Bs”d
Parshas Shoftim (5770)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Rashi (8:9) states that the importance of the knowledge of the devious ways of the gentile society is in order to guide our offspring. This is one of the most important principles of chinuch and perhaps important for all of us. It is especially valuable for our Elul spiritual inventory and spiritual upgrading.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and a successful Elul.
Bs”d
Parshas Re’ay (5770)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
In the Chazal we find the counterpart of Rashi’s quote, that those who kofer in avoda zara are modeh to the Torah. We are surrounded by infinite issues that present avoda zara tests. Do we attribute, chas v’shalom power to the doctor, the surgeon; do we have confidence for our financial needs in our business opportunities? By relating to these many tests that surround us in the proper way we are actually being kofer in avoda zara and exclaiming our belief in Torah.
All the blessings and klolos come from spiritual sources Above and are crystallized in our material world through special connections. A special zchus of being part of Klal Yisroel is that we get the wisdom and sight of this connection which is Har Grizim and Har Avol.
In these dark times before the coming of Moshiach, Hashem enables us to see Him even to a greater degree if we look and search.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and a successful Chodesh Elul to culminate in a Shana Tova.
Bs”d
Parshas Aikev (5770)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Rashi (10:1) enlightens us that although Moshe was told to make his Aron for the luchos after receiving them, he understood that they had to be made prior so that he would have a place for them. The supreme lesson: we must never stop using our sechel. This was the aron that accompanied them to battle; symbolic for the greatest battle which is with the yetzer hara. We must always use our sechel.
Have wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Voeschanan (5770)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
This parsha always comes out after Tisha B’Av which is very special time when we are given unique spiritual gifts to recreate, grow and reach great heights. The parsha is a tremendous source of inspiration for this, filled with all the great foundations. One important priority of growth is in ahavas yisroel, taking special care not to hurt others. A second great priority is the learning and growth in Torah, which is for all Klal Yisroel.
We should be zocheh to see the geula sh’layma with the coming of Moshiach Tzidkainu bekorov. Hope for it. Hope for it. Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Devorim (5770)
The conventional explanation of Chazal that the Bais HaMikdash was destroyed because of ‘sinas chinam’ is a concept of punishment. A unique and deeper explanation is that the Ahavas Yisroel factor which is the positive of sinas chinam is a necessary ingredient for the existence of the Bais HaMikdash and its absence which is sinas chinam actually abolishes the pillars which are crucially needed.
Looking into this even more deeply in order to achieve true ahavas yisroel one much attribute and recognize that all that one is a recipient of from one’s fellow man is really from Hashem. Also, the ability to look away from the differences that exist between us can be achieved by focusing on the nishmas Elokim of our fellow man, which is common to all of us. Both of these factors of recognizing Elokus brings the Shchinah and structure to the Bais HaMikdash.
Hashem give us the strength to stand up to this difficult test and we should see the speedy rebuilding of the House of Hashem in our days.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Pinchas (5770)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
As the golus progresses the kovod Shamayim decreases and the responsibility of those of us who are loyal to Hashem and committed to His Torah is awesome to reveal his glory and honor. What an opportunity to achieve greatness. The parsha of Pinchas should inspire us.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Balak (5770)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Amazing, Balak wants to enlist Bilaam to enter the spiritual world to attempt to conquer Bnai Yisroel, the children of Hashem. So common today, that people confuse the world of mysticism and spiritualism with being connected with Hashem.
Hashem should open our eyes and lead us to the truth.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Chukas (5770)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Rashi attributes the use of the word chukas in the beginning of the sedra to the fact that the satan and gentiles accost us about the parsha of parah aduma that it lacks logic. There is an important point to be noted here. The fact that there was some form of logic missing caused a disturbance to us. How rich in thought and the thirst for logic was a main pillar of Klal Yisroel. We must ponder on how much and why this is so lacking today.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Korach (5770)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The beginning of the sedra (16:2) the pasuk relating Korach’s standing up against Moshe, states: “Veanashim mi bnei Yisroel” which is referring to the group that joined Korach. In the simple sentence structure it may look as though these people were on Moshe’s side and it is puzzling why it was written in this vague way. Perhaps the message is that they were very close to the border line in their association with Korach yet they were considered a part of his contingency.
The lesson is how careful we must be not to align ourselves with shittos that are not Torah true. We might find ourselves guilty of being aligned with groups that have incorrect outlooks.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and a fulfilling, uplifting Chodesh.
Bs”d
Parshas Shlach (5770)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Rashi (13:2) focuses on the gravity of the sin of “motzi diba” of the spies, that they didn’t take a lesson from Miriam. There is a subtle nuance that she spoke against her brother. Going through all the rationalizations and justifications the aspect that Moshe was her brother, the sensitivity to him should have been the deterrent. With all the pros and cons that the meraglim had, despite all their logical conclusions, the emotional sensitivity of speaking against Eretz Yisroel should have caused them to put on the breaks. Hashem wants us to harness and to put into reality our sensitivity.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
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