Tag: Acharei-Kedoshim

Parshas Acharei – Kedoshim (5770)

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Parshas Acharei – Kedoshim (5770)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

As the galus goes on the darkness intensifies and becomes greater.  It is so vitally important that we keep focus and constantly ask Hashem for guidance to keep  on track to fulfill His Will and the purpose of our existence.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Acharei – Kedoshim (5766)

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Parshas Acharei – Kedoshim (5766)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The Medrash in our parsha (20:2) enlightens us to the fact that when Avraham Avinu went to the akeida he questioned Yishmael and Eliezer if they observed a cloud over the designated mountain, which was actually a manifestation of the Shechina.  When they answered in the negative, contrary to Yitzchok’s positive reply, he ordered them to remain behind.

When one elevate’s himself spiritually he is able to see an actual vision of the ruchnias.  This in turn equips and enables him to grow even more.

“Kedoshim Tihiyu”–how can we relate to and fulfill the commandment in our parsha, which is meant for all of us, to be saintly and elevate ourselves to holiness?  The making of small, simple moves in this direction gives us the stepping stones to go further.

Have a wonderful week.

Parshas Acharei – Kedoshim (5762)

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Parshas Acharei – Kedoshim (5762)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

One of the opinions in Chazal of the sin of Aharon’s sons was that they engaged in the service having indulged in drinking wine.  The obvious difficulty is that the explicit commandment to refrain from drinking in service came afterward.

One of the most vital principles in our life’s purpose and fulfillment I heard from Rav Miller zt”l in the name of R’ Nissim Gaon, is that Hashem holds us responsible to keep what we understand with our own mental faculties.  This is considered the Will of Hashem, compatible to Torah MiSinai.  That accounts for the responsibility of doing right and keeping away from wrong before Matan Torah.  The sons of Aharon understood that it was improper to serve after having indulged in wine.  This responsibility for what we comprehend ourselves to be right is eternal.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Acharei – Kedoshim (5761)

Bs”d

Parshas Acharei – Kedoshim (5761)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

In our sedra we have the avoda of Yom Kippur and the parsha of ‘arayos’ which seemingly aren’t really related.  As it turns out this is the portion read on the holiest of days. On this day that is most dedicated and devoted to teshuva it is surely understandable that we read from the Torah an area that poses such a prominent and difficult test to Klal Yisroel and the world at large.

This week we also read parshas Kedoshim Tihiyu—as it is a double sedra.  It is puzzling that the break between aliyos is not between the two parshios.  There is a message here—that there is a strong connection in the subject matter between the two.

Rashi explains that Kedoshim pertains specificially to matters of arayos.  By exercising care not to transgress this area of sin, we are creating a kedusha within ourselves.  This is a tremendous new insight and perspective.  Keeping away from sin we would say should leave us at the most at “square one”, nothing accomplished, nothing achieved, just saved from a blemish.

This is truly a secret of the universe, success in overcoming temptation in this area is creating, building and accomplishing.  The Medrash Rabba in our sedra (23:9) explains that all the awesome miracles that transpired to Yosef HaTzaddik, putting him in the royal position he was in, all came about from his abstaining from sinning with the wife of Potifar.  The Medrash shows in detail how each organ and part of his body was blessed from its specific test.

This lesson has specific significance to us in this generation that we have been exposed to difficult tests in this area.  HaShem has presented us with a tremendous opportunity for accomplishment.  It is inspiring to know that every attempt to exercise self-control brings concrete growth and unlimited blessings.