Category: Shmos

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Bo (5766)

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Parshas Bo (5766)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

It would seem that the worse aspect of the tenth plague would be the actual loss of the offspring.  However the pasuk (11:6)emphasizes the “tzeaka gedola” the great expression of anguish seems like the epitome of the affliction.

This focuses our attention on the cry; the expression of anguish and deep feelings of the heart.  Yosef’s brothers expressed regret and remorse about what was done to him despite their feelings that it was coming to him for not being sensitive to his cries.

The Medrash quotes an opinion that the real reason Moshe didn’t lead Clal Yisroel back to Egypt when caught at the sea, was that the return would cause awesome disappointment and anguish to the women and children.

Such a necessary, crucial lesson for our present cold-hearted, insensitive generation.

Have a wonderful, warm-hearted Shabbos.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Vaeira (5766)

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Parshas Vaeira (5766)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The ten ‘makos’ were the tools Hashem used to free us and it was and always will be the greatest demonstration of Hashem’s rule over the universe and the foundation of our gratitude to Him.

“Blood” the source of life; jumps and springs. The second plague “frogs” jump, “fleas” jump, the animal world jumps and springs into life. “Boils” causes its human victims to constantly scratch, and when pressed, jumps. “Barad” comes down powerfully in movement. The “locust” jumps. All these ‘makos’ are the epitome of life movement. “Dever” “Choshech” and “Makas Bechoros” are quite the opposite.

The only way the ‘makos’ can be a real source of inspiration and have any significant value towards strengthening our emuna is by giving them serious contemplation and trying to visualize them.

Have a wonderful week and a good Chodesh.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Pekudei (5765)

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Parshas Pekudei (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The Medrash quotes the famous Chazal that just as we fulfill our obligations to Hashem likewise we must strive for perfection in the eyes of mankind. The basic message of Chazal is contrary to the common attitude that as long as one knows that he is right despite the fact that his actions might look suspicious to others—this is “their problem”.

A deeper significance and probable meaning of the Chazal is that one must have the same concern of how people look at him the same way he is concerned how Hashem looks at him—meaning if he is not worried about people he won’t be concerned about Hashem.

Have a wonderful Shabbos, and a simchdike Chodesh.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Vayakail (5765)

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Parshas Vayakail (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The Medrash states that through Betzalel, atonement for the golden calf that emerged from the fire, was brought about. An analogy is made to a doctor that was credited and praised for applying a dressing and curing a wound. His mentor claimed the right to the praise since it was his wisdom that the doctor, his student, was applying. Likewise Betzalel was praised by all for his wisdom and insight to which Hashem exclaimed that it was He who was responsible for Betzalel and his wisdom; indeed puzzling.

The chet of the ‘aigel’, how wrong it was, showed the clarity Klal Yisroel had in the importance of the need of a leader; which to a large extent we lack today.

However, what was the significance of the “aigel” which was forged by their thoughts, and why wasn’t the “para” produced instead of an aigel; the mother of the aigel, that more accurately represents the dispenser of advice and the wisdom of the leaders.

At times one turns to a leader not to seek the needed advice and guidance of the leader but just to be a follower. One feels satisfied, happy and fulfilled in the role of a follower, as we often see by those who have a leader yet don’t seek their advice when necessary. This mistake is signified in the calf; and the nose-ring which they so willingly contributed. In a nut-shell, does the person want the leader just so he can be a follower or since he is seeking advice he therefore has a leader.

The mistaken excitement over Betzalel and his wisdom was a reflection of this wrong focus on a leader, emphasizing the ‘receiver’ instead of the ‘giver’. Hashem Himself rectified this wrong conception of Betzalel and thus the atonement was realized through him.

How important it is for us to check our own motivation for seeking leaders and not to fall into this trap of being a ‘follower’ without really ‘following the leader’. In this merit may Hashem give us the leaders when we need them.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Ki Seesa (5765)

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Parshas Ki Seesa (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

The positive side of the ‘chet haegel” in our parsha was the clarity that Clal Yisroel possessed in the absolute necessity of not going for a moment without a leader that was definitely “connected Above”.

The question is how we relate to this issue.  Do we feel terribly distressed at not having the accessibility to true guidance?  Perhaps we have become callous to the issues and areas that require “daas Torah”.  What country to settle in…. When to leave Kollel…. What cheder should our children attend…At what age should our daughters start on the road to finding a marriage partner…

Do we have too much peace of mind?  Perhaps the proper mindset would be standing on a skyscraper missing the floor under our feet and hysterically stressed at the prospect of missing the guidance of a leader that we have the absolute confidence in that he is connected Above.

Forgive me for disturbing your peace but perhaps this will bring Mashiach.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Beshalach (5765)

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Parshas Beshalach (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

In our parsha we have the Shira.  From the simple fact that it was recited as a reaction to the greatest miracle, plus the input of the Chazal as to its being very special,the ShiraHown reading through its simple text one fails to comprehend its greatness.  We should all be worthy to understand its true depth.

At least as we stand daily and recite these meaningful words we should attempt to capture the scene of Hashem’s salvation.  Standing at the edge of the sea and seeing Hashem’s destruction of our oppressor and the happiness, gratefulness and insightful recognition of the glory of our Creator.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Tetzaveh (5765)

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Parshas Tetzaveh (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

The “bigdei kehuna” contains a blaring lesson that clothing, our wardrobe is an area of serving Hashem. Many consider wardrobe a very personal issue and find any interference annoying. Indeed, our appearance is a definite form of serving Hashem.

The selection of our clothing is also a statement of commitment to a group or an ideal. It is also a tool to program our inner emotions and mentality. Our selection of clothing is likewise a barometer; a sort of acid test of where we are at.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Yisro (5765)

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Parshas Yisro (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Our Parsha shouts a lesson from the epitome of simplicity—Vayishma Yisro—And Yisro heard.  What a lesson—to be a “hearer”.  The extreme importance of constantly having our ears opened to the real truth; ideas and ideals.  Many are young chronologically but are hard of hearing.  Many are old but have youthful ears—opened to the truth and new concepts.

Keep young and have a wonderful Shabbos.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas VoAirah (5765)

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Parshas VoAirah (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Our serving Hashem, the purpose of our lives, is motivated by the Yetzias Mitzrayim; which in actuality is the ten plagues Hashem inflicted upon the Egyptians and the splitting of the sea. This is the supreme demonstration of Hashem’s sovereignty over the creation and is our main source of gratitude to Him. It is imperative for us to use the sedra to refresh our clear perception of the plagues mainly by visualization and studying, followed by a strengthening of our commitment to the service of our Creator.

We should merit to see, speedily in our days, the Final Redemption.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Bo (5765)

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Parshas Bo (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

In our parsha we have a reference to the “aiyno yodaiah lishol”, one of the four types of sons mentioned in the Hagaddah, that the Torah addresses.  This term is not clear and many interpret it as an intelligence level lower than the “tam”, which doesn’t seem probable.  Another great puzzle is that the pasuk quoted for the answer we give to the “aiyno yodaiah lishol” is the same pasuk used for the “rasha”.

One of the most important and valuable human attributes is the practice of continuous, consistent searching for the truth.  A person whose inspiration for the quest of the truth has dried up, has ceased using this most vital human tool.  This, I would venture to say, is the “aiyno yodaiah lishol”—he is indeed very close to the “rasha” and they therefore share the same pasuk.

The necessity to constantly search is incumbent on the full range—from the non-believers to the greatest Torah scholars.  Our present generation is greatly lacking in this most important mind-set, and anyone who has the goal of a purposeful existence should get busy.

Have a wonderful, productive week.

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