Parshas Ki Savo (5765)

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Parshas Ki Savo (5765)

As an important principle the issue of gratitude is, in our service to Hashem, we find in our parsha something amazing. On the pasuk “Vilo nasan Hashem lohem lev lodaas” Rashi explains “lihakir es chasdei Hashem”—that presently you will receive Divine ability to relate, understand and appreciate the kindness of Hashem. As basic an important a requirement it is, and how serious of a commitment we must have to achieve it, we can only truly achieve gratitude through this special Divine order and assistance. At least we must yearn to have gratitude.

It is essential to prepare for a meaningful fulfillment of the important mitzvah of tekias shofar which has an awesome input, affect and influence over the events of the coming year. Study, memorize and integrate R’ Saadya Gaon’s ten explanations for the blowing of the shofar found in many machzorim.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and a wonderful new year.

Parshas Re’ay (5765)

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Parshas Re’ay (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Through the auspicies of our tradition this seemingly insignificant date is the awesome significant Shabbos of mevorchim chodesh Elul. The blessings of this Shabbos influence Rosh Chodesh in our week and in turn Rosh chodesh influences the whole month which has its ultimate input on Rosh Hashonah of 5766. The Rosh Hashonah is the soul of the coming year to those that live with the true value and insight this Shabbos has the utmost meaning and criteria for our future. The parsha Re’ay shouts to us to observe what is taking place in current events, the voice of Hashem calling, shouting the responsibility and the respect of the gift of life….

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Ki Saytzay (5765)

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Parshas Ki Saytzay (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

In our parsha we find that Hashem promises life for respect and honor to parents. The essence of this is out of recognition and gratitude that we owe our life to them.

Likewise the mitzvah of Shiluach HaKan echoes the concept of the significance of parents. And the reward again is life.

In Elul we dig for the essence of the truth.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Shoftim (5765)

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Parshas Shoftim (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

Rashi (16:19) regarding “shochad” enlightens us with the awesome insight that it is impossible to receive a bribe and not to see things in the wrong perspective. What a frightening thought—in matters pertaining to our personal life—because of our materialistic leanings it is as if we are bribed, prejudiced, and therefore it is almost impossible to see things in its true light.

In the light of Chodesh Elul, the month of self-improvement, this presents for us a more significant problem.

Cry to Hashem for help and have good friends that will, out of love, open your eyes.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Aikev (5765)

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Parshas Aikev (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Why all the special brachos in our parsha (7:12) for the “not so serious or important mitzvos”. “Hashem will adore you and love you and bless you”.

Anything that Hashem commands is not and cannot be unimportant. How can there be any Will of Hashem that is less significant? Hashem, the Creator of the Universe, our bodies, the very essence of our momentary breath of life. The great reward is for the focus and realization that no Will of Hashem is insignificant. For the focus and realization of Hashem’s constant showering us with life, sustenance and the beautiful exotic extras. “Hashem will cause you to expand, bless your reproductive capacities………”.

The present period after Tisha B’Av is a time of special Divine assistance and blessing in all our endeavors; “grab, take, invest in learning, davening and midos tovos and…Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Voeschanan (5765)

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Parshas Voeschanan (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

Following the reliving and remembrance of the Churban we are now to inspired to rebuild from the beginning pure and true. Divinely arranged, our sedra is exactly that; dealing with the essentials of our faith.

We yearn for Mashiach and the geula sh’layma, always when yearning to meet someone it happens…. Yearn for Mashiach!

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Devarim (5765)

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Parshas Devarim (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

The Medrash (1:19) in our sedra relates that Esav begged Yitzchok for a secondary bracha and the response was that your sword (your weapons) will indeed bring you life and success. This was accompanied with the approval of Hashem Himself.

How can I ever survive asked Yaakov, i.e. Klal Yisroel? The depth of the inquiry; after this blessing there is absolutely no shelter from the most sophisticated weaponry or arsenal; no geographic location, no means or ways of protection from Esav’s aggression. The inquiry was acknowledged that it was in place—there is no hope and no where to escape. The Divine reply came “escape to Torah”….

Torah is a direct connection to the very source of existence and life; it is a connection to Hashem Himself on a level higher than the Creation. Moshe was cured (Medrash 1:1) of his speech defect by teaching Torah—not as a reward but through his direct connection to “the Source”.

What a vital lesson for our trying times. Let’s save ourselves and escape to Torah and see the Redemption and restoration of the glory of Hashem.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and a meaningful Tisha B’Av.

Parshas Nitzavim – Vayelech (5764)

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Parshas Nitzavim – Vayelech (5764)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

In our preparation for Rosh Hashanah we must work on feeling the malchus, the Kingdom of Hashem. Therefore the parsha is so outstandingly appropriate—Atem Nitzavim, you are all standing before Hashem.

It is imperative to devote time each day to generate this feeling within ourselves of having a true perception of the reality of the Kingdom and presence of Hashem. This will lead us to have a successful Rosh Hashana and a happy, prosperous year.

A wonderful Shabbos to all.

Parshas Ki Savo (5764)

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Parshas Ki Savo (5764)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

As we get closer to Rosh HaShana the Hashgacha brings us sedras with vital spiritual nourishment. Our parsha cries out the importance of “hakoras hatov”—gratitude which is the basis of our relationship with Hashem and with our fellow man and the foundation of our whole religion. How important it is for us to understand this and fulfill it in a realistic, meaningful way and not just with superficial metaphors.

We should all be zocheh to acquire this wonderful attribute and have all the brachos that will come with it.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Ki Saitzai (5764)

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Parshas Ki Saitzai (5764)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

A very clear lesson we gain from the issue of the “yefas toar”; the web of lure in our parsha, came about from an optional war. Very often the spiritual downfalls we have are caused by exposing ourselves to unnecessary situations.

In Elul we should use the sound of the shofar for the chizuk it was intended for—the tekiah, proclaiming the Kingdom of Hashem; and the shvarim teruah appealing and crying to Hashem to forgive us and to allow us to come close to Him.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.