Parashas Vayechi - Fighting Our Yeitzer Hara

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Refua Shelema: Leah Ayala Bas Yehudis
May you have health, happiness, and success!
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)

In Parashas Vayechi, Yaakov was on his death bed. As the time drew closer, Yaakov called for Yosef and requested that his body be buried - with his father Yitzchak and grandfather Avraham - in Ma'aras Hamachpeila.

Yaakov specifically did not want to be buried in Egypt for several reasons:

• It's soil will ultimately become lice.
• The dead who are buried outside Eretz Yisroel will be resurrected only by suffering the pain of rolling through underground tunnels.
• So that the Egyptians didn't turn his body into something they worship. [1]

Yaakov felt so strong about these reasons, he made Yosef swear to him that he would fulfill his wishes. Yosef agreed and then Yisroel (Yaakov) prostrated himself at the head of the bed.

Rashi gives two reasons for Yaakov's prostration:

1. Hashem's Shechina was there. (From here we see that Hashem's Shechina hovers above the sick person's head.
2. He was glad that his bed was complete (perfect): none of his offspring were wicked. Specifically, Yosef, who was loyal to Hashem as a slave, was held captive among other nations, and became a king, yet still conquered his Yeitzer Hara and remained a Tzaddik. [2]

The second reason Rashi gave blows me away. Yaakov was really old and literally on his death bed - yet he still prostrated himself because of the honor he showed for Yosef's success in fighting off the Yeitzer Hara!

Yosef was (a) hated by his brothers, (b) thrown into a pit with dangerous creatures, (c) sold to Arabs, (d) a slave, (e) seduced by Potifar's wife but fought it out and won, (f) thrown into jail, etc...

He was put through so many tests. He could have been angry at Hashem for having make him go through all those experiences, and instead, Yosef fought the battle until he won!

Things like this happen in our daily lives; whether it's someone who has a stealing issue, shmiras enayiim issue, low self esteem issue, etc... These are all things that can be conquered. Hashem doesn't throw at us tests which we can not pass. He has 100% confidence in us that we can conquer the Yeitzer Hara, otherwise we wouldn't be put in these tests to begin with.

Praiseworthy is one who fights his battles and wins. We see from Yaakov how honorable it is for someone to fight his battles (whatever they may be) and succeed. He put in the extra effort to 'salute' Yosef's victory even in a time of weakness and frail.

Fighting the best we can, showing Hashem that we are His true soldiers and His servants is looked highly upon.

May we all live up to Hashem's high expectations of passing all His tests!

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso

[1] Bereishis Rabba 96:5
[2] 47:31

Parashas Vayigash - Keeping a Safe Container

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Refua Shelema: Leah Ayala Bas Yehudis
May you have health, happiness, and success!
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

Last shabbos, I went on a seminar called, 'Call of the Shofar'. It was a very nice shabbos. A lot of inspiration, learning, and connecting. "The organization creates and facilitates 'powerful, transformational experiences which combine ancient truths of Judaism, modern psychological knowledge and unique experiential processes.' The system combines; A clear understanding of principles that lead to personal wellbeing and relational health, safe opportunities to deepen individual awareness and ongoing communal support."[1]

It's the type of seminar where anyone could gain by going. Whether it's a person who wants to understand more about the Torah views on life, one who has an issue from his past and needs to deal with it, or even one who is looking to get trained on coaching other people. I would recommend it to anyone.

Over that weekend, I felt as if I was able to speak my mind without having to worry whether I wouldn't be accepted, would be mocked, or embarrassed. We were all able to be authentic. It was only because we turned the environment into our own 'safe container'. Some people shared pretty personal stories with the group and others even cried. After the weekend, we all felt a strong connection to each other because we'd opened up and went to great lengths not to cause other people embarrassment.

In Parashas Vayigash, Yehuda had a 'talk' with Yosef for keeping Binyamin, their youngest brother, hostage. The Midrash says Yehuda was furious! Some say his eyes were dripping with blood, while others say he would grind iron bars with his teeth; and others say he tossed a huge heavy stone in the air, caught it, and crushed it with his feet. [2] Yaakov said earlier, "If I lose Binyamin too, it will be as if I lost my wife Rachel, my sons Yosef, and Binyamin all on the same day!" This shows you how important it was for Binyamin to come back home with the brothers and Yehuda was willing to do everything in his power to bring Binyamin back.[3]

Yehuda asked Naftali to count the amount of districts there were in the capitol of Egypt. Naftali quickly returned saying twelve. Yehuda said he would wipe out three, and the rest of the brothers will each take one. "We will make sure that not one person will remain alive," he said.[4]

Yosef knew that he could not wait any longer. He must reveal himself to his brothers, otherwise they would destroy the whole city.[4]

The posuk says, "Yosef could not contain his emotions in the presence of all who stood before him. And he cried out, 'let everyone leave my presence.' No man remained with him, when Yosef revealed himself to his brothers."

An insight I want to share: Yosef also wanted to create a safe container. A place where he could share personal information with his brothers. Rashi comments that Yosef couldn't bear the fact that the Egyptians standing by him would be listening to what he had to tell his brothers, which would ultimately humiliate them. So he ordered the Egyptians to leave, so that the room (container) would remain safe.

Yosef tried protecting his brothers from humiliation, just like everyone over the weekend tried protecting one another by keeping the container safe and comfortable.

A special thank you to those who experienced last shabbos with me, and thanks to all my subscribers for reading.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso

[1] For more info, visit: www.CalloftheShofar.org
[1] Bereishis Rabba 93:7
[2] Taken from The Midrash Says
[3] Bereishis Rabba 93:8

Parashas Miketz - No point in being Arrogant.

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Refua Shelema: Refael Chaim Ben Libby
May you and your family have health, happiness, peace and success!
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

Note: I apologize, I had NO time to proofread this week. Bare with the mistakes. - Thanks!

At the end of last week's parasha, Yosef was innocently thrown into jail. Rooming with him was Pharoh's baker and butler. They were both bothered because of a dream they each had. They asked Yosef to interpret it. Without going into details, Yosef's interpretation was accurate and fulfilled. To the butler he said he would live and remain Pharoh's butler, but to the baker he said he'd die. Yosef told the butler, "Remember me and mention me," for which Hashem punished Yosef with extra prison time.

For two years, Pharoh had very disturbing dreams. He couldn't remember the dreams until the day of Yosef's release. He asked all his men (astrologers, magicians, the wise, etc...) to interpret the dream, but Pharoh dismissed all interpretations.

The butler sent Pharoh a message saying,"Once, the Pharoh became very angry with me and the baker. We were thrown into jail, and one night, we both had dreams which neither of us understood. There was, however, one man in prison with us who interpreted it correctly. He was a young, Hebrew slave. Whichever way he interpreted our dream, it came true."[1]

Rashi explains, the reason the butler told Pharoh that Yosef was a "young, Hebrew slave" was because he was afraid Yosef would of been given the opportunity of high position by Pharoh. His implication of 'young' meant Yosef was a fool so he couldn't become ruler - 'Hebrew' meaning he didn't even speak the language of Pharoh so there's no reason to be ruler - and 'slave' implying he could never become ruler or dress in princely clothing because of Egyptian rules.

Why did the butler say these things? As mentioned above, he was afraid that Yosef would become ruler - so it was jealously?

Unfortunately, things like this happen all the time. A common example: You're good at your job and you're about to get promoted to a higher position. Suddenly, a co-worker overhears the news and begins to fret. It happens to be, this co-worker has been waiting for the same promotion. He figures, best thing to do is mention the negative trait of his competitor, more than the positive, hoping his boss would reconsider.

The Chofetz Chaim says that one who speaks lashon hara in a conceited way violates the commandment, "Be careful lest you forget Hashem your G-d." [2] This commandment prohibits us from acting arrogantly. If the speaker of lashon hara raises his own stature in people's eyes by degrading his victim, his offense is even more severe.

May we only see and speak of the good in other people. There's no point in trying to degrade someone else. The butler tried, hoping Yosef wouldn't get high authority, instead Yosef got it anyway.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso

[1] Bereshis Rabba 89:10
[2] Sefer Chofetz Chaim - Hakdama; Mitzvos Lo Tasei's - #5

Parashas Vayeishev - Being a Two-Face

This week's parasha is a biggie. There's a lot of information with a lot of questions. Without knowing much about Yosef, we could question, "Who is this man that's known as 'Yosef Hatzaddik'?"

Why question his title in the first place? Well, in this week's parasha, the Torah teaches us that Yosef would bring back bad reports about his brothers to his father, Yaakov. [Is that the way a Tzaddik deals with situations? Was it for toeles (beneficial) reasons? The Chofetz Chaim speaks about approaching the 'evil-doers' first. Was Yosef so sure his brothers wouldn't take his rebuke?]

Next, Yosef goes to his brothers (then father) and tells them the dreams he had. "We were binding sheaves, while my sheaf stood up straight, and yours prostrated themselves to mine..." "...Another dream I had, the Sun, Moon, and eleven Stars were prostrating themselves to me." [What was Yosef thinking when telling over his dreams? Was he bragging? Was he trying to tell his brothers how much better he was than them?]

The Torah tells us that Yosef's brothers hated him. It's one thing to hate a person without taking any actions, but the next part in the Parasha is Yosef's sale. His brothers tried to get rid of him, and sold him to Arabs. I think the hatred they had for him wasn't so diluted.

Some might start to question, "Who are these brothers?! They are supposed to be our shevatim?" And what about Yaakov, their father? Was it proper chinuch to treat Yosef better than the other brothers? The posuk tells us, "Yaakov loved Yosef more than any of his sons."

The answers aren't the point to my Dvar Torah which is why they aren't answered here. The truth of the matter is, we can NOT have ANY questions on Yaakov, nor his sons. They calculated every single thing they took action for.

One thing got my attention is: Rashi explains the posuk: "The brothers hated Yosef and could not speak to him peaceably," and says, "From their denigration, we learn how praise-worthy they are, because they did not speak one thing with their mouth while thinking another thing in their hearts."[1]

In other words, the brothers were not 'two-faced'. The Chofetz Chaim [2] speaks about the sin of being 'two-faced', which means outwardly smiling while inwardly feeling hateful. He says: Acting friendly in someone's presence while feeling hatred in one's heart can lead to disasters in human relations. The Torah teaches us [3], "You shall not hate your brother in your heart."

With the above said, you see that Rashi still 'praised' the brothers for not outwardly smiling while inwardly hating. I don't recommend emulating the brothers and speaking out your
negative thoughts to those you hate. I think this is something we can learn from!

On one hand, it's praise-worthy to refrain from being a two-faced individual; on the other hand, there is an issur deh'o'raisa to hate your brother in your heart. The best thing to do is to try and work out the reasons behind your anger and hatred for that person. If there's something bothering you, it helps to speak it out, and try to understand the reasons behind his/her wrong-doings.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso

[1] Rashi 37:4

[2] Sefer Chofetz Chaim - in the Hak'dama: Mitzvos Lo' Ta'asei 7-9
[3] Vayikra 19:17

Parashas Vayishlach - Honoring Parents

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Refua Shelema: Rav Mordechai Tzemach Ben Mazal
May you have health, happiness, and success!
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

In this week's parasha, Yaakov sent messengers to Aisav to tell him he was back and wanted to make peace with him. They were given specific instructions on how to approach Aisav - they were told what to say and how to say it. "I have lived with Lavan and survived. I acquired oxen, donkeys, sheep, servants, and maids..." Yaakov instructed them to say.

Rashi explains this to mean: I have resided with the wicked Lavan and still kept 613 mitzvos - ['Garti' in the pasuk has the gematria value of 613]. [1]

The next posukim say: "The messengers returned to Yaakov saying... 'Aisav is coming to meet you with four hundred men.' Yaakov was very frightened and distressed." Rashi says, "He feared he might be killed and was distressed that he might kill others."

Question: Didn't Yaakov just send a message to Aisav saying he kept 613 mitzvos?!! For what reason was he 'frightened'?! Hashem protects a person who keeps His Torah and Mitzvos.

Another question I have: How is it Rashi explains that Yaakov kept 613 mitzvos, when Rashi in the next parasha says: Yaakov heard his son Yosef was eaten by wild animals, and tore his clothing, mourning for many days. "Yaakov did not fulfill kibbud av v'em for twenty years while he was at Lavan's house and two years while he was traveling back from Lavan's house, etc..." [2]

Yaakov feared that Aisav had more merit because he had honored his father all the years Yaakov was by Lavan, thereby giving Aisav success in war. [3] The Torah says one who fulfills the mitzvah of Kibud Av v'Em, prolongs his life. That was Yaakov's calculation.

If you think about it, Yaakov also fulfilled the mitzvah of Kibbud Av v'Em because Rivka instructed him to run away - to her family's house - where Aisav wouldn't think of searching for him there. So in reality, Yaakov did keep the mitzvah of Kibbud Av v'Em. That raises the same question: What was his 'fear' all about? He has the zchus of honoring his parents as well! If that's the case, then why did Rashi in the next Parasha say he did not fulfill Kibbud Av v'Em all the time he was living by Lavan?

I believe the answer is: Let's say, both Yaakov and Aisav fulfilled the mitzvah of honoring parents. Who was there to fulfill it more? Aisav was! Any time Yitzchak needed something, he was able to ask Aisav for it. He already had over twenty years worth the merit Yaakov did. That explains why Yaakov feared that Aisav would win.

I still don't have an answer for Rashi in the next Parasha. I only thought about this question this afternoon, so I didn't have time to look into it. If you have an answer, please email me. [By the way, I am sorry for this "quick, it's Thursday and you don't have a Dvar Torah" dvar Torah. I didn't have time to structure it better.]

We see the importance of Kibbud Av v'Em. It's not a simple commandment. Yaakov, our father (a huge tzaddik), who had faith in Hashem and wasn't scared of anything because he trusted in Him - was frightened because of the 'lack of kibbud av v'em' he might have had.

May we be zocheh to fulfill all 613 mitvos, whether in a good environment or bad one (like Yaakov did in Lavan's house!)

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso

[1] 32:5
[2] 37:34
[3] Bereishis Rabba 76:2

Parashas Vayeitzei - The Difference between a Tzaddik and a Rasha

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Refua Shelema: Leah Ayala Bas Yehudis
May you have health, happiness, and success!
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

After receiving Aisav's brachos from Yitzchak, Yaakov was advised (by Rivka) to run away so that Aisav wouldn't kill him. Hashem revealed Himself to Yaakov through a dream to show him that He would be with him every step of the way.

Yaakov made a vow, "If Hashem will be with me, and guards me on this path that I am going on, gives me bread to eat and clothing to wear... I will surely give a tenth to You." Rashi explains the line of, "And give me bread to eat..." as: 'One who must search for bread is considered abandoned', for it says, "I have never seen a righteous man forsaken (abandoned) and his children searching for bread." [1],[2]

I got a little confused after reading this Rashi, because I recall learning by the incident of the Nachash (who convinced Chava to eat from the Eitz Ha'daas); that one of the nine punishments he got for causing this sin was, "And dust you shall eat all the days of your life." [3] Everything the snake eats tastes like dust. He is provided with food wherever he goes. No worries.

Question is: Why is that a punishment? It seems like a blessing to have food whenever, wherever he is. The answer I learned: Hashem provides to people when He wants nothing to do with them. The reason why Hashem brings suffering upon us is because He wants us to talk (cry out; daven) to Him. He wants a connection with us. By the nachash, Hashem didn't want to be bothered with him, so He granted the nachash enough sustenance for the rest of his life.

Does this seem a little contradicting with the Rashi I stated above? Hashem made a promise to Yaakov that He will provide bread for him to eat, and will not forsake (abandon) him. Seems like the same thing Hashem did for the nachash.

I believe the answer is: Hashem provided for the nachash all the sustenance he needed, because Hashem didn't want to have the nachash come begging for food. That's the difference between a rasha and a tzaddik! A rasha comes to Hashem only when he needs something from Him. If he sees he is lacking, he will suddenly make believe he and Hashem are "close," and would ask for help. A tzaddik, however, goes to Hashem for whatever the situation he's in. If the tzaddik is having a bad day, he will say, "Baruch Hashem!" If he has whatever he needs, such as: food, clothing, happiness, health, parnassa, etc... He will acknowledge it all came from Hakadosh Baruch Hu, and thank Him! He doesn't only 'connect' with Hashem when something bad happens, rather at all times.

That's why Hashem provided (everyday) both the nachash and the tzaddik "bread." Because Hashem knew the tzaddik wouldn't abandon Him. He would still keep the connection and praise Him. However, by the nachash, Hashem knew he would only come to Him when he needs something, therefore He provided only to push him away.

May we always have everything we need and acknowledge that it comes from Hakadosh Baruch Hu and thank Him both for the good events that happen to us and the bad.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso

[1] Bereishis 28:20
[2] Tehillim 36:28
[3] Bereishis 3:14

Parashas Toldos - YOU control your happiness

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Aliya Neshama: Fortune Mazal Bat Sarah
May your soul continue to rise...
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

'Toldos' in English means descendants. The parasha starts off by saying, "These are the descendants of Yitzchak, son of Avraham." We are soon to be introduced to two famous, (very!) individual people, Yaakov and Eisav.

Yitzchak and Rivka had been married for twenty years with no children. They both prayed to Hashem to grant them a child and were shortly answered (because of Yitzchak's prayer), when she soon got pregnant.

This pregnancy was extremely painful. She literally felt as if there was a battle going on in her womb. Whenever she would pass a Bais Midrash she would feel a force wanting to get out of her womb, or whenever she would pass a place of idol worship she would also feel a force wanting to get out. She was confused as to what was going on.

Rivka questioned, "If this is what happens when one gets pregnant, then why did I desire this?!" I want to answer: [besides the explanation Rashi [1] gave as to why Hashem answered Yitzchak's prayer over Rivka's: Yitzchak was a tzaddik, the son of a tzaddik, whereas Rivka was a tzaddekes, the daughter of a rasha."] Hashem knew she would regret it, and didn't think this gift of children should come from her prayer, rather Yitzchak's.

She visited the Bais Midrash of Shaim to inquire about the pregnancy. He prophetically told her that she was carrying twins, that she would become the mother of two great nations. Although she is carrying them both together in her womb, once they are born, the world will be too small for peace between them. Therefore it makes sense they can't sit in peace together in her womb.

Shaim then told her, "The two nations you will bear will not become great simultaneously. The rise of one will depend on the downfall of the other." Rashi says that pashut pshat is, "They will not be equally great. When one rises, the other falls."

After reading this explanation, I felt I could apply this concept onto everyday life situations.

Example: A person can't be happy and depressed at the same time. In order to decrease depression, you should add happiness to your life. It can be done in many ways: You can learn to think positively, do something productive - which makes you feel good about yourself, connect with a friend, etc...

There are times when people have wonderful days. He feels like everything is going well in his life - got nothing to complain about. He has a wonderful family, good friends, learning or business is going well, etc... However at times, he may feel like he is challenged with a test he doesn't think he can pass. The evil inclination, trying to convince him to do something he knows he will regret in the future, instantly changes his mood from happiness to sadness or worse, even depression.

Rav Zelig Pliskin, in his book called 'Happpiness', explains the 'art of happiness'. He writes, "It's important to master the skill of 're-framing'. Definition: Events, situations and occurrences in themselves do not cause you happiness or unhappiness. It is ALWAYS your personal, subjective evaluation of those events that create your emotional reaction... If you evaluate or re-frame, something as positive, you will experience happiness, joy, serenity, relief, or pleasure. It is your own way of thinking about something that creates your emotional reactions."

I find, when you leave room for the negative thoughts to pop into your head, it can be very controlling. The trick is to stop negative thoughts from popping in right away. Fill your head with positive, reassuring affirmations. By doing that, you won't have room to let the sadness, annoyance, frustration, anger, distress, or suffering 'take over' or influence the positive mind-set.

"When one rises, the other falls!" It's in OUR control to decide whether we want to let the negative emotions to take over and rule.

I give us a blessing that we should all continue to be strong and happy in whatever situations arise and to always evaluate them positively.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso

[1] 25:21

Parashas Chayei Sarah - Go from being Cursed to Blessed !

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Yeshua: Baruch ben Chana
May Hashem grant you Yeshua, Bracha, Hatzlacha, Parnassa, and Briut.
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

In this week's parasha, Avraham instructed Eliezer (his servant) to find a wife for Yitzchak. Avraham thought, "Yitzchak is getting old, and he still has no children. I think it's time for him to get married." Avraham demanded that Yitzchak marry only within his family, because they are blessed. [1] "Even though my relatives are idol worshipers, they still have potential for holiness and are capable of doing teshuva," Avraham told Eliezer. [2]

Eliezer got excited because he felt it would be amazing if Yitzchak married his daughter, but Avraham reminded him that he is a descendant of Canaan, whose family has been cursed and Yitzchak was blessed. "A cursed one and blessed one cannot unite," he told Eliezer. [3]

You might ask, "What was Eliezer thinking?! He was a slave, a Canaani! Did he actually think his daughter was worthy of marrying Avraham Avinu's son?!"

Truth be told, Eliezer wasn't a simpleton. He was a tzadik! He went from entering Avraham's home as a slave, to the status of Avraham's outstanding student who took his Torah and passed it on to others. He learned from Avraham and was also very big into chesed and hachnasas orchim. He was able to control his Yeitzer Hara like Avraham, and even resembled Avraham outwardly. [4]

As a matter of fact, by serving Avraham faithfully, Eliezer elevated himself from the category of being cursed to being blessed. That's why he had his daughter in mind to marry Yitzchak - because he thought she was blessed too. [5]

Having learned the above details, I couldn't help notice the chesed Hashem does for us:

Eliezer was cursed because he was a Canaani, however, after working hard and proving his faithfulness to Avraham, Hashem transformed the curse to a blessing. Let's take it up a notch: Let's say it was nigzar (decreed) upon us that something bad will happen (chas v'Shalom). Doing what Hashem wants from us and being His faithful children will surely take away this evil decree and bring a blessing upon us. I don't see a difference between being cursed and now blessed, to having a bad decree on us which can be changed to a good one.

When I was younger, I use to be a trouble-maker. I remember thinking, "My parents think I am a bad boy, so why not just continue being bad." It seemed like there was nothing I can do to change the way they viewed me. Of course, I wasn't exactly thinking very maturely then.

Sometimes a person thinks to himself, "I already have a bad decree on me, and there's probably nothing I can do to can change it, so I might as well continue misbehaving." OR "I am going to die someday anyways, so why not continue smoking?" - whatever the case is, there's always another option.

For those who think they have the worst 'luck' in the word, it can change. Everything is min hashemayim. It's up to us to do the Will of Hashem and be his faithful children. We see this from Eliezer who was cursed, but because of his hard work and loyalty, he was able to uproot the curse and replace it with a blessing.

May we always be showered with blessings and keep doing the Will of Hashem.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso

[1] Bereishis Rabba 57:2
[2] Midrash HaGadol 24:3
[3] Tiferes Tzion
[4] Bereishis Rabba 59:11
[5] Tiferes Tzion

Parashas Vayera - Honor me; by being my guest !

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Yeshua: Yakov Moshe ben Faiga
May Hashem grant you Yeshua, Bracha, Hatzlacha, Parnassa, and Briut.
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

In this week's Parasha, we learn the importance of how to look positively at situations. I have been talking to a lot of different people in the last couple weeks, and I find that everyone has different ways of looking at the same situation.

I don't want to get into details of what our conversations consisted of. I do not want to disrespect their views because I accept their views and opinions. I did, however, find that Avraham Avinu also had his own way of looking at things. A special way:

He had just preformed his bris mila and on the third day (the day it hurts the most) he waited by the entrance of his tent in order to invite and serve guests. Even though he was in a lot of pain, the thought of 'not being able to fulfill the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim' hurts even more.

Hashem wanted him to rest and recover from the bris, but the pain of not fulfilling this mitzvah was distracting him. Hashem even brought the sun out - powerfully - in order that Avraham Avinu wouldn't be burdened with travelers. That didn't stop Avraham. When it had been a while since any travelers passed by his tent, he started to get sad. Hashem saw that not being able to serve guests was even more painful, so He sent three angels disguised as men.

There's a saying, "Guests and fish start to smell after three days." Sometimes people feel like guests either intrude, or start to get annoying after a certain amount of days. People feel like they have done so much for the guest, that they might be taking advantage of them to some extent. I've heard it many times from other people. Truth is, it depends on the person staying over. Some people just get 'too' comfortable, you feel like they will never leave.

Avraham Avinu, on the other hand, looks at it much differently than others. He tells the 'men', "I will get bread and you will sustain your hearts. Afterwards you will continue on your way because it is for this reason that you have passed by your servant."

Rashi [5:18] comments, "What does this mean, 'It is for this reason that you have passed by'."? He answers, "You have passed by for my honor, as in, 'It is a privilege to be able to serve you. You are doing me a favor, and I thank you!'"

Avraham Avinu didn't know what type of guests these men would be. He invited them wholeheartedly. His focus wasn't on 'how much will I be taken advantage of?'; 'How long are they going to be here for?'; 'How much is this going to cost me?'; or 'How much do they have to offer?' His focus was solely for the purpose to doing Hashem's mitzvah of serving guests. It was all about giving, and not taking.

That was Avraham and Sarah's midda. They were givers. When someone wants to do something so much, Hashem will make it possible. In the above case, Hashem saw how much Avraham wanted to give so much to guests. Even at a time of recovery from illness and pain, Avraham couldn't think of doing anything else but give. And so, Hashem made sure to give him the opportunity.

In the very same Parasha, Sarah gives birth to Yitzchak at a very old age - 90 years old. Everyone was talking about her, "She probably found a baby in the field and decided to keep him. It's possible it isn't even their child!" etc... [1] Hashem made Avraham and Yitzchak look exactly alike. Nobody could claim Yitzchak wasn't his child. In addition, Hashem made a miracle that all nursing mothers dried up, and Sarah had plenty of mommy's milk. Women were lining up by Sarah's tent to have their babies nurse from her. [2]

The point of bringing the above midrash was to show you the miracle Hashem did for Sarah. It was her nature to give to others, and now, she was able to provide for everyone's child. The same applies by Avraham, who wanted to continuously give - Hashem made it so that angels in human uniform would be guests by him. All this was done in order for Avraham and Sarah to do what they loved doing: GIVE.

I give us a beracha that we see situations in a different light. View them all with positive perspectives and feel optimistic about life.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso

[1] Baba Matziah 87a
[2] Bereishis Rabba 43:13

Parashas Lech Lecha - Being Faithful to Hashem

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Refua Shelema: Leah Ayala Bas Yehudis
May you and your family have health, happiness, peace and success!
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

At the end of last week's parasha, the Torah mentions the ten generations from Noach to Avram. According to some commentaries, last week's parasha was also the beginning of Avram's ten trials (tests) by Hashem.

The generation of his time were very corrupt. There were those who rebelled against Hashem and those who completely denied His existence.

It was Avram (better known as Avraham Avinu) who brought Hashem's name back into this world. Avram did anything and everything he could do to sanctify Hashem's name. He believed that this world was so complex, there's no way it had no creator. This indeed was the first test Avram had passed, according to some commentaries.

Avram's father, Terach, had a business selling idols. At a young age, Avram convinced the customers who entered the store, that they were wasting their time buying these idols. He claimed, "Aren't you embarrassed to buy an idol which was made just yesterday by my father? You are older than the idol, and you're worshiping it?" or "You say thieves stole your idol? If your gods were unable to protect themselves, how do you expect them to protect you?!"[1]

One day, Avram decided to smash all the idols in the store while his father was away. He put the hammer besides the biggest statue and told his father, "This statue got upset at the other ones and destroyed them." Terach replied, "That's non-sense, son. You know they can't move or talk!" Avram retorted, "Think about what you just said. If that's the case, why do you even worship it?" [1]

Another story we have all heard of was when Avram was thrown into a fiery oven. In fact, that was his second test, according to some opinions: King Nimrod wanted to give Avram a second chance to worship him and his idols. All he had to do was bow down to the king and his idols. Avrom refused saying, "I will never forsake Hashem! He is the one who should be served, not a fake god like you!" [2]

Nimrod's slaves grabbed Avrom and threw him into the fire. Hashem Himself went to save him from the fire. Avrom walked out unharmed. Nimrod was speechless and decided to bow down to Avrom. "Do not bow down to me, rather to the living G-d, Creator of the Universe," Avrom said. [3]

The next (and some say the first) trial was Lech Lecha; Avrom was commanded to leave his land and travel to an unknown destination. [for more information on this test, see last year's dvar Torah: http://sharingtorah.blogspot.com/2008/11/parashas-lech-lecha.html].

Avrom had gone through a lot and sacrificed a lot on behalf of Hashem. He did not have a 'smooth-sailing' life. He put a lot of effort into what he believed in. A lot of us are afraid to stand up for what we believe in, especially if our spirituality or health is at risk.

There are people who get involved with the wrong crowds; they think it's better being involved with a certain crowd even though they speak bad about other people and steal only because it's better than having no crowd. Or they might see a friend do something terribly wrong but they're are too 'scared' or 'nervous' to tell them it's wrong because they don't want to be made fun of, or talked bad about by others.

Avrom didn't care about what others around him thought. He was disliked and bashed by everyone around him, but he didn't care. He knew he was doing the right thing by bringing awareness of Hashem's name to the world, and he wasn't going to let other people's actions influence him. Avrom was the first to initiate and maintain spirituality regardless of how many people fought against him.

We should all learn from Avraham Avinu to take religious observance to the next level; putting aside our kavod for the sake of Hashem. If there's someone who is trying to convince us to do something which might not make Hashem happy, let us stand up for ourselves and say 'no' just like Avrom did before he was thrown into the oven.

May Hashem grant us the courage to do His will and to not be influenced by others.

Have a good Shabbos,
Nisso

[1] Bereishis Rabba 38:19
[2] Midrash HaGadol 11:28
[3] Bais Hamidrash Chadra

Parashas Noach - Keeping a kesher with Hashem

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Refua Shelema: Leah Ayala Bas Yehudis
May you and your family have health, happiness, peace and success!
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

There's a lesson in Parashas Noach which I think we can all relate to in one way or another. A common example is not thanking Hashem enough for the health we have.

In other words, let's say we've been ill for days/weeks, we cry to Hashem, "Please heal us!" However, when we feel much better, we intend to stop talking to Him. When things are going really well for us, we intend to forget who is behind it and act as if it's naturally the way the world works.

In this week's parasha, Hashem brought upon the world a mabul (flood). The cause for this was the life-style before the mabul which was similar to life on Gan Eden. Life was great!

A couple examples the meforshim bring: Human beings possessed strength which did not weaken once they reached an old age, rather they only got stronger. Ie: They were able to uproot full size cedar trees, or they considered lions (and other scary beasts) harmless as flies. [1] Another example was that a newborn child was immediately able to stand, walk and talk. Additionally, no child would die in the same life-time as their parents or grandparents.[2]

Other examples given: They worked their fields once every forty years, because their fields produced a sufficient amount of crops for no one to ever go hungry. There was no change in seasons. The weather was beautiful all the time. [3] And the biggest one of all; they knew nothing about suffering of any kind! [4]

Since everything was perfect, people everywhere questioned, "Why do we need to give authority to Hashem? We don't need His help anymore! We've got food and water to last us forever, we don't get ill, and there's NOTHING else we need from Him."

Can you imagine saying that to your parent? They've done so much for us, but now that we're all taken care of we don't need the people who brought us into this world?!! It's no wonder why Hashem chose to destroy the corrupted people. But as always, Hashem is merciful, which is why he instructed Noach to build an Ark and to save the human race. [5]

Chazal say the reason why Hashem brings afflictions upon us is because we are lacking in communication with Him. He wants us to talk to him.

I remember when I was younger, I had a friend who came from money - an extremely wealthy family. I once told her how lucky she was because she got money whenever she wanted, she had very nice clothing, a live-in maid, etc... Life seemed perfect. One day this person started crying to me saying, "You always thought I was lucky. And I always wanted to tell you this -- I would rather be in your life position than mine! Yea, it's nice, I don't clean my own room, and have lots of clothing, but the thing I want most I don't have!" I was a little confused, so I asked what she meant. She continued, "My father tries getting me out of his way by giving me money. He always tells me to go shopping or go to the movies just so that I'm not home - 'in his face.' I can tell you from experience, I would much rather have a father than wealth!"

After she told me that, I had a different perspective on things. It helped me realize how lucky I was, not her! We all need our parents. They are our guides in life, our role-models. Hashem is the opposite of this girl's father. Hashem wants a kesher with us. He wants us to talk to him. If not, He has no choice but to pull us towards Him by afflicting us.

I give us a bracha that we realize the good Hashem does for us and that we should always have Hashem in our minds. Whether things seem to be going bad or good for us, we should always continue to talk to Him.

Have a good Shabbos,
Nisso

[1] Bereishis Rabba 34:13
[2] Bereishis Rabba 36:1
[3] Midrash Tanchuma Bereishis 40
[4] Midrash HaGadol 6:4
[5] Sinhedrin 108

Parashas Bereishis - Loose Lips Sink Ships

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Refua Shelema: Pesach Ben Sarah
May you have health, happiness, and success!
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

Woah! Sefer Bereshis - It's packed with a lot of fun stories and lessons. This is going to be my second year writing. I am very excited and again I want to thank you subscribers for giving me the drive to continue writing.

In this week's parasha, there's an extremely life-threatening lesson I hope we will be able to work on this year. It's something that doesn't pop up once a year, month, or week. It's something to be worked on everyday. It's something we can't run away from; rather, something we can prevent.

Anyone who knows me, knows what I am talking about: the power of speech.

When Hashem created Adam v'Chava, He told them they may help themselves to anything in the fields with the exception of one tree, The Eitz Hada'as. Hashem warned them, "...for on the day you eat from that tree, you shall surely die!"

Hashem gave the Snake the power of words and the ability to walk upright in order to serve mankind. [1] The problem is, those powers were used against us. The Nachash convinced Chava to eat from the Eitz Hada'as, and death was then introduced - for the first time - to this world.

You always hear exaggerations; lashon hara can cause so much harm! Destroy shidduchim, family, business... It can even kill. Unfortunately, this is NOT an exaggeration, and we have this week's parasha to prove it.

The question is always asked, "...but the Snake didn't really speak lashon hara, he just lied! Lashon hara is saying something negative which is also the truth. So really, lashon hara wasn't what brought death to this world."

In Sefer Chofetz Chaim [2], Rav Yisroel Meir writes, "It's forbidden to say something bad about a friend even if it's 100% true! The sin is called, Lashon Hara. An even worse prohibition is saying something false about someone. That is called Motzei Shem Rah - bringing out a bad name."

'Motzei shem rah' is under the category of Lashon Hara. There are lots of sub-categories such as: motzei shem rah, rechillus, api t'laseh, etc...

The Nachash enticed Chava to eat from the tree by telling her, "Hashem doesn't want you eating from this tree, because that's where He got all His power from. He doesn't want any competition and therefore prohibited you from eating it." Then the Nachash pushed Chava onto the tree making her touch it (after she claimed it was 'forbidden to touch'). The tree wasn't forbidden to touch, however - although that's what Adam told her in order to keep her away from the tree.

Obviously this tree isn't where Hashem got His powers from. The Nachash lied in order to convince Chava to err. So the truth is, death came to this world because of motzei shem rah; a form of Lashon Hara.

Perhaps we can try to prolong each other's lives by refraining from evil words. Let's be known as "Hashem's children"and bring life instead of death.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and Shana Tova,
Nisso

[1] Maharsha; Sinhedrin 59
[2] Hilchos Lashon Hara: Klal 1 Halacha 1

Parashas Vezos Habracha & A Special Thank You!

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Aliya Neshama: Shafika Bas Chasiba
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

To the special subscribers, who encourage me simply by being on the list,

Baruch Hashem, I have had a very successful year writing the Weekly Parasha Divrei Torah, finishing several masechtas, and sticking to my Kollel routine.

I've had more than a handful of people who wanted a Dvar Torah sponsored either for a Refua Shelema, Hatzlacha, Yeshuah, Mazal to Conceive, Aliya Neshama, Mazal in Business, etc...

In addition, I wanted to let you all know that you are able to share a portion in my Torah learning by sponsoring either a week, month, or year. I would say the names (example: Leah Ayala Bas Yehudis for a Refua Shelema) everyday before starting seder. You may also reserve a week - months in advance.

I have spoken to the posek (Rabbi) of my community, and he said people may certainly use their maaiser (tithe) money to help support my learning and to partake in the schar (merit.)

Bli Ayin Hara, I have about 200 people I send out my divrei Torah to weekly and the list continues to grow. Either way, if you aren't able to help monetarily, I still thank you very much because by your subscription alone - it gives me tremendous chizuk to continue writing!

There's a posuk in Parashas Vezos Habracha: "And regarding Zevulun he said, Rejoice Zevulun in your departure; and Yissachar in your tents... for by the streaming of the sea they shall be nurtured and the hidden treasures of the sand." This posuk describes the partnership between Zevulun (who would work) and Yissachar (who would learn and be supported by Zevulun). Since they are partners, whatever Torah Yissachar learns, Zevulun gets an equal amount of merit.

Zevulun's name was mentioned first. Why? You'd think Yissachar's name should come first because they are doing the will of Hashem and learning Torah. Rashi answers since Zevulun was responsible for Yissachar's Torah learning, the Torah honored them first. We can see the importance of supporting Torah.

The Ohr Hachayim explains; 'Rejoice Zevulun in your departure,' to mean: Zevulun, since you are engaging yourself in business for the sake of Yissachar's Torah learning, you should be happy and rejoice because all the work/profit you are making are now converted into mitzvos.

Additionally, 'for by the streaming of the sea they shall be nurtured,' Rashi says, "Zevulun and Yissachar - to whom the sea streamed abundant wealth." It seems from there that when one supports Torah or learns Torah, Hashem gives them plenty of means to sustain themselves. It's a win/win situation.

May we be zocheh to get all the brachas in the Torah. Have a Good Shabbos and Chag Sameach!

I sincerely thank you all,
Nisso

Parashas Ha'azinu - Cracked Pot

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Yeshua: Gittel Sora Yirtza Bas Rochel Leah
May you have healthy children and imy'H an easy pregnancy!
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

We are currently in the days of Aseres Yemei Teshuva - the period between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. It is the week where Hashem finalizes the outcome of our year based on our actions. The next several days should be taken very seriously, with contemplation of each action. It is a time to do more teshuva, tefilla, and tzedaka than usual.

This Shabbos is Shabbos Shuva, where we will be reading Parashas Ha'azinu. It poetically describes what will happen to Bnei Yisroel until the end of days. In the beginning, Moshe summoned the Heavens and the Earth to witness that he warned Bnei Yisroel to keep the Torah.

Moshe says, "When I pronounce Hashem's Name, give greatness to our G-d. The Almighty's works are flawless, for all His ways are just. A G-d of faithfulness without injustice, He is righteous and upright." Rashi comments: Even though He is strong; when he brings punishment on those who go against His will, He acts justly, for His works are complete (flawless.)

This reminded me of a time when a friend called me from America complaining how 'unfair' Hashem was. How Hashem gave him this extremely hard nisayon which he can not seem to overcome and that Hashem is just 'unfair!'

It sounded like he was saying that Hashem had made a mistake (chas vShalom); that Hashem put him in a situation which He should not have put him in because of his lack of self-control, self-assertiveness, and self-esteem.

He was upset because he was 'placed' into a family that didn't pay much attention to him. His father was never home and he was always getting pushed around by his older brothers. Now, he feels like Hashem isn't helping him out with his struggles and any direction he goes, he feels like he will stumble. "I have every reason to be upset at Him," he said to me.

Hashem does not makes mistakes. Everything happens for a reason. It is very hard to grasp at times (especially when we are dealing with something frustrating,) but we just need to believe that what happens is for our own good and it did not happen by accident. Instead of trying to rationalize the reason you act a certain way, just try to mend your ways. What happened, happened. Now it's time to look to the future and see how you can make things work with your specific situation.

I have a short slide show which is very inspiring. I think everyone should see it. I uploaded it onto my site (which is only used for downloading files; which is why you won't see any web-sites. I am waiting for this domain name to expire so that I can get a new one.)

The site address is: http://www.rabbinisso.com/cracked-pot.pps

Don't get the wrong idea - it's not saying you shouldn't fix your 'cracks', and should just live with them. On the contrary, the first thing someone should do is try to fix their cracks, but sometimes things aren't repairable, in which case we need to concentrate on the positive.

I give us all a beracha: we should realize that the hardships in our lives don't happen by accident and that there is One above running our world to our benefit. We might not recognize these as benefits yet, but after 120 years, it will be crystal clear.

Gmar Chassima Tova,
Nisso

Parashas Nitzavim & Vayelech - Vivid memories...

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Refua Shelema: Leah Ayala Bas Yehudis
May you and your family have health, happiness, peace and success!
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

This week is a double parasha (Nitzavim and Vayelech). Two short parashas, however, combined together makes it long. Actually, (food for thought) a person might feel a little scared/worried to take upon themselves a goal because it might be too big and impossible to complete. That is just our mind playing tricks. For example: Someone can look at a masechta of Gemara and think it's out of his league - too big for him to finish. However, if you break it into smaller parts, something that was once intimidating isn't anymore.

Another example is when someone is stressed out because he/she is so overwhelmed with work, studies, family etc... A lot of people think they have BIG issues, but if they categorize them and list their issues, they will be surprised to see it's not such a big issue after all. It just seems big because it's not organized into different segments. We see the same tactics apply - breaking something into smaller parts. You can look at cleaning the WHOLE house, or cleaning one room after the other.

Now back to this week's parasha - but before I begin, I just want to let you in on a personal story.

My wife and I bought a 'One-Year Pass' to the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo (in Bayit Vegan.) We had a lot of fun, sadly though, it just expired a couple weeks ago. Before buying it, we were trying to weigh out the advantages and disadvantages of buying it. The only disadvantage we could think of was that the bus ride was an hour and thirty minute away from our apartment. Going with two kids for an hour and a half each way was no walk in the park. It required a lot of patience and nosh. (Using the tactic above, we looked at it as if we were only taking the kids on one bus at a time. Incidentally, when we approached the second bus stop, we had just missed the bus, and had to wait an hour for the next one. Can you imagine? But we had a great time and the kids were well behaved, baruch Hashem. Always bring animal crackers to the zoo, hehe.)

The biggest advantage we took in account which lead us to buy the pass was: being able to give our kids a fun learning experience. We thought it would be easier for them to learn their animals. As a matter a fact, it worked very nicely. We went a bunch of times throughout the year and with every visit, it was more educational.

In this week's Parasha (if you're still reading, thanks for hanging in there,) there's the mitzvah of Hakhel. It's a national assembly event every seven years, where you hear the king read the Torah. The posuk says, "Assemble the nation - the men, women, children, and the convert of your towns. In order for them to hear and learn to fear Hashem, your G-d, and they will make sure to fulfill all the words of the Torah." Rashi asks, I understand the men would come to learn and the women would come to hear, but why the children? He answers, "To bring merit to those (the parents) who brought them."

Another answer is because a child will gain much more from the experience of traveling up to Yerushalayim, holding his parents' hand, going to hear the king read from the Torah. It's exciting for a child and when you bring them and they see what's going on with their own eyes, as opposed to hearing about it, the child remembers it more. It's more vivid to him/her.

That's the reason why my wife and I bought the yearly passes to the zoo. The experience of being there and seeing as opposed to hearing can have a great impact on our children. My daughter knows her animals very well, bli ayin hara. Now when we show her a book with animals in it, she's able to tell us what type of animal they are.

Make sure to make our kids' learning experiences 'hands on' in order for it to be memorable for them. This also applies to us grown-ups as well. When there's a practical application to something we've learned, it stays with us longer.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso

P.S. Thanks for reading!

Parashas Ki Savo - Strengthening the observance of Torah

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Yeshua: Moshe Efraim ben Bracha
May Hashem grant you Yeshua, Bracha, Hatzlacha, Parnassa, and Briut.
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

In Parashas Ki Savo, we read something which we are already familiar with (from past parashiyos) yet, the Torah still felt it necessary to mention again. As a matter of fact, the remaining parashiyos of Sefer Devarim refers to it: strengthening the observance of Torah.

In the third aliya (which only has four pesukim) says, "This day, Hashem commands you to perform these chukim, mitzvos and mishpatim; And you shall observe and perform them wholeheartedly and with your whole being. Hashem has distinguished you today to be for Him - a treasured people - as He said to you, and to guard all His mitzvos..."

Generally, when something is repeated, it's usually something important. You can't tell your kids enough times to "be careful not to get hurt." A famous example is when a parent tells their kid(s), "Please, if you are going to borrow the car, be careful not to get into an accident." I think it's a very funny statement; almost as if the teenager wants to get into an accident? I don't think they need such a reminder. (Then again, I don't have any teenagers yet, nor do I own a car.)

Another example: I was once putting schach on my sukkah, (standing on a ledge on the third floor) when my wife told me, "Be careful not to fall. --I know I don't have to tell you, but I just feel like I need to say it." I thought about her words, and it was pretty funny because everyone has the habit of telling others to be careful. "Do I really want to fall? She seriously didn't have to mention anything about being careful. Falling wasn't on my list of things to do," I thought. But when someone is so special to you, you make sure to 'remind' them even though they totally don't need the reminding.

In this case, Hashem, our Father, loves us very much because we are His treasured children. This constant 'reminder' of 'being careful' is solely for our sake. By performing these mitzvos, we will be zocheh to all the berachos which are stated in the Torah. They are not, however, the ultimate reward for fulfilling the Torah, nor are the curses the ultimate punishment for its violation.

In the seventh aliyah, Moshe re-emphasizes all the miracles Hashem performed for Bnei Yisroel (in Egypt and in the midbar) to motivate them to keep the Torah. He reminded them about the great signs and wonders Hashem did; for forty years their clothing and shoes did not wear out, etc... The Ramban learns this as a warning, "After forty years of teachings, you should be able to understand that your success lies in the keeping the Torah and mitzvos."

What Moshe Rabbeinu did (when re-emphasizing the goodness Hashem performed for us in order to motivate us to keep His Torah) can be used for other things as well, such as Teshuva. I just heard a shuir by Rav Akiva Tatz saying, "Before a person thinks he's going to sin, he should picture a scenario which will frighten him and which will get him to think that maybe it's not such a good idea to do this aveira. Example: Picture a dog in front of you and if you sin, it will bite you." It's basically a mechanism which will 'remind' you not to sin and what could happen if you do.

By keeping Torah and refraining from sin, we should be zocheh to do complete teshuva, so that Hashem will inscribe and seal us in the good books and grant us all the berachos mentioned in the Torah.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso

Parashas Ki Teitzei - A second chance available if need be.

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Aliya Neshama: Mindel Adina bas Rav Nosson Zvi
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

In the very end of this week's parasha, there's a section we read twice a year. The first time is this week - Parashas Ki Teitzei, and the second time is the shabbos before Purim, Shabbos Zachor.

The Hebrew word for zachor means remembrance. The Torah says to remember what Amalek did to us on our way out of Egypt (immediately after the miracle of the splitting of the sea.) Nations everywhere were impressed by the Ten Plagues and the splitting of the sea. They were all scared to attack Bnei Yisroel, because "Hashem was on their (the Jews) side."

The Torah instructs us to keep the mitvah of remembering Amalek. Why Amalek as opposed to other nations? The answer is: it was davka the time after Hashem showed the whole world His strength and His love for the Jews - Amalek decided to attack.

Anyone who witnessed this miracle of Yam Suf would never have thought to fight with Bnei Yisroel because of the protection they had. Amalek, however, due to their atheist beliefs, did not see it as Hashem helping the Jews rather - they got lucky.

Rashi says, "They (Amalek) cooled you (Bnei Yisroel) off from your boiling heat (from being on fire.) For all the nations were afraid of waging war against you, until they commenced, preparing the way for others." All of the nations were afraid of the Jews - afraid of Hashem - until Amalek showed the world there was nothing to be afraid of (chas v'Shalom) and initiated the attacks. Therefore, we have a special mitzvah to remember what Amalek did.

This week, I heard unfortunate news that my friends (two brothers) were sitting shiva for the loss of their sister. [This dvar Torah is being written in zchus for her neshama (Mindel Adina bas Rav Nosson Zvi) to have an aliya.] It reminded me of a shuir I once heard. The rabbi explained why a person mourning for his parents sits for only one year and then the mourning period ends. The Gemara [1] says a person doesn't have a strong connection to the deceased in his heart after twelve months; "Ein Hameis Mishtakeach Min HaLev Ela Shnaim Aser Chodesh." (Obviously, the family member doesn't forget about the deceased, it's just the intense emotions wane.) There's another Gemara [2] that says, "Don't cry for a meis too much because Hashem asks, 'Who are you to mourn more than Me?'"

As I was listening to the shuir, I asked myself, "What's one to do by the parasha of remembering Amalek during a leap year? If it takes twelve months for something to be 'forgotten' (according to the lashon in the gemara) then how is it we can go thirteen months without 'remembering Amalek'?"

Then I remembered reading in halacha: On shabbos zachor, while hearing the parasha of Amalek, a person must have in mind the mitzvas assei to remember what Amalek did to us; however, if it happens to be that we weren't able to hear it then, we can make it up on Parashas Ki Teitzei. So the answer to my question was simple; we aren't going thirteen months without remembering Amalek, because we read it at least once more during the year. [As a side point - we also mention Amalek in Sefer Shemos, when they attacked us after the splitting of Yam Suf.] I later found out that the Chasam Sofer [3] said the same vort (Baruch sh'kavanti.)

We have a second chance to gain the mitzvas assei to 'Remember what Amalek did to us,' so don't lose out on this special opportunity.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso

[1] Berachos 58b7b
[2] Moed Katan 27b
[3] Piskei Teshuvos Siman 785:8 beshem Chasam Sofer

Parashas Shoftim - Now's the time to acquire Torah!

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Aliya Neshama: Shafika Bat Chasiba
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

There are special mitzvos for:

• Kohanim; working in the Beis Hamikdash, blessing Am Yisroel, who they are permitted and forbidden to marry...
• Avelilim; tearing one's garment and reciting a beracha upon hearing the news of a close relative's death, preparing for the dead body's burial, reciting kaddish, etc...
• Shochtim; not to slaughter an animal and it's offspring on the same day, cover the blood with earth, etc...
• Nazirim; they can not cut their hair, drink wine, eat fresh grapes, or come into contact with a dead corpse, etc...

There are also special mitzvos for Sanhedrin (beis din), Levi'im, Women, Men, a person stricken with leprosy, and the list goes on and on.

In Parashas Shoftim, the Torah gives us several halachos/mitzvos for a King; he must have a separate Sefer Torah for himself, he must not have too many wives, too many horses, or too much gold and silver.

The reasoning behind these halachas are:

• Kings shouldn't have too much gold or silver, because Hashem doesn't want kings to gratify their lust for money.[1]
• Kings shouldn't have too many horses because: a) it guards them against arrogance, which leads to turning away from Hashem [2]; b) most horses were bred in Egypt and Hashem didn't want anyone going to Egypt for horses in case they decided to settle there.[3]
• Kings shouldn't have too many wives, "lest his heart be turned away." Hashem didn't want a king to indulge in physical pleasures. Rashi mentions that a King shouldn't have more than eighteen wives. (I can't imagine having more than one!)
• Lastly, a King must have a separate Sefer Torah; he was obligated to have a second Sefer Torah written as well, which the Torah commands him to have with him at all times. One Sefer Torah was always traveling with him [in order that he learn wherever he was,] and the other was placed in his treasury.

It is also a mitzvah for every Jew to write a Sefer Torah for himself. Unfortunately, some of us don't have the means of purchasing one. There are ways to get across that though; for example, this year, I was zocheh of write my own Sefer Torah -- a friend donated one to Yeshiva and gave a lot of the guys a chance to write a letter in it. Partaking in writing even a single letter in a Sefer Torah automatically generates for the person a mitzvah as if he wrote a Sefer Torah. Sounds crazy right? Since each letter is essential to make a Sefer Torah kosher, had there been one letter missing, the whole Torah is deemed posul. By you writing that one letter, it's as if you completed the whole Torah.

We just began the month of Elul. It's a month where people are especially careful to repent and learn as much Torah as possible. Hashem gave us His wonderful Torah for us to learn, and it would be a shame to let it sit and 'collect dust.' If a person wasn't able to acquire himself a Sefer Torah by writing one, the least he can do is acquire it by learning it and knowing it well. Let's say a person lent you a Ferrari and said you can use it whenever you wanted, would you take it out for a drive or let it sit in your garage? Obviously you would jump at the opportunity and give it a hundred 'test drives.' You might even go to a Ferrari dealership and buy yourself one of those 'cool' Ferrari jackets.

The Torah is worth much more than a Ferrari - it's priceless. This Elul, let's make it the best Elul we've ever had and take advantage of the precious gift Hashem has given us. Let's try to acquire every word and every letter Hashem has written in the Torah. Now is our chance to own the whole Sefer Torah and fulfill the mitzvah Hashem has commanded us.

May we all be written in the book of life, health, parnassa, and happiness.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and a month of full repentance,
Nisso

[1] Chinuch תקטו
[2] Chinuch תרגו"י
[3] Rashi and Ramban

Parashas Re'ay - We are responsible for our actions

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Aliya Neshama: Shafika Bas Chasiba
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________


For the last two motzei shabbosim, I have been up from 1-5 am Saturday nights - for two different reasons. The first time was because I napped too long over shabbos (I personally don't think one hour is long, I guess my body does) and the second time was because I ate too much for seuda shlishit - I was nauseous half the night because of it.

Both weeks weren't the first time it's happened to me. I've experienced the situation before. I always tell myself the same thing, "I am not going to nap so long" or "I am not going to eat too much." The problem is, b'sha'as maaisa, the rationalization I make to myself seems very valid. As a matter of fact, at the time they sound like excellent claims. :-)

In this week's Parasha (Re'ay), Moshe explains to Bnei Yisroel that they have the ability to bring good or harm to themselves. Blessings or curses - life or death. It's all dependent on whether they choose to do a mitzvah or a sin.

Hashem gives us free will - freedom to choose our actions, on our own account - but the choices can be beneficial or detrimental. Sometimes, it's not easy to choose, but it's a decision we've got to make in life. Sometimes, it can seem detrimental now, but later on in life, it can turn out to be to our advantage. (It's always advisable to speak to a well-learned person for the harder choices.)

I saw a connection between my story and this section in Parashas Re'ay. Hashem gives us the choices we can choose from, and it's up to us to choose the correct path - whether it is a choice between a mitzvah and a sin, or just a decision in life.

There are times a person needs to have self-control. Sometimes we feel desensitized as to how much we've eaten. We need to eat (or sleep) enough, but not to the point where we are indulging. Actually, someone recently told me that their Rabbi (from AISH) always told them that eating chocolate can be a sin. Sounds extreme, right? He explains, "Chocolate has no contribution of nutrition to your body. It's something a person doesn't really need. Therefore when a person eats chocolate, he is just feeding his taivas. That falls under the category of Naval b'Reshus HaTorah (over-indulging in things that are permitted for you.)

May we learn from this Parasha that the choices we make aren't specifically for mitzvahs or aveiras. The actions for our choices can also be by everyday life decisions. A way of a Jew is to always calculate his actions. Hashem should give us all a beracha that the calculations we make are the right ones.

Have a good Shabbos,
Nisso

Parashas Eikev - *FULL* Credit for half the job!

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Refua Shelema: Leah Ayala Bas Yehudis
May you have health, happiness, and success!
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

Have you ever started to do a mitzvah, but quit (purposely) in the middle before completion? For example: Telling someone you will learn for their deceased family member, learning the first two perakim and then putting it aside, uncompleted? Or only paying your employees half the money you owe them (on time) and paying the rest later?

Some people think to themselves, "Well, at least I got some merit for doing it (half the job, half the merit, right?)" However, it doesn't seem like that in this week's parasha. We see a lesson which is important for us to incorporate into our daily lives.

The posuk says, "The entire mitzvah that I am commanding you today, you are to guard so as to fulfill; in order that you live and multiply and arrive to inherit the land that Hashem swore to your forefathers." Rashi says that if you begin to fulfill a mitzvah, make sure to complete it, because a mitzvah is only credited to the one who completes it.

An example Rashi brought in was that Moshe said he would take the bones of Yosef to bury in Eretz Yisroel. Moshe, however, died before entering Eretz Yisroel, where Bnei Yisroel completed the burial of Yosef's bones. The mitzvah was credited to Bnei Yisroel, not Moshe (even though, he too was involved).

The Gur Aryeh says, "Starting to do a mitzvah when someone else finishes it for you isn't considered your mitzvah. It's no different than building a house and stopping in the middle." It's not yet called a house until it's complete! If you didn't finish building the roof of that house, you didn't build the house. You can't say you did.

Don't take this the wrong way. I am sure there is schar (merit) one gets for helping out in doing a mitzvah. We just don't know how big or small of a schar Hashem chooses to give us. It seems that Rashi is just pointing out that the credit goes to the completer.

Have no fear because sometimes a person starts to do a mitzvah, but against his will isn't able to complete it. If that is that the case, then one still gets tremendous schar for it. I apologize but I don't remember the source (I think it's either Masechta Brachos, or Pirkei Avos) but I did confirm with the Rav of my neighborhood. He said a person gets a lot of schar at the very least, if not all of it - as if he actually did that mitzvah.

May we all complete the mitzvos we start; whether starting a new masechta or agreeing to pay a debt on time.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nissim

Parashas Va'eschanan & Tisha b'Av - This MAY be read on Tisha b'Av !

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Refua Shelema: Leah Ayala Bas Yehudis
May you have health, happiness, and success!
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

We are now in the mourning period of the nine days. On Tisha b'Av (morning) and this coming shabbos (Parashas Va'eschanan) we will read about Moshe motivating Bnei Yisroel to do teshuva. He envisioned the Jews serving idols, becoming exiled and dispersed, which is what prompted him to speak to Bnei Yisroel. [1]

We fast on Tisha b'Av because of five tragedies that happened to Bnei Yisroel on that date.

1. As a result of the sin of the spies (see Parashas Shelach) Hashem decreed that our forefathers would have to wander the desert for forty years before entering Eretz Yisroel. [2] All the males of that generation above the age of twenty died and only their children were able to enter the land.
2. The first Beis Hamikdash was destroyed.
3. The second Beis Hamikdash was destroyed.
4. Beitar was captured and fell to the Romans.
5. Turnus Rufus plowed the area of the Beis Hamikdash and it's surroundings.

Moshe prophesied that 852 years after the Exodus from Egypt, Bnei Yisroel would sin so greatly, they would deserve destruction. With Hashem's mercy, He destroyed the Beis Hamikdash instead of Klal Yisroel, who by suffering exile were allowed to survive.

Moshe continued to tell Bnei Yisroel: "When you are suffering during the days of the Final Redemption; if you do teshuva and return to Hashem and do His will, He will not forsake, destroy, or forget you."

The same way Hashem redeemed us when He took us out of Egypt, He will also redeem us from this exile. Both times in the same circumstances:

1. Bnei Yisroel's distress
2. Their teshuva
3. The bris made with our forefathers
4. Hashem's mercy
5. The arrival of the predesignated time of the Redemption (or as soon as we do teshuva) [3]

We don't have much to give Hashem because the Beis Hamikdash is no longer here. We can't bring korbanos, but we do have tefillah. It says in Brachos, "The gates of prayer are locked, but the gates of tears will never be." We should take advantage of that gates of tears, and return to Hashem for Him to bring the Final Redemption. How long can we live in exile? It's not ideal!

We will be reading Megillas Eicha on Tisha b'Av. A posuk we should be familiar with is, "She cries and cries in the night, with a tear always on her cheek."

Whoever mourns the destruction of Yerushalayim and the Beis Hamikdash, will merit to see the joy of it's rebuilding.[4]

May we, who have studied about the destruction of Yerushalayim and the Beis Hamikdash, be worthy to see the joy of it's rebuilding!

Have a meaningful fast and a wonderful shabbos,
Nisso

[1] 4:25-40
[2] Taanis 29a
[3] Devarim Rabba 2:14-16
[4] Taanis 30b & Baba Basra 60b

Parashas Devarim - Rebuke before death

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Refua Shelema: Leah Ayala Bas Yehudis
May you have health, happiness, and success!
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

Sefer Devarim (the 5th and final volume of the Torah) is a review of what happened in the last volumes but also includes at least 70 new halachas!

Moshe’s life was soon coming to an end, and he asked Hashem if he could review the entire Torah with Bnei Yisroel before his passing. He wanted to clarify any difficulties they might have had, and to thoroughly teach them the halachas. [1]

Moshe thought, “If I don’t instill the fear of God in them, they won’t perform the mitzvos properly. Therefore, I will start with reproof.”[2] Moshe’s reproof wasn’t strong and hurtful, rather soft and hinted.

Rashi says that Moshe specifically rebuked Bnei Yisroel before his death because Yaakov Avinu rebuked his sons shortly before his death too. [3] Yaakov said, “Reuvein, my son, I will tell you why I did not admonish you all these years; because I did not want you to desert me and go join my brother Eisov.” [4]

Rashi continues to say (quoting the Sifri - another commentary) that there are four reasons as to why a person shouldn’t rebuke anyone until before his death:

1. So that he doesn’t continuously rebuke the same person.
2. So that his friend isn’t embarrassed when he sees him.
3. So that the sinner doesn’t bear a grudge against him.
4. So that he doesn’t defend his innocence violently, leading to anger.

It seems that from this Sifri, that the best time for rebuking is only before death; however, there is a mitzvah in the Torah that states, “You shall certainly rebuke your friend.” [5] How does he then explain this mitzvah brought in Vayikra? I want to answer, perhaps, Moshe was worried Bnei Yisroel would not have taken his rebuke, therefore, he waited until his death because getting rebuke from someone who is about to die is taken seriously and the rebuke is more powerful.

The mitzvah of rebuking is so important, the Gemara teaches that tzaddikim are held responsible for the sins of a wicked person (if the tzaddik doesn’t rebuke the sinner when it is needed.) [6] On the other hand, Chazal teach us, “Just like there’s a mitzvah to say words that will be heard, similarly, there’s a mitzvah not to say things that won't be heard." If a person has reason to suspect that his words will fall upon deaf ears, then he should remain silent and not offer any criticism.

Moshe himself wasn’t sure whether Bnei Yisroel were ready to hear his reproof or not. Therefore he only hinted it to them calmly, mentioning every place they had transgressed without giving exact details.

The Chafetz Chaim suggests that when rebuking someone, it should be done with patience and sincerity.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and Bein Hazamanim,
Nisso

[1] Rokeach
[2] Devarim Rabba 1:6
[3] Rashi 1:3
[4] Bereishis 49:3
[5] Vayikra 19:17
[6] Shabbos 55

Parashas Matos/Masei - Taking Credit

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Refua Shelema: Leah Ayala Bas Yehudis
May you have health, happiness, and success!
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

This week is a double parasha (Matos/Masei) and also the completion of sefer Bamidbar...

In Parasha Matos, Bnei Yisroel gathered their army to destroy the Midyanites and kill all five of their kings, leaving women and children alive. The army was also ordered to take all the stolen goods from the Midyanim. When Moshe, Elazar the kohen gadol and the Nessi'im came out to greet the victorious army they saw that the army (in addition to bringing back the goods) also brought back the Midyanite women as captives. Moshe got angry at them because he thought the army should not have let the women live; they were the cause of the Jews' sins and deaths! [Bilam advised that the Midyanite women should 'sell articles of clothing and attract the Jews.' They placed the old women on the outside of the booths, but the young, good looking ones inside, hoping to seduce the men.]

Moshe's anger made him forget the halacha of Kashering impure vessels. We've seen in numerous places where someone forgets information as a result of getting angry (This is one of the many places.) The posuk says that Elazar the kohen explained the procedure which he had originally learned from Moshe; "Elazar the kohen said to the soldiers... 'This is the statute of the Torah which Hashem commanded Moshe'." Rashi says the reason why Elazar mentioned the halacha in Moshe's name was because he credited the teaching to his Rabbi. The Gur Aryeh says that Elazar wanted to dispel the impression that he was taking Moshe's place. He was reminding the soldiers (who came to war) that he was just instructing the halacha, but in reality the Torah was originally taught to Moshe.

On Sunday, a friend asked me how my 'Erev Shabbos Preparations' went. I mentioned that while my family was napping, I managed to clean up the living room and kitchen, swept up the apartment, then did sponja, etc...

Every week I read over the parasha and try to compile a list of lessons I've learned. On Monday, as I was reading, I noticed something worth speaking about: Creditability.

A few hours after I found the 'lesson' I wanted to write about in this week's parasha, my friend came over to me and said, 'By the way, thank you!" I asked him, "For what?" He said, "You inspired me and I decided to clean up the house and do sponja while my wife went to a shuir." I told him, "That's so nice, I am glad I inspired you." A few seconds later, he smiled at me and said, "Yup, and I took all the credit for myself."

I mention this story, not because I think he should have told his wife that I was the reason for his inspiration. I brought this story up because I thought it was Min Hashamayim how the conversation took place a few hours after I chose the topic I wanted to write about.

There are people who take credit for ideas which don't belong to them. People get job promotions for taking someone else's idea, when the original person who thought of the idea truly deserved it. Taking credit comes in many forms and in different scenarios.

I remember when I was young, my family would always have get-togethers by my aunt's house for the Pesach seder. When it was time to find the afikoman, the prize for which ever little child finds it was a large sum of money (I think it was $80). We were all searching the house, from top to bottom... I remember opening a closet door, looking all around, when I found it!! I was so happy, I screamed, "I found it, I found it!" All of a sudden, my cousin throws me aside and grabs it, and runs back with it in their hands. Guess who got the $80 -- the one who took the credit for it. I was really sad afterwards, but didn't want to cause a fight, so I kept my mouth closed.

I thought that was one of the cruelest things a person can do. Baruch Hashem, it happened to me with $80! Some people lose their jobs or positions because they've gotten their ideas stolen and the credit went to the wrong person.

[Perhaps we can also say another reason for Elazar not wanting to take credit for Moshe's teaching is because in Pirkei Avos it says that giving credit to the source of an idea will bring the ultimate redemption.]

May we all bring the redemption and enjoy it in our days!

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso

Parashas Pinchas - Kiddush Hashem vs. Chillul Hashem

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Refua Shelema: Rachel Faiga bas Rivka Malka
May you have health, happiness, and success!
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

There's something about being faithful which always makes a strong statement. By being faithful to Hashem, one's spouse, parent, or rabbi etc, you are showing them you trust them. Doing something they ask you to do shows the loyalty and respect you have for them. Being faithful to someone is a language on it's own.

There's another option: being unfaithful, which usually ends up with a chillul Hashem (desecrating Hashem's Name.) Either way you look at it:

• Unfaithfulness to Hashem goes against His commandment of, "You shall not desecrate My Holy Name.[1]"

• Unfaithfulness to a parent goes against Hashem's commandment of, "Honor your father and mother.[2]"

• Unfaithfulness to a rabbi or the elderly goes against Hashem's commandment of, "In the presence of the elderly you shall rise and you shall respect an elder.[3]" (The latter 'elder' goes for a Talmid Chacham)

This week's parasha was named after Pinchas because of the loyalty he had for Hashem. At the end of last week's parasha, Zimri (the Nasi of shevet Shimon) disrespectfully brought in Kozbi (a Midyanite princess) into his tent. Aharon's grandson Pinchas observed the incident, burning with rage. Hashem too, got angry at the Jews for Zimri's public sin.

Pinchas decided to take action, so that this Chillul Hashem no longer continued. He grabbed a spear and pierced both Zimri and Kozbi together. He then took the spear with them hanging on it and showed it to the Jews. With his courageous act, Pinchas restored Hashem's honor, and the anger Hashem had towards the Jews was extinguished.

Later on in the parasha, Hashem asked Moshe to go up the Mountain of Ha'Avarim to see the land which He will give to Bnei Yisroel. Moshe thought, 'Maybe Hashem nullified the decree of me not being able to enter Eretz Yisroel.' Hashem re-assured him, "You sinned when you failed to Sanctify My Name in the wilderness of Tzin, when I asked you to speak to the rock and bring forth water. By you hitting the rock instead, you caused a chillul Hashem. My decree doesn't change and you will not enter Eretz Yisroel."

We see how important it is to Sanctify Hashem's name. Pinchas now has a parasha named after him; and the result of not sanctifying Hashem's name led to Moshe's death before ever entering Eretz Yisroel.

May we live our lives Sanctifying Hashem's name, and see only good in our (long) years. I want to request for people to please daven for a 10 year old girl who was diagnosed with some sort of tumor in her head: Rachel Faiga bas Rivka Malka.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso

[1] Vayikra 22:32
[2] Shemos 20:12
[3] Vayikra 19:32

Parashas Balak - Hashem is the source of all power!

This week's Dvar Torah has been sponsored for:
Refua Shelema: Leah Ayala bas Yehudis
May you have health, happiness, and success!
(If you would like to sponsor a Dvar Torah, feel free to email me: SharingTorah@gmail.com)
__________________________________________

Parashas Balak is filled with interesting stories and lessons. The story starts off with Balak (the king of Moav) sending messengers to Bilam, asking him to curse the Jews.

Bilam was a great Rasha, parallel to Moshe who was a great Tzaddik. They were opposites of equal stature. All of Bilam's life he had plotted against the Jewish people. He was one of Pharoh's advisors; when Pharoh asked what to do about Bnei Yisroel, he was the only one who suggested to wipe them out. He also gave Amalek the courage to wage war against us.

Bilam was well known for his black magic and his history of hating the Jews. When Balak sent for him to curse the Jews, Bilam woke up very early in the morning to saddle his donkey - all by himself (as opposed to his servants.)[1]

When I was younger, I remember my father waking me up at 5 am saying, "Nisso, it's time to wake up." But I refused! I was so tired, I just wanted to sleep. (It's something about waking up while it's still dark outside.) He tried again; "Nisso, come on, it's time to get up." I told him, "I don't want to, come back later!" He then replied, "Ok, fine. I will call you from Wildwood, New Jersey." (That was where we went for vacations. I loved that place!) The next thing I remember was jumping out of bed with my eyes wide open, filled with excitement! He commented how nice it would be if I got up with zrizus (zealousness) every morning. I told him, if he took me on vacation everyday, there's definitely a big possibility.

The story reminded me of Bilam (not to compare him with me or my dad) because of the zealousness he had to get on the road. It showed how much he wanted to curse the Jews. In addition, he also refused payment from Balak, because cursing the Jews was enough of a reward for him.[2]

Bilam's curses were always accurate because he knew the precise timing for a curse to have an effect. In Tehillim it says, "Hashem is angered everyday," (not our type of anger, chas v'Shalom [3].) At that moment, if one were to start cursing someone, Hashem would allow it to be effective.[4] Hashem did a huge chesed for us, because on the days Bilam tried cursing us, Hashem suppressed his anger, leaving Bilam powerless. Balak made many deals with Bilam to try and get rid of the Jews; however, it never worked. Bilam's curses were miraculously converted into blessings.[5]

When Bilam was initially summoned Balak, all the nations stood with their swords ready, waiting to attack the Jews as soon as Bilam uttered the curses. When they saw Hashem prevented him from harming the Jews, they halted their plan because of fear.

A lesson I took from this week's parasha: No matter what one does or how powerful they are, Hashem is the most powerful One of all. Balak went to great trouble to get Bilam (the one person whom he thought could destroy the Jews) to wipe them out, but there IS and ALWAYS will be Someone more Powerful than all, that is, Hashem. We say in Shemoneh Esrei every day, "Ha Kel, Ha Gadol v'Ha Gibor (He is the Almighty, Who is the Great One, and He is the Strong One.") - meaning, all strength is His.

When we daven those words, we can now have more kavana as to what it means. Hashem Is and Always will be the most powerful regardless of anyone else's prowess in any area.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso

[1] Sinhedrin 102b
[2] Bamidbar Rabba 20:7
[3] Tehillim 7:12
[4] Brachos 7a (and Tosfos)
[5] Rabeinu Bachaya