Bs”d
Parshas Vayikra (5769)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The point of the korbonos is an issue of supreme importance; self-sacrifice, in place of giving the essence of our lives. We must constantly have the realization that this is requested of us, manifested in many ways.
From the onset of Nissan we must intensively connect with the miracles of yetzias mitzrayim, delving in detail into all the miraculous miracles.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Bechukosai (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Rashi in the beginning of the parsha explaining the words “Im Bechukosai” quotes the Torah’s expectations of us for intensive, devoted toil in Torah study. What is shocking is that this requirement the Torah puts on all of Klal Yisroel contrary to the common error that this type of learning is incumbent solely upon elite Torah scholars. This intensive Torah study is part of the minimum Torah observance which pertains to all, like Shabbos observance and Tefilin. This is such a serious and significant commandment that the consequence of not fulfilling it as Rashi quotes brings a frightening list of consequences including bringing one to a state where he prevents others from fulfilling the Torah and actually having a dislike for Talmidei Chachamim and eventually leading to much worse.
The fulfillment brings awesome brachos for the person himself and all Klal Yisroel.
R’ Shimon Bar Yochai’s unique insight in his deep comprehension of the ways and attributes of Hashem we can say was a result of his awesome will to come close to and understand Hashem; which is something we can all strive for. R’ Shimon, your great Yahrzeit day should bring blessings to all Klal Yisroel and the gilui of the great light of Moshiach.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Kedoshim (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
At first glance Rashi’s commentary at the beginning of the sedra on Kedoshim tihiyu that one should separate themselves from ‘arayos’ etc. seems that he is making use of the definition of the word kedusha to mean “separation”.
Perhaps for a deeper insight one can comprehend Rashi’s words that he is explaining kedusha using the most conventional meaning which is “holiness” i.e. attaining a higher level of sacredness. This leads to a new insight as to Rashi’s intention; that by the above-mentioned separation one will attain kedusha, sanctification.
The reason for Rashi giving this interpretation we can explain based on the foundation of the Mesilas Yesharim that the level of kedusha is something which is humanly impossible to achieve by one’s own efforts. It is solely a gift which is bestowed upon a person by Heaven. The question then presents itself—how can the pasuk give a command “Kedoshim Tihiyu” for something that is impossible for us to achieve. Rashi therefore explains that by distancing ourselves from the ‘arayos’ we are doing something which makes us worthy for this unique gift of kedusha from Heaven.
Hashem is giving us in this particular generation a grand opportunity to achieve true kedusha; let’s take advantage of it.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and uplifting Chodesh, full of blessings for Klal Yisroel.
Bs”d
Parshas Metzora (5768)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
The names of the parshas have definite significance. Metzora deals with the “upshot” the purification.
Plag HaMincha is pure daylight according the R’ Yehuda—let he labels it the night. Alos HaShachar is labeled day, yet it is the extreme darkness of the night. It all depends on the direction of the destination (Rav Hutner zt”l). Plag Hamincha is pure light but is headed for darkness; the contrast is Alos Hashachar, so dark, but its destination is the day.
An extremely deep and significant message—the greatest importance isn’t where you are but rather your goal and destination. You are in the metzora mode but you are headed for purification, redemption. Let’s inspire ourselves and motivate ourselves in this darkness for the ultimate of closeness to Hashem.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and start preparing for Pesach by studying the Hagadda and Hilchos Pesach.
Bs”d
Parshas Tazria – Parshas HaChodesh (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The striking aspect of our parsha is together with the awesome phenomenon of birth is immediately followed by tumas halaida. This seems a parallel to the maaseh bereishis of Adam Harishon, who was immediately subjected to great tests. The message is the constant confrontation with trials and tribulations which is the supreme purpose of our creation.
We should have the strength to stand up to them.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and an uplifting and fulfilling Chodesh.
Bs”d
Parshas Shmini (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Perhaps the greatest difficulty in the episode of Nadav and Avihu in our parsha is why did they actually drink the wine that they were so severely punished for?
The Creator in His great wisdom provides us with a tool in the form known as wine that is embellished with the power when consumed to break down the barriers between us and help create a “oneness”. This explains why Noach place a priority in planting grapes when he emerged from the ark. Since the lack of love and mutual sensitivity was the cause of the great disastrous mabul. Upon descending from the ark he immediately preoccupied himself with the planting of this precious commodity.
The avoda of the Kohanim demands a high level of ahavas Yisroel; Nadav and Avihu used this potent tool.
Since the salvation of Purim came about from a high level of ahavas Yisroel and a concern for all, the Chazal ordained the mitzvah of drinking wine to commemorate and increase our ahavas Yisroel.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and we should all be zocheh to have the true connection to achainu bnei yisroel.
Bs”d
Parshas Tzav – Purim Meshulash
By Mordechai Dolinsky
The deep significance and depth of the salvation that came about in the time of Purim was the commitment of Klal Yisroel for mesiras nefesh, the willingness to give their lives for the fulfillment of the will of Hashem. This is likewise the theme of parshas Tzav, the korban olah which is also an inner commitment to be sacrificed for the Will of Hashem. This is the mindset of Klal Yisroel until this very day to be willing to sacrifice ourselves for kavod shomayim.
We should merit all the brachos of Purim in gashmius and ruchnius and see the revelation of kovod shomayim.
Have a good Shabbos and happy Purim.
Bs”d
Parshas Tzav – Purim Meshulash
By Mordechai Dolinsky
The deep significance and depth of the salvation that came about in the time of Purim was the commitment of Klal Yisroel for mesiras nefesh, the willingness to give their lives for the fulfillment of the will of Hashem. This is likewife the theme of parshas Tzav, the korban olah which is also an inner commitment to be sacrificed for the Will of Hashem. This is the mindset of Klal Yisroel until this very day to be willing to sacrifice ourselves for kavod shomayim.
We should merit all the brachos of Purim in gashmius and ruchnius and see the revelation of kovod shomayim.
Have a good Shabbos and happy Purim.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayikra – Zachor (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The parsha opens with a dynamic lesson that Rashi brings of the sensitivity demanded of us towards others. There is an eye-opening Chazal in the Medrash which says that the name itself which Hashem conferred on mankind—“Adam” – has a connotation of being kind, good-hearted and likeable. This demands acting accordingly because of man’s essence.
We should be worthy to understand the wickedness of Amalek and to eradicate this power in our generation.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Tzav (5767)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
On Shabbos our Sages inform us that we receive the inner strength for all that follows in the coming week. This is the week of the celebration of Pesach, the great foundation of our serving Hashem, the renewal of the miracles of yetzias mitzrayim. This makes it very appropo to call it Shabbos Hagadol.
The Medrash in our sedra (9:7) that in the future all the sacrifices will be batel except for the korban todah, the sacrifice for gratitude; this is the foundation of all our service of Hashem, the basis of all our successful human relationships. This ties everything together—Shabbos Hagadol and the parsha.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and a chag kasher v’sameach.
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