Bs”d
Parshas Haazinu (5773)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The awesome testimony that Moshe Rabeinu gives over for all generations is that the learning of Torah brings light to the whole world. Also the learning of the Torah itself gives the strength and support and capability to its learners…don’t hesitate.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Haazinu (5769)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Our sedra was presented by Hashem as an eye-opener and a source of inspiration in the days of darkness. (32:8) makes reference to a “dor ikaish u’pastol” a generation crooked and twisted. These terms may be explained as “crooked” referring to misdirected, one with mistaken priorities, false values and seeking the wrong goals. “Twisted” (as a thread) is a mindset, a mentality and therefore a way of life which is completely contorted; not one iota of straightness. This means leading a lifestyle that absolutely makes no sense whatsoever.
We are presently living in such a framework of society and civilization and it is up to us and it is our duty to spot and diagnose this reality. This Haazinu is Hashem’s own prescription.
Have a wonderful, inspired, Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Ha’azinu — Shabbos Shuva (5767)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
How inspiring! The first Shabbos of 5767 and Shabbos Shuva, designated for returning to Hashem and for repentance.
The Medrash (10:1) relates the phenomenon of the multitudes attraction to a specific individual as a source of learning Torah from him, is a direct correlation of that individual’s own attentiveness to his own Torah mentor.
So deep and rich with implication; our own sincere significant spiritual input brings concrete related substantial positive consequences.
Have a wonderful, uplifting and inspirational Shabbos and a g’mar chasima tova.
Bs”d
Parshas Haazinu (5766)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Our sedra begins with Moshe Rabeinu’s request of the heaven and earth to testify to Clal Yisroel’s commitment to the Torah. This means that any deviation will be realized by an obvious reaction of the natural phenomenon!!!
Yom Kippur inspires us not to fall into deviations of the Will of Hashem, which is so prevalent around us. Hashem listens to our prayers; cry to Him for Divine assistance to do and yearn only for which is right.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and wonderful year.
Bs”d
Parshas HaaZinu — Shabbos Shuva (5763)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
The major theme of our parsha is deriving spiritual strength and inspiration from lessons learned by observing aspects of the world. We find consistently that a chizuk, the strengthening of emuna brings a kaporas avonos (atonement of sins) with tshuva (repentance).
Following the chizuk of the Malchus Shomayim of Rosh HaShanah the first Shabbos of the year; Shabbos which is likewise a chizuk of emuna of the creation of the world by Hashem, certainly should have special attributes of atonement and certainly deserves the name of Shabbos Shuva.
Have a wonderful first Shabbos and a G’Mar Chasima Tova.
Bs”d
Parshas Ha’azinu (5762)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Rashi at the beginning of the parsha sets the tone for the whole sedra. The events of the world testify and participate in the responsibility of the commitment of Klal Yisroel. An awesome manifestation of this is what the world, the United States and Klal Yisroel has been witness to and experienced in Manhattan.
On one hand the wounds are too raw and it may be too premature to search for the Divine lessons. On the other hand the tragedy is so spoken about and the videos replayed there is the fear that in the near future it will be repulsive to mention the subject.
There are two ways the truth and its vital lessons are clouded and difficult to access. Sometimes they are hidden and hard to see and sometimes they are so obvious they miss our proper attention and attentiveness. As a wise man once said things are hidden from us by being under our nose. The lesson many have derived is the realization of the false confidence place in the U.S. and its supposed infallibility. Are we remaining with the disappointment like deflated balloons or are we refocusing our faith, emuna and bitachon in Hashem?
The lesson is too awesome and precious to be chas v’shalom lossed. Have a wonderful, meaningful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Haazinu (Yom Kippur)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The importance of the parsha can be perceived from the words of the Chumash itself in Parshas Vayelech (31:19). “Write this song for yourselves and teach it to Bnei Yisroel, and place it in their mouths”. 31:25—“It shall be that when many evils and distress will be encountered then this song shall speak up as a witness”. One of the outstanding themes is the observation and sensitivity to the events that we are constantly experiencing. This has a special timely meaning as will be explained.
It is clear that the central theme of Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur is relating specifically to the ‘Malchus HaShem’. This amounts to superimposing to HaShem, kavyachol, the image, concept and the experiencing of earthly human royalty. This is a combination of awe, fear and admiration. The institution of authentic royalty is contemporarily extinct. Because of this we are faced with a challenge of not having the slightest concept of ‘malchus’ with which to relate to HaShem.
Queen Esther put her life on the line by petitioning for a few words with His Majesty. Bear in mind that this was none other than her husband who she was supposedly so endeared to. This is a startling glimpse at the awesome quality of true royalty and our lack of insight into it. In the Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur Shmoneh Esrei when expressing the yearning for the fear and reverence of the Kingdom of HaShem to be reinstated, the commentaries explain the word “Uvchen” (tain pachdecha) is a reference to the term Esther used when relating to her encounter with King Achashverosh!
How can we relate to the ‘Malchus HaShem’ without having witnessed or experienced it? The awesome grandeur of royalty is void. However it is possible to achieve our connection to malchus through the glorious manifestation of the Malchus Shomayim which is demonstrated through the manipulation of the current events which surround us; the theme of our parsha and very appropo for Yom Kippur whose theme is ‘malchus HaShem’.
A Gmar Chasima Tova for all of us and all of Klal Yisroel.
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