Month: March 2001

Vayikra Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Vayikra (5761)

Bs”d

Parshas Vayikra (5761)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

The Chazal had grounds to presume that the time of fulfillment of the mitzvah of retelling the miracles of Yetzias Mitzrayim starts from the beginning of Nissan, and it is only from a special limud that we know that the technical mitzvah is confined to the night of Pesach.  From this we can see that the two weeks prior to Pesach is also a time one can soak in the emunah.  It is therefore very beneficial to devote time every day to connect to the Yetzias Mitzrayim.  One should set aside time to study medrashim and read material on this subject.

With our parsha of VaYikra we are entering the world of korbonos.  As we find with many areas of the dinim of the Torah even though they are a “gezairas hakasuv” there are many lessons we can derive from them.  There is an aspect of the laws of the korban olah which I am amazed by that I would like to share.  We find in Mesechtas Tomid (31) the Torah prescribes a definite order of how the body of the slaughtered bull is dissected.

We start with the head – then to the four bottoms of the legs (front and back) – then to the two front forelegs – this is followed by the hind right leg – the chest – the right side – the left side – the rump – and then the hind leg.  The reason for this order surely has great significance and I will leave it presently as food for thought.

We also find an interesting order in the sequence of how the blood is circulated to the body.  The four major arteries spread out to the right side of the brain, the right hand, the left side of the brain and the left hand and to the lower part of the body and the two feet.  On the return trip the right side of the brain together with the right hand, the left side of the brain, then the left hand, and the lower part of the body including the two feet.  There is likewise some interesting significance to this.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Vayakhail-Pekudei – Parshas HaChodesh (5761)

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Parshas Vayakhail-Pekudei-Parshas HaChodesh (5761)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Our Parsha has the construction of the Mishkan. We are accustomed to the understanding of the concept that the Bais HaMikdash was located at the “Shaar HaShomayim”, the holiest place in the universe. The dimensions of the Bais HaMikdash were given by HaShem to match the corresponding locations. The concept of the Mishkan is similar except that it was temporary. This, however, is obviously not the case since its main function was to serve the travels of Klal Yisroel. This shows that it is diametrically opposed to the concept of the significance of the Bais HaMikdash whose kedusha connects with its parallel in its permanent location.

The Mishkan performs its function not only away from the Makom HaMikdash, away from Yerushalayim, and not even in Eretz Yisroel!! When the Mishkan is set up there is a Kodesh Kadashim in Chutz LaAretz.

The subject of the Bais HaMikdash and Mishkan are dealing with matters of kedusha and Shechina, the depths of which are way beyond our scope of understanding. There is, however, an extremely vital lesson that can be derived from the simplicity of this phenomenon.

The order of creation, of how HaShem established the world, there is a special main location or “headquarters” for the Shechina. The Chazal say that this is compared to the human anatomy that the main life-source is encamped in the head and from there, spreads to the whole body.

HaShem, however, made the possibility that on every centimeter of this earth one has the potential to connect with the essence of Hashem and the Shechina.

The same concept applies to time zones. There are special times that contain kedusha and pour forth special spiritual strengths. One has, however, the potential power to tune in always to these “hashpaos”.

We are now on the verge of sending away the month of Adar with its special merit of simcha. Yet we can still hold on to these blessings of joy—“tov lev mishteh tamid”. Through the right mental frame of mind and positive outlook one will have perpetual joy.

A wonderful Shabbos and a wonderful Chodesh.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Terumah (Parshas Zachor) 5761

Bs”d

Parshas Terumah (Parshas Zachor) 5761
By Mordechai Dolinsky

In our parsha amongst the commandments of the Mishkan we have the menorah. From its function as a giver of light we can see the extreme magnitude of its importance. Light represents clarity, revelation of the truth.

The specifications of the kaylim, although pure commandments, have lessons. The construction must be done with the utmost precision to the contrast to the lessons, which are open to originality.

The Menorah contained goblets, knobs, and flowers. Perhaps we can say the cups represent the trait of being a “mushpah”; the ability and the yearning to be a receiver of attitudes and knowledge. The flowers are at the other end of the spectrum, the trait of producing and giving out. Both traits although opposites are vital and of the utmost importance. The knob, a circle, represents the ability to have and use both, appropriately.

Now for a thought on Parshas Zachor. Amalek, besides being an actual wicked nation is also a form of evilness that can be a mental attitude or action. Unfortunately any human is vulnerable to this even a member of Klal Yisroel. What exactly this trait is, is open to speculation and it is imperative for us to try to pin-point and understand it.

Perhaps the most important objective as humans is to use our mental abilities to the utmost that all our endeavors make logical sense. We might not always succeed in this but at least it must be out goal. Sometime we witness an individual or group doing things that do not make any sense; they make no attempt to make use of mental capacities or capabilities. To be guilty of this is an atrocity of the worst nature.

Amalek of old was guilty of this likewise was Haman, Hitler, and the cruel contemporaries. Unfortunately, we might find this shortcoming even among ourselves.

Have we bulls-eyed on the essence of Amalek?

We should be zochech to see its complete eradication and the ultimate of giluy HaShem through Mashiach Tzidkainu.

March 2001
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