Weekly Parsha

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Tetzaveh (5765)

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Parshas Tetzaveh (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

The “bigdei kehuna” contains a blaring lesson that clothing, our wardrobe is an area of serving Hashem. Many consider wardrobe a very personal issue and find any interference annoying. Indeed, our appearance is a definite form of serving Hashem.

The selection of our clothing is also a statement of commitment to a group or an ideal. It is also a tool to program our inner emotions and mentality. Our selection of clothing is likewise a barometer; a sort of acid test of where we are at.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Yisro (5765)

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Parshas Yisro (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Our Parsha shouts a lesson from the epitome of simplicity—Vayishma Yisro—And Yisro heard.  What a lesson—to be a “hearer”.  The extreme importance of constantly having our ears opened to the real truth; ideas and ideals.  Many are young chronologically but are hard of hearing.  Many are old but have youthful ears—opened to the truth and new concepts.

Keep young and have a wonderful Shabbos.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas VoAirah (5765)

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Parshas VoAirah (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Our serving Hashem, the purpose of our lives, is motivated by the Yetzias Mitzrayim; which in actuality is the ten plagues Hashem inflicted upon the Egyptians and the splitting of the sea. This is the supreme demonstration of Hashem’s sovereignty over the creation and is our main source of gratitude to Him. It is imperative for us to use the sedra to refresh our clear perception of the plagues mainly by visualization and studying, followed by a strengthening of our commitment to the service of our Creator.

We should merit to see, speedily in our days, the Final Redemption.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Bo (5765)

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Parshas Bo (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

In our parsha we have a reference to the “aiyno yodaiah lishol”, one of the four types of sons mentioned in the Hagaddah, that the Torah addresses.  This term is not clear and many interpret it as an intelligence level lower than the “tam”, which doesn’t seem probable.  Another great puzzle is that the pasuk quoted for the answer we give to the “aiyno yodaiah lishol” is the same pasuk used for the “rasha”.

One of the most important and valuable human attributes is the practice of continuous, consistent searching for the truth.  A person whose inspiration for the quest of the truth has dried up, has ceased using this most vital human tool.  This, I would venture to say, is the “aiyno yodaiah lishol”—he is indeed very close to the “rasha” and they therefore share the same pasuk.

The necessity to constantly search is incumbent on the full range—from the non-believers to the greatest Torah scholars.  Our present generation is greatly lacking in this most important mind-set, and anyone who has the goal of a purposeful existence should get busy.

Have a wonderful, productive week.

Berashis Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Vayechi (5765)

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Parshas Vayechi (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The name Vayechi seems most inappropriate for a parsha that relates the passing of Yaakov Avinu.  Chazal tell us that tzaddikim in general even after passing away, continue to live on.  In regard to Yaakov specifically we are told that he indeed continues to exist (perhaps in some other form of life).

This phenomenon has been confirmed all through the generations by the sight of our great ones after they passed on (who were seen for various circumstances) and they were reported to appear fresh and alive.  This is a great support for emuna, in our generation that needs so much strength and encouragement.

We should be zocheh to witness tchiyas hamaysim bikarov.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Berashis Chanukah Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas MiKaitz — Shabbos Chanukah (5765)

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Parshas MiKaitz — Shabbos Chanukah (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Imagine the anguish Yosef went through being falsely accused and subsequently imprisoned for something that he demonstrated and exercised the epitome of self-control not to indulge in and sin.  Now, as a ruler,  he was basking in the success that the false accusations caused and created.  What a lesson!

Our fulfillment of the Torah and mitzvos ignite a light within and outside our homes which usually we cannot see.  Perhaps with the mitzvah of the Chanukah lights we are taking a glimpse at this light.

Have a beautiful Shabbos and a happy Chanukah.

Berashis Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Vayigash (5765)

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Parshas Vayigash (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

Yehuda’s orderly logically sequenced orientation hit the spot.  First, we have a lesson in how to deal with difficult ordeals; to go step by step, logically and rationally.  The point that hit home was that Yosef was convinced that the brothers’ radical actions towards him were motivated by the fact that he stemmed from Rochel.  By Yehuda showing the brothers love and concern for Binyomin he proved this was untrue.  We must always be open to new revelations of the truth.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Shmos (5765)

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Parshas Shmos (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Chazal relate that Basya bas Paroh, upon discovering Moshe in the reed basket reached out for him. Despite the great distance her hand fetched him; the conventional perspective is that her hand miraculously stretched. A great sage once explained that it was her pure, uncompromising willpower that enabled her accomplishment. The greatest life lesson; almost nothing stands in the way of our willpower BE”H.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Berashis Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Vayishlach (5765)

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Parshas Vayishlach (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

In our parsha we have one of the most outstanding, monumental events; the historical rendezvous between Yakov and Eisav.  Contrary to the very calculated intentions of Eisav, Yaakov successfully defused and neutralized the whole destructive agenda.  Despite its glaring success, Yaakov doesn’t escape the scrutiny of Chazal, the truth of the Torah and was criticized for not sufficiently verifying that his actions were the true will of Hashem, and completely appropriate.  What a lesson of the extreme necessity and importance to constantly confirm that all our actions are daas Torah and the true Will of Hashem.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Berashis Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Vayeitzei (5765)

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Parshas Vayeitzei (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

Many find it difficult dealing with the phenomenon that Yaakov didn’t sleep for the 14 years that he attended the Yeshiva of Shem and attempt various interpretations.  Our whole existence is based on the promise Hashem made to Avraham that we are above the stars and no longer subjected to the conventional laws of nature with which Hashem runs the world.  Our very existence stems from women, who according to the laws of nature, were totally incapable of child-bearing.  Until this very day every facet of our existence is above “teva”.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

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