traits then it would be logical to conclude that Yosef’s failure to achieve the love of his brothers was due to his lack of true love for them achieving by focusing on their positive traits.
Hashem expects of us, together with concept of “Ohavei Hashem sinue rah”—the devoted to Hashem should despise evil, at the same time to have a sincere insight and appreciation for the positive characteristics of the evil-doers. Thus, we will be exercising absolute control over them and even bringing them to true love of Hashem, the Torah and ourselves.
Have a wonderful week and happy and significant Chanukah.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayishlach (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The Medrash in our sedra quotes a Chazal (76:1) that the observing of the process of sleep and waking should strengthen our belief in “techiyas hamaysim”—the restoring of life. This is the principle of using experiences as a source of inspiration and chizuk. Another amazing example the Chazal point out that we can have an insight for three kinds of love that Hashem has for us from the three types of love the pasuk quotes that the wicked son of Shchem displayed towards Dina.
Our daily lives are studded with experiences and observations of Hashem showing Himself to us for us to be inspired by.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayeitzei (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Lavan, after showering Yaakov Avinu with ridiculous and false accusations, Yaakov, in turn, meticulously troubled himself to address all of Lavan’s absurdities and complaints. Lavan then came forth with his rebuttal; a verbal assault completely ignoring Yaakaov Avinu’s account and report of his monetary loyalty and financial commitments. “Habanos Bnosai v’HaBanim Banai v’chol asher atta roeh li hu”.
Lavan, in his performance, displays a particular form of wickedness, with no need even to attempt false justification and rationalization, just an open declaration of dreadful evilness. “Habanos Bnosai v’HaBanim Banai v’chol asher atta roeh li hu”. The Torah by revealing this episode warns us of this malice and as in all forms of evil can unfortunately infiltrate even the inner sacred Torah groups. How sensitive we must be not to allow ourselves this type of conduct.
Hatzlacha Rabba.
Bs”d
Parshas Behar-Bechukosai (5767)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
In dealing with the issue of eved ivri in our parsha (25:39/40) it is very obviously very far from our concept of slavery, as the eved ivri is actually dealt with as a worker and special care must be taken not to lower his esteem. Why, then, was this form of slavery looked down upon by the Torah?
What is really the difference between an eved ivri and a worker? A slave, even an eved ivri, has made a commitment that harnesses him 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to his master; despite the fact that the intensity of his work and his self-esteem is as a plain worker. We must focus a complete harnessing of our essence, energies and talents only to Hashem. “Avodai heim v’lo avodimi l’avodim”.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Chayei Sara (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The outstanding event in our parsha is the passing of Sara Imainu yet it is called Chayei Sara—the life of Sara. Our great ones are vivacious and full of vigor and life after they have made their official passage and voyage from this world. Tzadikim bimisasam nikraim chaim.
I wish with this thought to increase the achdus among our brethren through the following. There is a considerable amount of chasidishe groups among us who seek the advice and blessings of a leader who has been buried and this is subject to criticism and a source of conflict among us. How can advice or blessings be requested from a leader who has “passed on”?
To quote the biography of R’ Chaim Volozhin, the talmid muvhak of the Vila Gaon—“Both the common people and the leaders of the generation continued to seek guidance at the gravesite of R’ Chaim as if he was still alive. And according to his own words – even in death I will not lose connection with my fellow Yiddin.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayeira (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
I wish to share a unique and unconventional understanding of the parsha of akaidas Yitzchok (which I eventually found in the Eben Ezra) based on the understanding of the Chumash on a level of simplicity of the text; the words of Hashem Himself. The title of this greatest of magnificent events is the ‘akaida’ the focus of which is aimed at the “tying” rather than the willingness of Avraham to actually slaughter his son. Likewise the greatness is always attributed to Avraham Avinu which logically should go to Yitzchok for his willingness to be slaughtered. It is clear (22:7) that Yitzchok had no idea that he was selected to be the object of the sacrifice. Avraham Avinu under direct command from Hashem to slaughter his beloved son, had to do so. But Yitzchok not subjected to the command was under the obligation to save his soul. Avraham therefore kept the commandment secret from Yitzchok and when the appropriate time arrived had to forcibly tie Yitzchok who most probably and appropriately offered the utmost of resistance and Avraham to fulfill the commandment had to tie and constrict Yitzchok. Very far from the image of Yitzchok willingly stretching out his neck to be slaughtered. On one hand we find Avraham Avinu attempting one of the greatest acts in the history of the world and Yitzchok with a personal obligation to do everything in his power to sabotage and prevent it from happening.
This crystallizes the awesome obligation on us to constantly weigh and consider the true Will of Hashem placed on us.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Lech Lecha (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Rashi in our sedra quotes an extremely significant Chazal, the extent of which might be misunderstood or overlooked. (15:5) Rashi says that Hashem lifted Avraham above the stars, which means that he was no longer under the influence of the conventional order of this world. Avraham and Sara in actuality of the order of the world could not have children together; Sara lacked the physical capability. Hashem removed them from being subject to the order of the world, now under a unique, direct Divine influence. Yitzchak, their son, and all his progeny is composed of a completely different fiber than all mankind. So it is with everything concerning all aspects of his existence and that of the nation that emerged from him, Klal Yisroel—us, forever. Yetzias Mitzrayim, existing in the desert for forty years, entering and living in Eretz Yisroel, and the Bais HaMikdash. An example, abstaining from agricultural activities for the duration of the Shmittah year for all mankind would be comparable to absolute suicide on a national level. For us it was an actuality of our life and existence.
Our unique source of existence is the root of the demands that the Torah places upon us and the responsibility of its fulfillment. We should all have success in accomplishing this.
The importance of the power of bracha which Klal Yisroel possesses can be observed by its placement of priority in Hashem’s initial contact with Avraham Avinu (12:3). Why then do we find many of our great leaders including the Chofetz Chayim “play down” and not be effusive in their willingness to give brachos. The receiving of a bracha is really secondary to establishing our own personal contact and relationship with Hashem. Perhaps our leaders wanted to demonstrate their objection to what they observed as a lack of requesting our needs from Hashem directly and thereby creating this all-important and crucial tie with our Creator.
Have a wonderful, fulfilling week with brachos and hatzlachos.
Bs”d
Parshas Noach (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Why did Noach have an inner issue with himself to enter the Taiva to the extent that Chazal regard him as “mikatnei amana”?
The ark as we imagine it was a symbol of security, the “rock of Gibraltar”. In the light of the true actuality of the mabul the taiva offered no real protection; amounting to someone in a Jumbo falling from the sky and has a chicken feather to assist him.
One can easily miss the awesome dimension of the miracle of the taiva, likewise in our own daily lives we must search and focus on the constant consistent miracles bestowed upon us from Above.
Have a month of bracha v’hatzlacha and a wonderful Shabbos.
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