Parshas Lech-Lecha (5767)

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Parshas Lech-Lecha (5767)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Lech Lecha; Hashem promises the fulfillment of the request will reap fruit for his own personal benefit.  Why does Hashem find it necessary to make this guaranty?  One explanation is that all the trials that Hashem presents to us are based on an in-depth knowledge of what presents for us a test.  Secondly, the realization that our source of all our materialistic needs must be fulfilled only from Hashem, is itself one of the greatest foundations of our faith.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Noach (5767)

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Parshas Noach (5767)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The pasuk (7:17) relates that Hashem closed the Ark.  Noach himself would have had no problem doing this.  The significance of relating that this was from Hashem was accomplished by Hashem through lions and bears attacking those who wished to destroy the Ark, something which was very unusual.  This is another outstanding demonstration of the presence and the control of Hashem presenting a source of emuna for those who are seeking.

Parshas Bereishis (5767)

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Parshas Bereishis (5767)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

From the sequence of the creation we can understand the importance and the priority of “ohr” which is a clarity and an insight to the truth.  This sets for us a clear goal for our aspirations and yearnings how our lives should be.

Have a wonderful Shabbos Bereishis and a good Chodesh.

Parshas Vayechi (5766)

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Parshas Vayechi (5766)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

In the framework of the simplicity of the Chumash, Yosef presents his offspring to Yaakov Avinu who was completely ignorant of their identity.   The grandfather doesn’t indulge with his newly discovered grandchildren in playing checkers, monopoly or scrabble.  The Vilna Gaon refused to indulge in a conversation with his visiting sister on the grounds of a lack time, with a consolation that they will be connected in the future world.  Can the brain surgeon interrupt his surgery to converse with his “Aunt Tilly” concerning her new knitted outfit?

To our Avos every ‘mili’second was accounted for.  We must be concerned regarding the feelings of others but at the same time keep in mind the significance and priority of the importance of time and how every moment is spent.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Vayigash (5766)

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Parshas Vayigash (5766)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

Regarding Yehuda’s “break-through” speech the Medrash presents an analogy of a deep well of sweet, cool water, inaccessible because of its extreme depth.  Nothing available or imaginable can make the water available in a practical way.   A wise individual takes the initiative and attaches a piece of short rope, then another; he then finds a short string and then another and eventually locates a few narrow shoestrings and reaches the refreshing sweet waters.  He indulges and shares with all.

You have a plan; an inspiration.  It is not crucial to have the availability to see it through to the end.  So many potentially great ideas and accomplishments are lost to this wrong mentality.  Start with what is available at hand, preserve your inspiration and enthusiasm and as you proceed hang on to and grasp all that makes itself available.  You will eventually dance in joy at your success.

Have a wonderful week!

Parshas Lech Lecha (5766)

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Parshas Lech Lecha (5766)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

Hashem is making His mark so obviously open in our times, yet there are so many opposing forces.  It is as important as ever to utilize the power and trait of Avraham Avinu within us to unyieldingly search and stand up and commit ourselves to the absolute truth.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Mikaitz (5766) Chanukah Rosh Chodesh

Parshas Mikaitz (5766) Chanukah Rosh Chodesh
By Mordechai Dolinsky

The commitment and mesiras nefesh to fulfill Hashem’s Will brings joy and happiness to our lives.  Yosef Hatzaddik earned this through his mammoth efforts of self-control and in turn received great blessings for everything including the wisdom of the interpretation of Pharoh’s dreams.  The Chashmonaim fought the Yevanim who attempted to oppose all the above and isolate the happiness of life and relate to it as an isolated concept (manifested in the form of their theatres etc.).

Have a wonderful Shabbos, a joyous Chanukah and a blessed month.

Parshas Vayeshev (5766)

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Parshas Vayeshev (5766)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

The Medrash in our sedra (84″4) makes a reference to our avos enlightening the goyim to the insights of the truth of Hashem; Avraham dealing with the men and Sara with the women.  What would be the catastrophe if Avraham gave some courses to the gentile women and Sara to the men?  The Chazal again reiterate the importance of the segregation of men and women.  This message has special significance today where we see a deterioration of this important doctrine in so many ways.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Vayishlach (5766)

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Parshas Vayishlach (5766)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

Rashi (33:5) quotes Rashbi that Esav not only demonstrated his love with outward kissing but it was from the depths of his heart.  The significance of this is that Yaakov through his intensive concentration on the All-Presence of Hashem was able to cause Esav not only to put down his weapons and cancel his wicked agenda but went even further to actually penetrate Esav’s heart and create a love for Yaakov.  The Gr”a esplains that Esther HaMalka used the same tactic to bend Achashverosh to cooperate.

Concentration on the presence of Hashem, R’ Chayim of Voloshzin explains is an actual tool and means that can save us from any danger or threatening situation.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Vayeitzei (5766)

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Parshas Vayeitzei (5766)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Yaakov Avinu made little effort to protect himself from Lavan’s deceit.  At first glance it seems that Lavan took full advantage of this.  The episode however concludes as a complete success for Yaakov, who gained everything.   Reuven, Shimon Levi, Yehuda, Yissachar and Zevulun; the Kohanim, Leviim, Moshe Rabeinu, malchus, Moshiach Tzidkaynu, the lomdei Torah and the supporters of Torah.  Yaakov was blessed with Divine intuition to inhibit action against Lavan and to rely on Hashem’s plan, which he was unaware of.

All our lives are constantly filled with a need for this guidance which Hashem supplies through His messengers to those who comprehend and yearn for this guidance.

Have a wonderful Shabos.