Bs”d
Parshas Ki Saitzai (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
We are living in a period of time that in order to connect with this very valuable time of Elul we have to accomplish this as individuals and not lean on mass inspiration as in years gone by. We should devote intensive time each day with “connecting” with Hashem as He makes Himself especially available now. “Ani ledodi v’dodi li”/
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Shoftim (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The close proximity of the words Shoftim and Shotrim in our parsha is conventionally understood that the Shotrim would see to it that the decision of the judiciary is carried out. A new perspective is the reverse—the Shotrim assist the shoftim, meaning that the awareness that the shotrim are there and ready gives a more serious approach to the shoftim thereby entitling one to more of a unique, Divine assistance and clarity to the verdict. This serves as a life lesson that in our journey of searching for the truth if we undertake serious commitment to carry out our findings we will be guided on a higher plane.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Re’ay (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Perhaps we can explain the difference between the false prophet discussed in 13:2 in our sedra who was guilty of attempting to mislead from serving Hashem and the one in pasuk 7 who is likewise guilty of the same attrocity.
The first, bases his power of persuasion on false prophesies claiming to have a connection with some “higher source” to the contrast of the latter who takes advantage of one of the most valuable Heavenly gifts of relatives; family connections or the very precious Divine blessing of the true, close, dear friend to sway one from his belief, commitment and devotion in fulfilling the will of Hashem.
This Shabbos should bring bracha to this important month to lead to a wonderful New Year,
Have wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Aikev (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
In our parsha (11:13) we have one of the most profound principles of such paramount importance that we are required to review and verbalize it twice daily. “Vihaya im … tishmaoo el mitzvosai … viosafta deganecha … that by the fulfillment of the Torah, Hashem promises success and happiness in this world.
The long list of falsifiers in the history of the world never take a stand for success or punishment to be carried out in this world; just empty promises of fantasies in other existences.
Only Hashem, our True Creator, has taken this open stand and always has fulfilled it in every way. Let us be inspired by this most basic principle and let it lead us to make a most sincere commitment to fulfill His Will.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Voeschanan (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The parsha opens with the emotional petitioning of Moshe Rabeinu for the releasing of the ban of his coming to Eretz Yisroel. Moshe Rabeinu asked for a gift rather than being granted his request on the basis of his own merits. It is interesting to speculate whether he could have possibly achieved his goal on the basis of his own merits.
How can we possibly comprehend the connection between Moshe Rabeinu’s punishment of not being able to enter Eretz Yisroel and his hitting of the stone? In the incident of “mai merivah” Moshe was under the impression that he was acting not upon the “special stone” but rather on an undesignated stone, which had its drawback. On the other hand this offers a possible potential of an opportunity of creating a unique fulfillment.
Moshe Rabeinu, our greatest leader and teacher, not entering Eretz Yisroel in reality is appointed to teach a supreme lesson that despite not entering Eretz Yisroel the place designated for spiritual achievement, he can attain great spiritual heights.
Moshe Rabeinu, you chose to act upon the undesignated stone, now you are appointed to teach this lesson for eternity to Klal Yisroel, that one must aim to achieve spiritual heights despite not having the availability of that place which was specifically ordained for that purpose. Accordingly all through the millennia of the dark galus there rose in Klal Yisroel giants in every area of avodas Hashem; a meaningful lesson for us.
Hashem should give us the ultimate of consolation by ending this galus through the coming of Moshiach. Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Devorim (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The Medrash (1:9) in our parsha quotes a Chazal promising a special bracha for receiving tochacha. The simple or conventional meaning of this is that the acceptance of rebuke is a commendable act that deserves a special blessing.
A deeper understanding of this is the reality that it is a truly difficult ordeal for one to really accept being rebuked. For one to accomplish this he must humble himself and put down his self respect and self honor. If he has succeeded in this herculean ordeal he will certainly need and deserve a special bracha for his battered self-image to be rightfully restored.
We hope and pray that Hashem should end this long galus with the speedy experience of the coming of Moshiach.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Nitzavim – Vayelech (5767)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Just as Chazal predicted as the galus progresses before the geula the darkness is compounded. The truth becomes more obscure and the true fulfillment of the Will of Hashem in regard to human relationships and our obligations to Hashem fall short. We yearn and search for the true fulfillment of the Will of Hashem. The key to achieve this is the name and theme of our parsha—Atem Nitzavim lifnei Hashem—to establish the realization that we are standing before Hashem will enlighten us to understand our true obligations to Him and make us understand the dimensions of our duties to our fellow man.
My Rebbe, Rav Miller zt”l always taught us that “all’s well that ends well”; this is the last Shabbos of the year and we should make it the best.
Have a wonderful ‘best’ Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parsha Re’ay (5767)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
Rav Miller zt”l always brought to light for us that on this Shabbos, mevorchim Rosh Chodesh Elul even in the market places of the simple laymen they shuddered at the realization of the forthcoming month of Elul. Our Rosh Hashana is a reflection of our Elul and consequently the coming year of 5768 habaah aleinu l’tova.
Re’ay; see, sensory perception, har grizim and har aival; sensory perception.
The parsha repeats what was said previously and the repetition creates sensory perception. Rav Miller always told us to attempt to picture olam haba—sensory perception.
Have a wonderful Shabbos, a wonderful Chodesh and a wonderful year.
Bs”d
Parshas Aikev (5767)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
It is amazing how going through the sedra every year brings new obvious insights overlooked in previous years.
The commandment to make an aron for the luchos was only given for the second luchos (10:1). The purpose of the ark was for the protection and care of the luchos so that they should not be harmed.
Perhaps we can explain that Moshe Rabainu had surely planned to make an aron in which to place the first luchos, on his own. The aron represents and symbolizes an effort one makes to protect himself from spiritual downfall. The second luchos were given after Klal Yisroel had the great downfall of the chet haeigel. It was obvious that greater effort and investment was necessary to protect themselves from a repeat of being caught in the snare of the evil inclination. Both the first and second luchos would have had an aron. The only difference between the two was that the second was accompanied by the positive commandment from Hashem.
And so in this commandment there lies the advice for us to go out of our way to insure ourselves and protect ourselves from further downfalls after having experienced them.
Hashem should open our eyes to the truth always.
Bs”d
Parshas Devorim — Shabbos Chazon (5767)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The Medrash in our parsha (1:1) brings an extremely enlightening and inspiring Chazal. Moshe Rabeinu overcame his speech disability by his commitment to teach Torah for which he obviously needed the ability to speak. The blessing of the ability came after his commitment.
We hesitate to make our complete commitments to Hashem for the fear of lack of ability and tools for the fulfillment. With the absolute desire to fulfill the Will of Hashem we receive the wherewithal to accomplish.
Have a fulfilling week and a meaningful Tisha B’Av.
sending...
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