Weekly Parsha

Vayikra Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Vayikra (5766)

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Parshas Vayikra (5766)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The Medrash (1:3) quotes a Chazal that Hashem declares to Basia bas Paroh—You adopted and related to Moshe, who was but a stanger, as your own, likewise I will relate to you as my own daughter.  Absolutely mind-boggling!  The offspring of Paroh the rasha, one of the greatest symbols of wickedness in the history of mankind; made herself worthy of this ultimate connection to Hashem.  How inspiring it is for us to know that we all surely have this closeness available.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

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.

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.

Berashis Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Vayechi (5766)

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Parshas Vayechi (5766)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

In the framework of the simplicity of the Chumash, Yosef presents his offspring to Yaakov Avinu who was completely ignorant of their identity.   The grandfather doesn’t indulge with his newly discovered grandchildren in playing checkers, monopoly or scrabble.  The Vilna Gaon refused to indulge in a conversation with his visiting sister on the grounds of a lack time, with a consolation that they will be connected in the future world.  Can the brain surgeon interrupt his surgery to converse with his “Aunt Tilly” concerning her new knitted outfit?

To our Avos every ‘mili’second was accounted for.  We must be concerned regarding the feelings of others but at the same time keep in mind the significance and priority of the importance of time and how every moment is spent.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

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