Bs”d
Parshas Aikev (5764)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Rashi in our parsha opens our eyes to the vulnerability and weakness of all of us; (11:16) by the slackening in the intensity of our learning of Torah, we immediately are subjected and open to the lowest spiritual degradations. How much we must constantly cry to Hashem for Divine assistance.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vo’eschanan (5764)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Our parsha is filled with an abundance of the foundations of our faith. After the greatest catastrophe of the churban Bais HaMikdash which we just commemorated, our parsha is very appropo since the only path of rebirth is reverting to the pure and accurate essence of our faith.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Devorim (5764)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The Medrash in our parsha (1:9) stating that we see a bracha for accepting “tochacha” can be understood superficially as a recompensation for the negative feelings that usually accompany rebuke. For a deeper understanding of this we find the most puzzling phenomenon that Yaakov Avinu reserved his tochacha for his sons for his final moments of life for fear that they would desert him in favor of joining the ranks of Esav as a result of his rebuke. It is a most uncomprehensible fact; humans refuse to accept rebuke. They justify themselves, redeem themselves, and rebel. If one manages to accept tochahca he certainly deserves a bracha for a reward. We must cry our hearts out to Hashem to open our hearts to receive rebuke and enlightenment and we will surely receive all the brachos. We should merit to see the great redemption and have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Matos – Masai (5764)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
In our parsha we find in regard to nedarim, women under the jurisdiction of their fathers or husbands. Beside the dry, technical aspect of this halacha, there is an obvious statement of the Torah outlook in regard to a very basic issue; the role of a woman in relationship to her husband and father.
Nowhere in the world do we find the female elevated, respected and held in the highest esteem more than in the Torah ideology. When the world was still degrading and holding women in the lowest esteem we accepted women to fill the role of the highest prophets and judges. Yet the Torah teaches us loud and clear that the husband has the role in the home as the “leader”. The woman is held in the highest esteem for her unique traits especially the extra wisdom her has. But the husband is the leader.
How significant this lesson is to us in this point of history when in our civilization the rebellion of womanhood has been totally accepted. (The supremacy of the father and husband is one of the greatest sins and atrocities that the middle-east cultures are accused of). This terrible darkness has even infiltrated the ranks of the shomrei Torah u’mitzvos and is largely responsible for the breakdown of our society. Our Parsha should be an inspiration and guidance of the truth.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Pinchas (5764)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
The essence of putting into practice the attribute of sholom is the ability to deal with and relate to the complete range of personality and character types and categories. This is despite the seeming limitations and obstacles due to our own traits. All the demands that are made on us in our human relationships likewise apply to our relationship with Hashem. Hillel crystallized the whole Torah and avodas Hashem—Don’t do your friend that which is objectionable and abominable to yourself; and Rashi explains that this “friend” is Hashem. It would be greatly commendable if we were able to relate to Hashem at least as a good friend. Just as it is an act of greatness to relate to each human and tune in to his specific mentality likewise one must practice this towards Hashem. It was because of the unique greatness of Pinchas in this area that he, and he alone, comprehended that Hashem’s “inner” Will was that an open act of vengeance was in place to demonstrate the extreme, Divine disapproval. Understandably he was then blessed with sholom. This is a supreme and inspiring living example for us to constantly yearn to have a revelation to what Hashem wants from us.
Have a wonderful week!
Bs”d
Parshas Balak (5764)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
In our parsha when Bilaam finally came forth with brachos for Clal Yisroel it states as follows: Mah Tovu Oholecha Yaakov–focusing on the great attribute of carefulness and concern on the issue of modesty and tznius. This is a matter for which we need fortification, support and inspiration during these dark times; a generation of degeneration in these matters. We are living in a time of tremendous breakdown of values of modesty. On one hand one might find this depressing, but on the other hand the opportunity for accomplishment is infinite.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Chukas (5764)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
Our Medrash 19:13 quotes the Chazal which is one of our greatest foundations and principles. “Dayah chasarta mah konisa, Dayah konisa mah chasarta”. If we acquire what Rav Miller calls true knowledge we have everything and without this we have nothing. True knowledge is programming into our nervous system and reality our true values.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Korach (5764)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Korach was faced with a mountainous ordeal and humongous undertaking in his crusade to persuade and brainwash even the Sanhedrin and outstanding members of Clal Yisroel to join in his machlokes. The awesome tool he had in his arsenal for this tragic accomplishment was with “meshicha b’dvorim rakim”; persuasion through soft words (Medrash 12:2). What a powerful message and lesson for us, to harness this potent tool for good purposes.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and Chodesh—may it be a month of yeshuos for all.
Bs”d
Parshas Shlach (5764)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
In our sedra the meraglim are quoted saying that they felt like grasshoppers in the presence of the Cnanim and likewise that is how they appeared to them (13:33). The Medrash (16:11) relates that Hashem was willing to ignore, overlook and excuse the first part of the perspective of how they felt that they appeared but the second part of their image in the eyes of the Cnaanim was unforgivable. How were they supposed to know how they appeared; this doesn’t make sense. Hashem demands of us to be logical and make sense. He overlooks so many of our weaknesses but is very stringent about making sense. This should be a great source of awakening to us about many issues.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Behaaloscha (5764)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
In the Medrash Rabba in our parsha (15:14) we find that those that have the attribute of “fear of Hashem” will eventually be rewarded with kingship. This is generally interpreted as type of reward. Perhaps a greater insight into the connection is that if one can “break through” his materialistic surroundings and feel the presence of Hashem he has accomplished something which is demanded of a person who has the responsibility of kingship. Secondly, one who can practice self-control over his own faculties deserves to be in charge and control over the masses to further the cause of the glory of Hashem.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
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