Parshas Kedoshim (5768)

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Parshas Kedoshim (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

At first glance Rashi’s commentary at the beginning of the sedra on Kedoshim tihiyu that one should separate themselves from ‘arayos’ etc. seems that he is making use of the definition of the word kedusha to mean “separation”.

Perhaps for a deeper insight one can comprehend Rashi’s words that he is explaining kedusha using the most conventional meaning which is “holiness” i.e. attaining a higher level of sacredness.  This leads to a new insight as to Rashi’s intention; that by the above-mentioned separation one will attain kedusha, sanctification.

The reason for Rashi giving this interpretation we can explain based on the foundation of the Mesilas Yesharim that the level of kedusha is something which is humanly impossible to achieve by one’s own efforts.  It is solely a gift which is bestowed upon a person by Heaven.  The question then presents itself—how can the pasuk give a command “Kedoshim Tihiyu” for something that is impossible for us to achieve.  Rashi therefore explains that by distancing ourselves from the ‘arayos’ we are doing something which makes us worthy for this unique gift of kedusha from Heaven.

Hashem is giving us in this particular generation a grand opportunity to achieve true kedusha; let’s take advantage of it.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and uplifting Chodesh, full of blessings for Klal Yisroel.

Parshas Metzora (5768)

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Parshas Metzora (5768)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

The names of the parshas have definite significance. Metzora deals with the “upshot” the purification.

Plag HaMincha is pure daylight according the R’ Yehuda—let he labels it the night. Alos HaShachar is labeled day, yet it is the extreme darkness of the night. It all depends on the direction of the destination (Rav Hutner zt”l). Plag Hamincha is pure light but is headed for darkness; the contrast is Alos Hashachar, so dark, but its destination is the day.

An extremely deep and significant message—the greatest importance isn’t where you are but rather your goal and destination. You are in the metzora mode but you are headed for purification, redemption. Let’s inspire ourselves and motivate ourselves in this darkness for the ultimate of closeness to Hashem.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and start preparing for Pesach by studying the Hagadda and Hilchos Pesach.

Parshas Tazria – Parshas HaChodesh (5768)

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Parshas Tazria – Parshas HaChodesh (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The striking aspect of our parsha is together with the awesome phenomenon of birth is immediately followed by tumas halaida.  This seems a parallel to the maaseh bereishis of Adam Harishon, who was immediately subjected to great tests.  The message is the constant confrontation with trials and tribulations which is the supreme purpose of our creation.

We should have the strength to stand up to them.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and an uplifting and fulfilling Chodesh.

Parshas Shmini (5768)

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Parshas Shmini (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

Perhaps the greatest difficulty in the episode of Nadav and Avihu in our parsha is why did they actually drink the wine that they were so severely punished for?

The Creator in His great wisdom provides us with a tool in the form known as wine that is embellished with the power when consumed to break down the barriers between us and help create a “oneness”.  This explains why Noach place a priority in planting grapes when he emerged from the ark.  Since the lack of love and mutual sensitivity was the cause of the great disastrous mabul.  Upon descending from the ark he immediately preoccupied himself with the planting of this precious commodity.

The avoda of the Kohanim demands a high level of ahavas Yisroel; Nadav and Avihu used this potent tool.

Since the salvation of Purim came about from a high level of ahavas Yisroel and a concern for all, the Chazal ordained the mitzvah of drinking wine to commemorate and increase our ahavas Yisroel.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and we should all be zocheh to have the true connection to achainu bnei yisroel.

Parshas Tzav – Purim Meshulash

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Parshas Tzav – Purim Meshulash
By Mordechai Dolinsky

The deep significance and depth of the salvation that came about in the time of Purim was the commitment of Klal Yisroel for mesiras nefesh, the willingness to give their lives for the fulfillment of the will of Hashem.  This is likewise the theme of parshas Tzav, the korban olah which is also an inner commitment to be sacrificed for the Will of Hashem.   This is the mindset of Klal Yisroel until this very day to be willing to sacrifice ourselves for kavod shomayim.

We should merit all the brachos of Purim in gashmius and ruchnius and see the revelation of kovod shomayim.

Have a good Shabbos and happy Purim.

Parshas Tzav – Purim Meshulash

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Parshas Tzav – Purim Meshulash
By Mordechai Dolinsky

The deep significance and depth of the salvation that came about in the time of Purim was the commitment of Klal Yisroel for mesiras nefesh, the willingness to give their lives for the fulfillment of the will of Hashem.  This is likewife the theme of parshas Tzav, the korban olah which is also an inner commitment to be sacrificed for the Will of Hashem.   This is the mindset of Klal Yisroel until this very day to be willing to sacrifice ourselves for kavod shomayim.

We should merit all the brachos of Purim in gashmius and ruchnius and see the revelation of kovod shomayim.

Have a good Shabbos and happy Purim.

Parshas Vayikra – Zachor (5768)

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Parshas Vayikra – Zachor (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The parsha opens with a dynamic lesson that Rashi brings of the sensitivity demanded of us towards others.  There is an eye-opening Chazal in the Medrash which says that the name itself which Hashem conferred on mankind—“Adam” – has a connotation of being kind, good-hearted and likeable.  This demands acting accordingly because of man’s essence.

We should be worthy to understand the wickedness of Amalek and to eradicate this power in our generation.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.

Parshas Pekuday (5768)

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Parshas Pekuday (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The Medrash in our parsha brings the Chazal 52:3 that Reb Abahu who was about to leave this world had a glimpse of the massive reward waiting for him in the next world and expressed surprised pleasure. R’ Abahu was surely very well aware of his lifelong massive investment in the commitment and fulfillment of the Torah and he surely believed in the reward the Torah promises.

The requirement of the Torah of our sensitivity to others is very demanding and at times an act or remark which brings pain to another person can wipe clean years of Torah toil. R’ Abahu feared hemight have lost his reward and rejoiced that it was intact.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and good Chodesh.

Parshas Vayakheil (5768)

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Parshas Vayakheil (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The Medrash in our sedra quotes Chazal 48:3 that Hashem blessed all those involved in the construction of the Mishkan with special wisdom. What is mind-boggling is that they were originally chosen for their unique capabilities yet they were blessed with strengths way and beyond.

The Chazal tell us that even the lowly animals that were involved were blessed with magnificent wisdom.

What a lesson—by the commitment to spread kavod Shomayim Hashem bestows upon us the greatest asset in Creation—wisdom!!

Have a wonderful Shabbos and a joyous, fufilling month.

Parshas Ki Sisa (5768)

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Parshas Ki Sisa (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

There is a fascinating Chazal in the Medrash in this week’s parsha (43:6) that Moshe Rabeinu makes an astonishing and shocking statement to Hashem.  He asked why is the episode of the golden calf so disturbing, the calf can be an excellent assistant in controlling the elements, the storms, the winds the rains etc.  Hashem replies in shock “Moshe you too have been affected and taken in by this absurdity, to attribute power to this inanimate object?”   Moshe Rebeinu then presents this rebuttal to Hashem.  Why then should you be disturbed, shocked, annoyed or angry at Klal Yisroel?

The point of the Medrash is that Moshe Rabeinu possesses such a great love for Klal Yisroel that he presents himself as being likewise guilty to the golden calf sin atrocity for the sake of defending his nation.

We are living at a point of time that we need a motivation to raise the level of our human relationships; let this lesson of Moshe Rabeinu be an inspiration.

Have a wonderful week.