Bs”d
Parshas Bereishis (5769)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
In observing the significant opening of the Chumash we see a consistent repetition of “vayavdeil”; a “separation” on the part of Hashem. This obviously is to communicate to us the message of priority of importance. Hashem expects as a most basic mentality and behaviour the sensitivity to constantly and consistently be a “mavdil”—to be able to discern the fine light of the truth in all issues.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Shmini Atzeres (5769)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
Succos and Shmini Atzeres are extentins of Rosh Hashanah, the great time of judgment. Shmini Atzeres is the climax. It is the yom tov of joy despite the judgment. The greatest test to be judged on is the service of simcha in Hashem and His Torah.
Yom Tov sameach v’ hayisa ach sameach.
Bs”d
Shabbos Chol HaMoed Succos (5769)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
According to the Tur who is of the opinion that the protection afforded our forefathers in the Midbar were the clouds of glory and not the succos, why were the succos commanded by the Torah to remind us of the clouds of glory?
Hashem could have selected many means to save us, i.e., one great general unspecified miracle labeled “saved by Hashem”, but instead the clouds of glory acted the role of an actual succah. This is the greatest of miracles for it demonstrates that Hashem is truly with us and is aware of our actual needs and fulfills them.
This is an awesome demonstration of Hashem’s love, care and intimate interest and concern for our necessities and His supreme ability to fulfill them. This is the focus of succos and the enlightenment of Shabbos. It should be a source of true joy and blessings.
Good Shabbos and have simchas HaChag.
Bs”d
Succos (5769)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
Succos is a most vital ingredient in our spiritual nourishment for the year. The greatest benefit we can derive from it is by focusing in depth on the open demonstration of Hashem’s sovereignty that He displayed by keeping alive Klal Yisroel for the duration of their years in the desert.
Have a meaningful, simchadik Yom Tov.
Bs”d
Parshas Haazinu (5769)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Our sedra was presented by Hashem as an eye-opener and a source of inspiration in the days of darkness. (32:8) makes reference to a “dor ikaish u’pastol” a generation crooked and twisted. These terms may be explained as “crooked” referring to misdirected, one with mistaken priorities, false values and seeking the wrong goals. “Twisted” (as a thread) is a mindset, a mentality and therefore a way of life which is completely contorted; not one iota of straightness. This means leading a lifestyle that absolutely makes no sense whatsoever.
We are presently living in such a framework of society and civilization and it is up to us and it is our duty to spot and diagnose this reality. This Haazinu is Hashem’s own prescription.
Have a wonderful, inspired, Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayelech (5769)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The Medrash (9:9) in our parsha relates that when Moshe Rabeinu finally came to terms with himself about the fact of his parting from this world Hashem gladdened his heart by revealing to him that in the next world he would likewise have the great merit of leading Klal Yisroel. This is to be viewed as more than just a “reward” but rather a realization of the great principle that our existence in the next world is a reflection of our values, aspirations, goals and preoccupation of life on this world.
Yom Kippur should be viewed as a most precious tool that Hashem has given us to cleanse our souls. To get the most out of it we should devote time, days before Yom Kippur preparing a personal list of our undesirable actions that we wish to have Hashem’s forgiveness for through the gift of Yom Kippur – and may we all be blessed with a gmar chasimah tova.
A wonderful, wonderful first Shabbos to all.
Bs”d
Rosh Hashanah (5769)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
The most precious blessing we can receive from Hashem and therefore our foremost Rosh Hashonah request is that we should have the clarity and insight to our unique characteristics and capabilities and have the strength and the will to properly fulfill our life.
Have a healthy year, one that all our physical and spiritual needs should be provided, with peace of mind and happiness.
Bs”d
Parshas Nitzavim (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The Medrash in our sedra (8:3) relates the experience of a talmid chacham who was able to accomplish the tremendous feat of reviewing his massive wealth of knowledge in an hour. His memory, however, unfortunately failed him following an illness and the complete wealth of his accumulated knowledge left him. His Rebbe, R’ Elazar ben Yaakov declared that this tragic loss was a result of the fact that when he reviewed his learning he failed to put the Torah in the form of speech. The deep principle here is that the input of our energy and involvement of resources bring an increase in kedusha and with this comes a lasting existence. This great principle pertains to all our service of Hashem; the greater of our personal involvement in every way brings great blessings.
Have a wonderful last Shabbos of the year.
May this New Year bring with it blessings for yourselves and Klal Yisroel.
Bs”d
Parshas Ki Savo (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
We are presently lacking any form of royalty or kingship that we can create or simulate the concept of Malchus Shomayim, as is required of us. The everyday experiences of hashgacha pratis that Hashem presents to us when examined in depth can reveal the greatness of Hashem’s supremacy over the universe. This is to the extent that at times tantamount to the greatest miracles of history. This concept is reflected in the Medrash in our parsha (7:6)—greater are the miracles of the rainfall than of tichiyas yamaysim.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
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.
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