Zos HaBracha-Simchas Torah (5763)

Bs”d

Zos HaBracha-Simchas Torah (5763)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

“Vizorach Misaier Lamo”—Rashi quotes the Chazal of the offer from Hashem to bnei Esav and Yishmael for the Torah and their refusal.  Elsewhere is explained their objections were the commandments against murder and theft.  R’ Chayim Volozhin sharply points out that it wasn’t just a cold refusal but rather these commandments interfered with their respective means of livelihood.  He then points out how much care must be taken on our part not to be negligent in our obligations to the Torah with the rationalization that it is interfering with our parnassa, for it would chas v’shalom echo the voices of Yishmael and Esav.

This is a very timely message for the time that we are rejoicing with the Torah.

Have a lovely Shabbos, a joyous Yom Tov and a wonderful year.