Month: October 2002

Parshas Noach (5763)

Bs”d

Parshas Noach (5763)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

One of the most striking Chazal Rashi quotes in the entire Chumash is in our Parsha (11:9): the atrocities of dor Haflaga were much greater than of the generation of Noach since it tampered with their belief in Hashem.  But since there was true love and friendship between them they weren’t destroyed.

The more one gains insight into the true will of Hashem the more it is apparent that the greatest priority to Hashem is our consideration and relationships with our fellow man.  This is an area we are constantly put to test with; dealing and putting up with the idiosyncrasies of our human contact, to actuate our real love and consideration to all.

Have a lovely Shabbos.

Parshas Bereish (5763)

Bs”d

Parshas Bereish (5763)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The fact that this is called Shabbos Bereishis is unique and has special significance.  No other parsha  has a shabbos named in it’s honor.  Perhaps we can say that the parsha connects with the whole purpose of Shabbos, a celebration and recognition of Hashem, the Creator.

Rav Miller zt”l asked:  Every great miracle has a holiday to commemorate it.  What is the Yom tov of Brias HaOlam?  He explains that there are 52 Yomim Tovim, every Shabbos is a commemoration of Bereishis.  So this week of the Parsha Bereishis certainly deserves special notation.

It reminds and inspires us to focus the seuda as a party in honor of Hashem the Creator.  It is important to keep in perspecdtive the Chazal that Rashi quotes that the Creation was for Clal Yisroel and the Torah.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.