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Parshas Toldos (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
There is a puzzling Chazal in our Medrash that relates that Yitzchok was called Avraham. One explanation might be that even though Yitzchok had his unique characteristics he also had the attributes of Avraham. How inspiring! WE all have many attributes in our arsenal of characteristics that we have the potential to access and light up the world with.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
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Parshas Chayei Sara (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
To many it seems so sad that the news of Akeidas Yitzchok caused the passing away of Sara Imainu. However, it was the concern over the future of Clal Yisroel that really disturbed her. This means that in her petirah she was serving Hashem in a very high form; what a zchus.
When some unpleasantness is destined for us, chas v’shalom, it is the greatest gift from Heaven to be able to fulfill it in the service of Hashem.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
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Parshas Vayeira (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Avraham is visited by Hashem Yisborach, something which is difficult for our mouths to repeat and almost impossible for us to comprehend. He begs forgiveness and excuses himself to attend to three crude looking wayfarers. The message is a theme which is found and repeated many times in Chazal but very much misunderstood; the priority of our “bain adam l’chavero” and its extreme importance in the eyes of Hashem.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
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Succos (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
The focus of the Succah should be the most amazing phenomenon that we have a mitzvah that we can actually point up to the schach and proclaim that there is the Shechina.
Have a most wonderful, simchadike Yom Tov with all the brachos that come with it.
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Rosh Hashana (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
The main, crucial focal point of Rosh Hashana is the strengthening and rejuvenating of Hashem as the King of the Universe. Our practical actuating this as a reality has been hampered since no actual kingdom exists in the world today that we canuse to relate to Hashem in that role.
Perhaps the knowledge that the control of all the vicious forces and nuclear power in the world today are all completely in the hands of Hashem, is a unique advanced concept of the Malchus Shamayim.
May it be a wonderful good year for you and all Clal Yisroel.
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Parshas Nitzavim – Vayelech (5764)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
In our preparation for Rosh Hashanah we must work on feeling the malchus, the Kingdom of Hashem. Therefore the parsha is so outstandingly appropriate—Atem Nitzavim, you are all standing before Hashem.
It is imperative to devote time each day to generate this feeling within ourselves of having a true perception of the reality of the Kingdom and presence of Hashem. This will lead us to have a successful Rosh Hashana and a happy, prosperous year.
A wonderful Shabbos to all.
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Parshas Ki Savo (5764)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
As we get closer to Rosh HaShana the Hashgacha brings us sedras with vital spiritual nourishment. Our parsha cries out the importance of “hakoras hatov”—gratitude which is the basis of our relationship with Hashem and with our fellow man and the foundation of our whole religion. How important it is for us to understand this and fulfill it in a realistic, meaningful way and not just with superficial metaphors.
We should all be zocheh to acquire this wonderful attribute and have all the brachos that will come with it.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
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Parshas Ki Saitzai (5764)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
A very clear lesson we gain from the issue of the “yefas toar”; the web of lure in our parsha, came about from an optional war. Very often the spiritual downfalls we have are caused by exposing ourselves to unnecessary situations.
In Elul we should use the sound of the shofar for the chizuk it was intended for—the tekiah, proclaiming the Kingdom of Hashem; and the shvarim teruah appealing and crying to Hashem to forgive us and to allow us to come close to Him.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
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Parshas Shoftim (5764)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The dominant theme of our present period, Elul, is “Ani L’Dodi V’Dodi Li”; achieving closeness with Hashem. This a time Hashem makes Himself available and it is imperative to understand that this closeness is not something which comes about by passive good will. We must actively and aggressively seek this objective of achieving a true binding with Hashem. If we don’t make an extreme realistic effort we will surely not find time for this in our busy schedules. Either in our intensive Torah programs or other commitments; no time for Hashem. The only way is to designate a specific time for the Ribbono Shel Olam. Then we must know how to connect and to be sure that this is “the real thing”, not fantasies.
Wishing you all success and all the blessings that it brings.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
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Parshas Re’ey (5764)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Again we must pierce through the façade of August, the vacation season, that our solar calendar declares and connect and relate to the reality of Chodesh Elul which is upon us. Each of us must ask Hashem for special Divine assistance for the insight and understanding as to what exactly the particular demands that our individual spiritual needs call for, are, and for the strength to fulfill them.
It is tremendously helpful to always remember the Chazal in the Medrash of our parshas (4:5) that Hashem declares that no one ever loses out by following His commands.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and a wonderful month which will culminate in a Shana Tova.
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