Category: Shmos

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Mishpatim (5767)

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Parshas Mishpatim (5767)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

For the Mishpatim we must be reminded specifically that it is from Sinai and for the very same reason the Sanhedrin was placed near the Bais HaMikdash. The monetary laws are unique in that to properly understand and deal with them we must exert and involve our own logic. To really get down to the mentality and depth of the frame of mind of the claimants. At the same time we must keep this within the parameters of the dogmas of the Torah.

The Meddrash quotes the Chazal that Hashem loves orphans and widows since they lean on Him for their support. We are living in a period of poverty in direction of the true values of the Torah and Hashem surely will value our beseeching Him for direction.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Beshalach (5767)

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Parshas Beshalach (5767)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Hashem’s true love and kindness is inherent in the whole creation but in the tree and its fruit it is most apparent.

Klal Yisroel besides being worthy of all the miracles, actually brought about the krias Yam Suf, the Mon and the success in the war with Amalek with their firm belief.

This should be an inspiration to us to strengthen our emuna,  We should be worthy to see the geula sh’layma in our days.  Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Bo (5767)

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Parshas Bo (5767)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

Among the awesome lessons we learn from the “shibud” and the “yetzia” from Egypt is the extreme degree of wickedness that single human beings and for that matter a whole nation can degenerate to.  Just the most basic idea of forcing slavery on humans is despicable.  The masses joining hands, going along with mass wickedness; what a lesson of how individuals can blindly be committed to evil, swept along by the masses.

This can likewise happen to shomrei Torah u’mitzvos, and loyal followers of Hashem; to become blinded to mistakes, blemishes and wrong committed by many among us.

However, the worst factor of the Egyptians enslaving and torturing Klal Yisroel was that we were the nation of Yosef Hatzadik who was solely responsible for the survival of this wicked nation.  It was due to him that they were not totally annihilated by the ferocious, devastating famine.  The Jewish nation should have been eternally revered and honored by the Egyptians.  They should have showered our nation with graciousness and willingness to serve us in every way.

As the wise saying goes—when someone gives you a firm kick try to remember the great favor or service you did for them.  Perhaps we are witnessing in the Egyptians a reflection of this irrational human weakness.

We are constantly the recipients of goodness from individuals that surround us; our parents, spouses and from HASHEM!!  Let us learn from these low Egyptians to subdue and overcome this weakness and shower our benefactors with the greatest of gratitude.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Voaira (5767)

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Parshas Voaira (5767)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The main connection with Hashem and motivation for obeying the Torah and mitzvos and fulfilling His will are the miracles of yetzias Mitzrayim; the 10 plagues and the krias Yam Suf.  These can have the dynamic effect that they are supposed to by creating a realistic image of them in our minds.  This image creating is of the most outstanding necessity for the 10 makos and all the events of Tanach and Chazal to have a true impact and influence on our values, behavior and standing up to our tests.

All Klal Yisroel throughout the generations were motivated by images of our giants and miracles which had its influence and impact by individuals creating a realistic perception of these in their minds.

It is imperative for all of us to set aside time daily for this most crucial activity, on which the total success of our being is dependent on.

“Voaira”—you should see.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and an inspiring, fulfilling chodesh.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Vayakail-Pekudei (5766)

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Parshas Vayakail-Pekudei (5766)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

The Chazal in the Medrash in our parsha (52:3) relate that Rav Abahu due to terrible illness was on the verge of passing on, hovering between both worlds, had a glimpse of the next world and was pleasantly surprised at the great reward awaiting him there. He exclaimed that he thought all his efforts were in vain; obviously very puzzling—for a person must recognize, appreciate and value his spiritual accomplishments. Reb Abahu surely recognized his great spiritual accomplishments; however he feared that one of his actions might have deleted his awesome spiritual treasure chest. One great hurt, unjustifiable administered, might have the power to eradicate everything. Cry to Hashem that we are worthy of accomplishing our true purpose.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and a beautiful Chodesh.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Teruma (5766)

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Parshas Teruma (5766)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Hashem commands “viyikchu li truma”—take Me; the conventional concept of the Mishkan is associated with the pillar of avoda, The Medrash quotes a Chazal—a king marries off his daughter who he loves immensely; he simply can’t release her. And there is no way he can keep the couple from going out to start their life together. The only solution is that he begs them to have an extra room so that he can always be with them.

Hashem is absolutely one with the Torah. This is why one who constantly learns has no need to pray. The very concept of the Medrash of the King being unable to separate himself from his daughter—the Torah. The room is the Mishkan and the Bais HaMikdash; not the pillar of avoda rather the brilliant light of the Torah of Hashem and His Oneness with the Torah.

This shows itself today in the special, Divine help we see in our Torah accomplishments and the miraculous materialistic gifts of opportunity which enables us to learn.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Ki Sisa (5766)

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Parshas Ki Sisa (5766)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

In our parsha we have one of the most striking events in the history of Klal Yisroel, the episode of eigel hazahav.  The positive side of this awesome tragic incident is that it was a reflection of the conviction and commitment to the absolute necessity to be constantly connected to a manhig yisroel.  It was a reflection of the burning desire and understanding of the impossibility of Klal Yisroel to exist for even a short time without Torah leadership.

When Aharon threw the collected gold into the flame and the form emerged spontaneously it was a result of the thoughts of Klal Yisroel corresponding to their yearning for a leader.  Accordingly, the figure of a cow, symbolic of the nurser, the giver, the influencer should have emerged—why the calf, the receiver?  Even amongst those who appreciate and long for leadership there is a dangerous pitfall of making an overemphasis and glorification of the receiver (the mushpah), instead of appreciating and submitting our own will and desires to the direction of the gadol.

May we long to have the proper leadership.  Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Shmos Special's Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Tetzaveh – Parshas Zachor (5766)

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Parshas Tetzaveh – Parshas Zachor (5766)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

The Medrash (38:5) explains that the significance in the honor and glory surrounding the attire of Aharon was a reflection of the honor of his Torah.  What a lesson especially for our generation where honor is mistakenly poured on musicians, singers and entertainers not really worthy of the Torah values we grant glory to.  Our mistakenly displaying honor and glory is at the expense of giving honor where it truly belongs which is to the Torah and only the Torah.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Mishpatim (5766)

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Parshas Mishpatim (5766)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

The mere positioning of our parsha, Mishpatim, right after Matan Torah shouts its supreme importance. This is to insure that our financial contacts and interactions be upheld at the highest level of care, respect and consideration. This is the theme of “derech eretz kodma l’Torah”, the priority of following the instructions and guidelines for being a decent human being.

In the same vein of thought, at the end of the sedra 24:10 Rashi explains that the ‘sapir’ mentioned, was what Hashem used during the slavery in Egypt to “remind” Himself of our suffering. A most vital aspect of being a decent human is to have concern and share the distress of others.

How relevant this is, especially today, with so much suffering among achenu Bnei Yisroel; the terrible sickness, catastrophic financial situations, divorce, and the awesome plague of our children going astray. Hashem Himself sets an example—let’s keep the heartache of Clal Yisroel constantly before us and yearn for a speedy, complete redemption .

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Yisro (5766)

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Parshas Yisro (5766)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

In our parsha we have the declaration and the description of the giving of the Torah.  All Klal Yisroel were present and heard the voice of Hashem.  The Kuzri explains that the actual giving of the Torah is not faith but rather an historical fact.  With charismatic talent you might be able to convince that Hashem communicated with you but it is impossible to make the claim, as it does in the Chumash itself, that Hashem spoke to the multitudes present at Har Sinai without it being the absolute truth.  It is clear why Hashem requires that we not forget this simple historical event of the giving of the Torah.

Have a wonderful week.

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