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Parshas Behar (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
Shmita was chosen to reveal the lesson of Sinai as Rashi quotes at the beginning of our parsha. Since agriculture was the mainstay of our economical existence it can be fulfilled only through complete self-sacrifice–thus Hashem expected absolute commitment. So too the fulfillment, accomplishment and realization of doing the true Will of Hashem involves complete devotion and self-sacrifice.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Acharai – Shabbos HaGadol – Erev Pesach (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The sons of Aharon were punished for something for which the commandment was not yet given. It was because they understood themselves that it shouldn’t have been done. We are held responsible for all we comprehend on our own which is right or wrong.
This is perhaps the most important Shabbos of the year. We receive spiritual gifts of understanding (hashpaos) for Pesach since it occurs in this week, which is the foundation of everything. Perhaps this is the reason it is called Shabbos HaGadol.
Use every moment of Pesach for the purpose that it was given which is to grow and be inspired in Emuna.
Chag Kasher V’Sameach and have a wonderful Shabbos.
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Parshas Metzora (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Chag HaPesach is our greatest source of spiritual nourishment for the year. To derive the necessary benefit we must use this last week to prepare by studying the halachos and the medrashim about yetzias mitzrayim.
Parshas Metzora is very appropo since Moshe Rabeinu proclaimed “Ochain Nodah Hadovor”—the terrible affliction of the Egyptians upon us was attributed to the sin of Loshon Horah. Likewise the Chazal enlightened us to the fact that the main cause of tzoraas is a result of loshon horah; lowering the esteem and causing any harm, physical or mental, or monetary loss to our fellow man.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
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Parshas Tazria – HaChodesh (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The Kohain glances at the ‘negah’ and a week later must observe if the size has altered. How nerve wracking to depend on the accuracy of his memory. Maybe this is part of the ‘kapara’.
Shabbos HaChodesh; the obvious message is that from the beginning of the month we are showered from Heaven with chizuk and inspiration of the Yetzias Mitzrayim. We also must use this period of time as a preparation for the great spiritual uplift of Chag HaPesach.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and a good Chodesh.
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Parshas Shmini (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
How significant today is the Chazal (Medrash Rabba 13:5) of how the ‘chazir’ who doesn’t chew his cud but displays his split hooves, as if cunningly and falsely declaring his purity and holiness. So much of the ideas and ideals of our modern day culture and society which are accepted, condoned and even praised is truthfully wicked. No, the old hog hasn’t given up—beware!
After the refreshing and rejuvenating uplift of the Torah we just received on Purim, rejoice with its true beauty!
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
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Parshas Tzav – Purim (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
The Medrash in our parsha 9-7 calls out that only the korban todah is forever. This proclaims the supremacy of gratitude. The miracle of Purim came about through the gratitude that even Achashverosh had to Mordechai. I hope that we get the point.
A frelichen Purim wherever you are and a wonderful Shabbos.
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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.
Bs”d
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.
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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.
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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.
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