Category: Weekly Parsha

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Haazinu (5769)

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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.

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Vayelech (5769)

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Parshas Vayelech (5769)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The Medrash (9:9) in our parsha relates that when Moshe Rabeinu finally came to terms with himself about the fact of his parting from this world Hashem gladdened his heart by revealing to him that in the next world he would likewise have the great merit of leading Klal Yisroel. This is to be viewed as more than just a “reward” but rather a realization of the great principle that our existence in the next world is a reflection of our values, aspirations, goals and preoccupation of life on this world.

Yom Kippur should be viewed as a most precious tool that Hashem has given us to cleanse our souls. To get the most out of it we should devote time, days before Yom Kippur preparing a personal list of our undesirable actions that we wish to have Hashem’s forgiveness for through the gift of Yom Kippur – and may we all be blessed with a gmar chasimah tova.

A wonderful, wonderful first Shabbos to all.

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Nitzavim (5768)

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Parshas Nitzavim (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The Medrash in our sedra (8:3) relates the experience of a talmid chacham who was able to accomplish the tremendous feat of reviewing his massive wealth of knowledge in an hour. His memory, however, unfortunately failed him following an illness and the complete wealth of his accumulated knowledge left him. His Rebbe, R’ Elazar ben Yaakov declared that this tragic loss was a result of the fact that when he reviewed his learning he failed to put the Torah in the form of speech. The deep principle here is that the input of our energy and involvement of resources bring an increase in kedusha and with this comes a lasting existence. This great principle pertains to all our service of Hashem; the greater of our personal involvement in every way brings great blessings.

Have a wonderful last Shabbos of the year.

May this New Year bring with it blessings for yourselves and Klal Yisroel.

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Ki Savo (5768)

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Parshas Ki Savo (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

We are presently lacking any form of royalty or kingship that we can create or simulate the concept of Malchus Shomayim, as is required of us. The everyday experiences of hashgacha pratis that Hashem presents to us when examined in depth can reveal the greatness of Hashem’s supremacy over the universe. This is to the extent that at times tantamount to the greatest miracles of history. This concept is reflected in the Medrash in our parsha (7:6)—greater are the miracles of the rainfall than of tichiyas yamaysim.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Ki Saitzai (5768)

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Parshas Ki Saitzai (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

We are living in a period of time that in order to connect with this very valuable time of Elul we have to accomplish this as individuals and not lean on mass inspiration as in years gone by. We should devote intensive time each day with “connecting” with Hashem as He makes Himself especially available now. “Ani ledodi v’dodi li”/

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Shoftim (5768)

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Parshas Shoftim (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The close proximity of the words Shoftim and Shotrim in our parsha is conventionally understood that the Shotrim would see to it that the decision of the judiciary is carried out. A new perspective is the reverse—the Shotrim assist the shoftim, meaning that the awareness that the shotrim are there and ready gives a more serious approach to the shoftim thereby entitling one to more of a unique, Divine assistance and clarity to the verdict. This serves as a life lesson that in our journey of searching for the truth if we undertake serious commitment to carry out our findings we will be guided on a higher plane.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Re’ay (5768)

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Parshas Re’ay (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

Perhaps we can explain the difference between the false prophet discussed in 13:2 in our sedra who was guilty of attempting to mislead from serving Hashem and the one in pasuk 7 who is likewise guilty of the same attrocity.

The first, bases his power of persuasion on false prophesies claiming to have a connection with some “higher source” to the contrast of the latter who takes advantage of one of the most valuable Heavenly gifts of relatives; family connections or the very precious Divine blessing of the true, close, dear friend to sway one from his belief, commitment and devotion in fulfilling the will of Hashem.

This Shabbos should bring bracha to this important month to lead to a wonderful New Year,

Have wonderful Shabbos.

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Aikev (5768)

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Parshas Aikev (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

In our parsha (11:13) we have one of the most profound principles of such paramount importance that we are required to review and verbalize it twice daily. “Vihaya im … tishmaoo el mitzvosai … viosafta deganecha … that by the fulfillment of the Torah, Hashem promises success and happiness in this world.

The long list of falsifiers in the history of the world never take a stand for success or punishment to be carried out in this world; just empty promises of fantasies in other existences.

Only Hashem, our True Creator, has taken this open stand and always has fulfilled it in every way. Let us be inspired by this most basic principle and let it lead us to make a most sincere commitment to fulfill His Will.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Voeschanan (5768)

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Parshas Voeschanan (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The parsha opens with the emotional petitioning of Moshe Rabeinu for the releasing of the ban of his coming to Eretz Yisroel. Moshe Rabeinu asked for a gift rather than being granted his request on the basis of his own merits. It is interesting to speculate whether he could have possibly achieved his goal on the basis of his own merits.

How can we possibly comprehend the connection between Moshe Rabeinu’s punishment of not being able to enter Eretz Yisroel and his hitting of the stone? In the incident of “mai merivah” Moshe was under the impression that he was acting not upon the “special stone” but rather on an undesignated stone, which had its drawback. On the other hand this offers a possible potential of an opportunity of creating a unique fulfillment.

Moshe Rabeinu, our greatest leader and teacher, not entering Eretz Yisroel in reality is appointed to teach a supreme lesson that despite not entering Eretz Yisroel the place designated for spiritual achievement, he can attain great spiritual heights.

Moshe Rabeinu, you chose to act upon the undesignated stone, now you are appointed to teach this lesson for eternity to Klal Yisroel, that one must aim to achieve spiritual heights despite not having the availability of that place which was specifically ordained for that purpose. Accordingly all through the millennia of the dark galus there rose in Klal Yisroel giants in every area of avodas Hashem; a meaningful lesson for us.

Hashem should give us the ultimate of consolation by ending this galus through the coming of Moshiach. Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Devarim Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Devorim (5768)

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Parshas Devorim (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The Medrash (1:9) in our parsha quotes a Chazal promising a special bracha for receiving tochacha. The simple or conventional meaning of this is that the acceptance of rebuke is a commendable act that deserves a special blessing.

A deeper understanding of this is the reality that it is a truly difficult ordeal for one to really accept being rebuked. For one to accomplish this he must humble himself and put down his self respect and self honor. If he has succeeded in this herculean ordeal he will certainly need and deserve a special bracha for his battered self-image to be rightfully restored.

We hope and pray that Hashem should end this long galus with the speedy experience of the coming of Moshiach.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

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