Parshas Behar (5772)

Bs”d

Parshas Behar (5772)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The commandment of Shmitta in our parsha demonstrates absolute belief and confidence in Hashem as the Provider. The greatest area which is effected by shmitta is the production of wheat which is the main pillar and provider of sustenance. This is surely connected to the lechem hapanim in the bais and mikdash, expressing our belief and gratitude to Hashem. |This is likewise responsible that a good portion of the malachos of Shabbos are centered around the growth and production of bread. This is all crystalized in the bracha “hamotzi lechem min haraetz”. Hashem actually presents to us the miraculous gift of bread.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Behar (5771)

Bs”d

Parshas Behar (5771)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The yovail calls for the blowing of the shofar which is unique for Rosh Hashana. This calls out that the yovail is intrinsically connected with Malchus Shomayim. Many other areas of our avoda are likewise especially connected. Hashem should enlighten us to truly fulfill His Will.

Have an especially wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Behar (5768)

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Parshas Behar (5768)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

The Medrash (34:3) in our parsha relates that Hillel HaZakain expressed that serving breakfast to a guest at his home really meant serving himself.  He actually regarded his physical being and neshama as separate entities.  This is only possible by one’s awareness and absolute focus on his spiritual neshama.

This may explain how he reached the highest level of control with regard to anger that not only was the anger completely self-contained but nothing ever fazed him.  Also the ideal of never creating discomfort to another which he crystallized and fulfilled, was only made possible by the absolute focus on the neshama; this is “the” key for attaining true Ahavas Yisroel.

Truly, a timely topic for this period of sefiras haomer—a special time for growing in all our human relationships.

Have a wonderful and “warm” Shabbos.

Parshas Behar (5765)

Bs”d

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.

Parshas Behar (5760)

Parshas Behar (5760)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

At the beginning of the Parsha Rashi brings down the Chazal that explains the lesson we derive from the fact that the Mitzvah of Shmita was placed next to Sinai, Matan Torah.  What still needs clarification is what is special about Shmita that it was selected to teach us this lesson.  The very obvious importance of Shmita is the lesson of bitachon.  The Menuchas HaNefesh, the peace of mind that comes with realization that HaShem is in control.  I would like to share another thought reflecting the specialty of Shmita.

The Mitzvah of Shmita quite obviously required a substantial amount of dedication.  However I suspect there is a major aspect of the mitzvah that is overlooked and not properly understood.  The general populace in Eretz Yisroel owned their land and agriculture was their source of livelihood and sustenance.  What was necessary for the fulfillment of Shmita wasn’t what we call idealism, intensive motivation, mesiras nefesh, or high level inspiration.  The word for it is called suicide—economic suicide.  What Hashem required from Klal Yisroel was financial suicide and not just from the elite, the Talmidei Chachamim and Tzaddikim but from the simple masses and their families; women, children, old parents and grandparents.  They were all subjected to the trauma of complete, utter economic disaster, void of any support, stability or hope of getting help from others.  They were all in the same sunken boat.

They tell the story of a hiker, an agnostic, who stood too close to the edge of the Grand Canyon and slipped off a high cliff.  He tumbled down the sheer wall and miraculously broke his fall by grabbing a branch that was growing out of the cliff.  It broke his fall but he was dangerously stuck in that position, unable to climb up or down the sheer cliff.  Lifting his eyes to Heaven he called out: “If there is anyone up there please help me”.  A voice replied: “I’ll help you my son, but you must believe in Me”.  “I believe, I believe” he answered.  Again the Heavenly voice rang out: “If you believe, my son, let go of the branch”.  There was a hesitation and then came the hiker’s voice again:  “Is there anyone else up there who can help me”?

Through the mitzvah of Shmita HaShem requests that we let go of the branch.  If we made an overview of Avodas Hashem and examine it carefully we would find numerous instances where HaShem asks us to let go of the branch.  We are demonstrating our belief, our loyalty and love for Hashem.  That is a tall order even for person of great stature and surely for a simple person.  We come from good stock and have the neshamos of our forefathers in our blood.  Shmita belongs right next to Har Sinai.