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

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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:
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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

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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:
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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!

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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