Category: Shmos

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Terumah (Parshas Zachor) 5761

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Parshas Terumah (Parshas Zachor) 5761
By Mordechai Dolinsky

In our parsha amongst the commandments of the Mishkan we have the menorah. From its function as a giver of light we can see the extreme magnitude of its importance. Light represents clarity, revelation of the truth.

The specifications of the kaylim, although pure commandments, have lessons. The construction must be done with the utmost precision to the contrast to the lessons, which are open to originality.

The Menorah contained goblets, knobs, and flowers. Perhaps we can say the cups represent the trait of being a “mushpah”; the ability and the yearning to be a receiver of attitudes and knowledge. The flowers are at the other end of the spectrum, the trait of producing and giving out. Both traits although opposites are vital and of the utmost importance. The knob, a circle, represents the ability to have and use both, appropriately.

Now for a thought on Parshas Zachor. Amalek, besides being an actual wicked nation is also a form of evilness that can be a mental attitude or action. Unfortunately any human is vulnerable to this even a member of Klal Yisroel. What exactly this trait is, is open to speculation and it is imperative for us to try to pin-point and understand it.

Perhaps the most important objective as humans is to use our mental abilities to the utmost that all our endeavors make logical sense. We might not always succeed in this but at least it must be out goal. Sometime we witness an individual or group doing things that do not make any sense; they make no attempt to make use of mental capacities or capabilities. To be guilty of this is an atrocity of the worst nature.

Amalek of old was guilty of this likewise was Haman, Hitler, and the cruel contemporaries. Unfortunately, we might find this shortcoming even among ourselves.

Have we bulls-eyed on the essence of Amalek?

We should be zochech to see its complete eradication and the ultimate of giluy HaShem through Mashiach Tzidkainu.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Beshalach (5761)

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Parshas Beshalach (5761)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The Shira we have in this week’s sedra is a unique, intensive expression of the highest level of praise to Hashem.  This was the consequence of the peek of inspiration resulting from the awesome Krias Yam Suf experience.  The revelation of malchus Shmayim which emerged from the sequence of events brought Moshe and Klal Yisroel to a high level of ruach hakodesh and prophesy; the words of the Shira emenated from their hearts and lips.

Understanding the Shira in this proper perspective makes it quite puzzling as to why these significant passages were included in the daily morning psukai di’zimra.  It should at least bring us to the realization that we have to somehow relate to the Krias Yam Suf with some level of true inspiration of the event.  Through trying to visualize the scene we attempt to relive it as our own experience.

Along with the insight of the importance of the Shira also comes the realization of the necessity to concentrate on its contents and delve into its meaning.

In simplicity it seems like the Shira is the flow of different thoughts woven together, however by carefully observing we can be enlightened to seven major themes.

The raising of the glory of Hashem
Ki Gaoh Ga-ah
Ze Keili Vianveyhu
Elokai Avi Va-aromemenhu

(For each theme there are a considerable amount of examples.  However due to technical reasons it is difficult to enumerate all so I will just give samples of each and I hope this will serve as an opening for the others to be discovered).

Hashem destroys the enemies
Yemincha Hashem Tiratz Oyaiv
Taharos Komecha

The wicked intent of the Egyptians
Omar Oyaiv Erdof
Asig
Achalek Shalal

The hardening of the waters
Biruach apecha neermu mayim
Kimo Ned Nozlim

5.  The drowning of the Egyptians
Soos Virochbo Rama Bayam
Markivos Paroh Vicheilo Yoro Bayam

The resulting fear of the Goyim
Shomu Amim Yirgozun
Chil Achaz Yoshvai Pilashes
Oz Nivhalu Alufei Edom

The supreme Geulas Yisroel
Naihalta Biozcho El Nivei Kodshecha
Tivieimo Visitaeimo Behar Nachalascha

We should all generate the strengthening of the foundations of our emuna from the Parsha.  It should be a source of inspiration for us in these trying times and we should very shortly see the glory of Hashem revealed forever.

Shmos Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Mishpatim (5761)

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Parshas Mishpatim (5761)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Immediately following an account of the greatest event in the history of the world, – the presentation of the Torah on Har Sinai, comes the parsha of Mishpatim, – laws concerning monetary matters. The placement of this parsha in itself has a clear message of importance of the subject manner. This message really goes back to the times of Noah and the dor hamabul, which we find that the fate of the flood was sealed because of their improper monetary practices.
In terms of actually living up to our monetary obligations, there presents a big challenge as is with anything that is of true value in this world. There are multitudinous areas in monetary matters that despite its extreme importance, there is carelessness in its fulfillment, unfortunately. Often this is due to the simple lack of knowledge, realization or insight that there are common everyday situations that enter the realm of Mishpatim.
One of our great torah leaders (R’ Yisroel Salanter?) was walking in the company with a few others – all donning the then popular silk top hats. These hats contained a hard steel bar in the inside to keep it taut. While walking there was a sudden gust of wind and the godol clasped his hat and instructed those with him to do likewise in order to prevent their own hats from blowing off and causing unintentional damage to other objects by the impact of the falling hat. Explaining himself, he applied the principle of the gemmorah “if a person places his stone, knife or bundle on his roof (head), and it was blown off by a normal wind, he is held responsible”. Some interpreted this application was said in jest, however, he really was quite serious. This was just his point – applying the principles of mishpatim to practical applications of ordinary day occurrences.
To be guilty of creating a bor, a hole that is an obstacle in a public thoroughfare; one may think he has to bring a drill press, or jackhammer and dig on a main street. The truth however is, a bor is created by one carelessly extending his feet in the isle of the bus.
Another example is when one borrows a pen and while thinking of what to write, chews on the tip. This is what is to be understood by the transgression of helping oneself to something without the permission of the owner, for the pen was surely not given to be chewed upon. The same can be applied to leaning back on the two hind legs of a borrowed chair; or leaning on the glass of a store showcase.
Consequent to bringing to the attention of businessmen that a certain practice he is doing is in fact cheating – thusly stealing, ones attempt to justify himself very often is – “this is the essence of business.”
How often do people help themselves to seforim from old shuls where they rationalize is that they will make better use of the seforim than where they currently are. Can you imagine learning Baba-Kama from a stolen gemorrah J!
The point here to developing an awareness and sensitivity to be on constant guard for possible violations and this will surely bring a special blessing for all Clal Yisroel and ourselves.

Shmos Special's Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Mishpatim: The Brain Sharpener (5760)

Parshas Mishpatim: The Brain Sharpener (5760)
By: Mordechai Dolinsky

After being put into the lofty spirits by past weekly Parshios, Mishpatim has a strong “sobering” effect with its “ cold, calculated” monetary laws. That these laws were selected to be the first, presents for us a challenging question to grapple with. The Medrash quotes a Chazal 30:3 which says that just as a woman of royalty goes with bodyguards on either side so, too, the Torah was given with monetary laws before and after.

The understanding of this involves the clarification of a point of extremely important significance. There is a principle we find in Chazal – if a person wants to upgrade his thinking capabilities he should engage in the study of ‘Nezikin’, that is, monetary laws. I have a suspicion that the impact of this is not really appreciated. The most valuable faculty we have is the ability to think, to understand and to see things in the true light. Everything we do in life depends on seeing things properly. For every area in Torah study our minds much be sharp—from the study of Tanach to Halacha. How we deal with every life situation depends on our outlook, perspective and paradigm. Our relationship with all our dear ones, our spouse, children, students, bosses and employees, are all affected by our mental ability to understand things in their proper light. Therefore any means we have to enhance this most important function is by far the most precious commodity. The Chazal regarding improving our intellect by the study of Nezikin now takes on special meaning. This also could be the significance of what the Medrash that referred to the monetary laws as the protectors of the Torah means. This can also explain the priority the Torah gave to the monetary laws.

It is said about the famous Rav Moshe Mordechai Epstein zt”l that no matter what area of Torah he was especially devoted to and studying at any given time, he always included in his daily learning program one hour of the study of Ketzos HaChoshen, the cream of the laws of Nezikin. Some would interpret this as a type of Torah ‘hobby’ that he had. In light of all that was said above I would venture to say that he was keeping his mental scalpels sharp.

All this should help us understand and appreciate the system of study we find in Yeshivos today with its emphasis on intellectual sharpening. I hope it will also serve us as a motivation and inspiration to “sharpen up” through the study of the laws of Nezikin.

Shmos Special's Weekly Parsha Rabbi Mordechai Dolinsky

Parshas Shmos 5760: Waiting for the Geulah

Parshas Shmos 5760: Waiting for the Geulah
By: Mordechai Dolinsky

There is a Rashi in this week’s Parsha that in its simplicity is quite striking but when one gives it some serious thought it becomes revealing. The Chazal that Rashi quotes in the text of the Medrash Rabbah is a little clearer. “Moshe Rabbenu was greatly perplexed. In what way was Klal Yisroel worse than all the nations that caused them to be subjected to this bondage. After he heard the slander that was being said about him he concluded that the cause of their affliction was their indulgence in Loshon Horah”.

There was so much wrong with Klal Yisroel that there were many factors with which to attribute their terrible terrrible afflictions. There was a lot of material for serious Rabbanim to give strong sermons about. A lot of material for “Mashgichim”, “Magidim”, “Menahalim”, to give rebuke for. The spiritual fall was catastrophic, down to the lowest, the 49th level of defilement.

There was, however, one great Talmid Chacham, one great leader, one great prophet, that had nothing to say; his name was Moshe Rabbenu. There was nothing that Klal Yisroel was doing that could have been responsible for their awful plight—no Egyptian ‘disco’, plays, or whatever. Punishment is with rules, Middah Kineged Middah, these sins can cause that punishment. Moshe Rabbenu knew all the rules and he knew that as bad as everything was there wasn’t anything that was so bad that could have caused such anguish. Moshe Rabbenu was the only one that had no sermon, no rebuke, no Chizuk. Then he witnessed the Loshon Horah and he knew the answer.

Isn’t this awesome? There are no chiddushim here, no new insights, just repetition of the Medrash. Shmos 1:20—awesome.

The following is an insight what this Loshon Horah caused, sharing a thought that is simple, but I never heard it mentioned. Let’s speculate the alternative. What could have been without the Loshon Horah about Moshe Rabbenu? The salvation of Purim came about because Esther was chosen to become the wife of the king and was able to assert her influence in that role. What a miracle.

Moshe Rabbenu was the son of Pharoh—he was accepted as a member of the royal household—lock, stock and barrel. Although his nationality was known, and his origin was perpetuated through the name that Basya gave him; Moshe—was drawn from the water. He was not a biological son, but he was an accepted member of the royalty, the palace, and the household. Moshe the beloved son of Pharoh, yet the brother of the slaves of Egypt—what a miracle.

How the miracle of Yetzias Mitzrayim, the going out of Egypt, could have been, if not for the Loshon Horah that was spread concerning Moshe.

“You have me as your representative in the palace,
THERE IS SO MUCH I CAN DO FOR YOU AND I AM WILLING TO DO FOR YOU, TO EXERCISE MY INFLUENCE AS PHAROH’S SON
And you talk against me and you spread detrimental, devastating slander, destroying my relationship and position with Pharoh.

How evil, how blind.

I can’t go any further. The flow of tears is diluting any further words on the page. Good Shabbos.

May 2024
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