Weekly Parsha

Bamidbar Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Korach (5768)

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Parshas Korach (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

Korach in his wicked performance of ridiculing Moshe and Toras Hashem selected the mitzvos of tzitzis and mezuzah. “If techeles is sufficient on one strand of the tzitzis a complete garment of techeles should surely do the trick… A room filled with sefarim should make the placing of a mezuzah on the door unnecessary. From all the mitzvos why should Korach single out these? Was there any sense to his jest?

‘Osos’ and ‘Adius’ are mitzvos which tzitzis and mezuzah are part of that the Torah itself explains that it serves the purpose of testimony to remind us of certain essentials. This is to the extent that some opinions hold that we do not fulfill the mitzvah unless we actually use it practically for this purpose.

Korach used the true purpose of these mitzvos for the logic of his foul ridicule. Korach’s error of course was that the benefit of these mitzvos is only attained by following the strict specifications of the Torah.

This episode should serve us as an inspiration to make use of these precious mitzvos to remind us of what they were intended for–the mezuzah, tzitzis, tefilin, Shabbos, the Yomim Tovim etc. etc..

Have a wonderful Shabbos and a redeeming and fulfilling Chodesh.

Chagim Shavuos Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Shavuos (5768)

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Shavuos (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

It is amazing to note that despite the psychological and physical torture endured by our nation in Mitzrayim, the great gain of the redemption and freedom was the yearning of the fulfillment of Kabolas HaTorah.

There was a deep, intuitive drive that this was our true life source and formula for success.

The whole world realizes and recognizes that we have a secret, unique, earth shattering, uncomprehensible, one hundred percent successful tool; the Torah.  It makes us indestructible and keeps us above all the laws of “nature”.

Let’s make our Torah commitment, complete for ourselves, our families and for all Klal Yisroel.

Have a successful and simchadike Kabolas HaTorah.

Bamidbar Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Naso (5768)

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Parshas Naso (5768)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

If we have the sensitivity, we can witness daily the fantastic experience of hashgacha pratis that demonstrates openly and clearly that Hashem is with us and His love for us. This is a magnificent manifestation of the Chazal that Rashi quotes in our parsha on the birkas Kohanim (6:24) on the pasuk “yair Hashem panav elecha”—Hashem will show you a radiant and smiling countenance.

Bakshu Panav Tamid—search for Him and you will surely find Him.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and a meaningful Kabolas HaTorah.

Bamidbar Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Bamidbar (5768)

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Parshas Bamidbar (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

Hashem demonstrates His great love for us in our parsha which is spelled out by His repeated counting of us. It brings with it an awesome responsibility to have a similar love for Klal Yisroel, as we are expected to emulate Hashem, especially when He makes an explicit demonstration.

This subject of being aware of and upgrading our love for our fellow “Yidden” is very much the theme of the present period of sefiras haomer and in preparing for kabolas haTorah.

A productive, time-tested tool of improving our Ahavas Yisroel is to concentrate for a few moments on the positive traits of an acquaintance; this may include a spouse.

Have a wonderful Shabbos, a month of bracha and hatzlacha, surrounded by wonderful people.

Vayikra Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Bechukosai (5768)

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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.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Behar (5768)

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Parshas Behar (5768)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

The Medrash (34:3) in our parsha relates that Hillel HaZakain expressed that serving breakfast to a guest at his home really meant serving himself.  He actually regarded his physical being and neshama as separate entities.  This is only possible by one’s awareness and absolute focus on his spiritual neshama.

This may explain how he reached the highest level of control with regard to anger that not only was the anger completely self-contained but nothing ever fazed him.  Also the ideal of never creating discomfort to another which he crystallized and fulfilled, was only made possible by the absolute focus on the neshama; this is “the” key for attaining true Ahavas Yisroel.

Truly, a timely topic for this period of sefiras haomer—a special time for growing in all our human relationships.

Have a wonderful and “warm” Shabbos.

Vayikra Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Kedoshim (5768)

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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.

Chagim Pesach Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Shvi’i Shel Pesach (5768)

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Shvi’i Shel Pesach (5768)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

After all considerations the main attributing factor for which Klal Yisroel was worthy for the awesome miracle of Krias Yam Suf was their emuna in Hashem.

We should all inspire and strengthen ourselves in our belief and confidence in Hashem in order to be worthy of the great geula sh’layma that we should see speedily in our days.

Have a wonderful Shabbos, a meaningful Yom Tov and greatest blessings to all.

Chagim Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Shabbos HaGadol (5768)

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Shabbos HaGadol (5768)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

We are presently in the midst of a complex merge of awesome, intensive spiritual influences and blessings. Shabbos HaGadol, erev Pesach leading right into Chag HaPesach. It is vital and crucial that we comprehend this and consequently make a concrete effort to connect.

Have a wonderful, meaningfulShabbos and a Chag Kosher V’sameach.
Wed. nite Chol HaMoed all are invited to a Pesach mesiba in our home.

Vayikra Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Metzora (5768)

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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.

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