Parashas Naso, Ba'alosecha, & Shelach - Learning from others' actions

[I apologize for compressing three parashas into one. (It's not a triple parasha this week. I wasn't able to write one last week, and I don't know what my schedule will be like next week either.) I hope to be back on schedule shortly.]

In last week's parasha, we spoke about the Sota - straight after a Nazir. Rashi asks, why were these two topics right next to each other? He answers because when a person sees something so powerful, he shouldn't disregard it. There is something he should have taken from it. So when a person sees the miracle of the Sota being performed, he should take upon himself the restraint of drinking wine - to become a nazir.

In the end of this week's parasha, Miriam got punished with leprosy for speaking negatively about Moshe (to Aharon.) She didn't understand why Moshe separated from his wife while the other naviim didn't. [He separated from his wife so that he was able to get a navua from Hashem at any moment.]

In next week's parasha, the meraglim were punished for speaking loshon hara about the land of Israel. Why were they punished for speaking about land? It's not like they spoke about people. The answer Rashi gives above can be applied here as well. They should have seen what Hashem did to Miriam last week, for speaking about her brother Moshe, where she didn't even say it in a degrading manner. The problem was that she said something negative. It doesn't matter what or to whom it was spoken about. We are all Hashem's creations, whether it is people or land.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso

Parashas Bamidbar - Reaching Out to Someone Can Save a Life

Bnei Kahas were the sons of Levi'im. They were in charge of carrying the Ark, Table, Menorah, Altar , Partitions, and the Vessels of sacrificial services. They were not, however, allowed to touch these items directly. It was the Kohanim's jobs to cover these items and prepare them for transportation. If Bnei Kahas touched the vessels, they would be liable to the Heavenly death sentence.

In the end of this week's parasha, Hashem told Moshe and Aharon, “Do not cut off the family of Kahas from Shevet Leviim...in order for them to live and not die...” [1]

What did Hashem mean when He instructed Moshe and Aharon to protect Bnei Kahas from death?

Bnei Kahas were very precious to Hashem, therefore, Hashem did not want them dying while performing their duties. [2] They were zocheh to this position (rather than Levy's two other sons) because of their extraordinary devotion to the Torah. [3]

The Kohanim had responsibilities in keeping Bnei Kahas alive.

This responsibility doesn't only have to be for Kohanim to Bnei Kahas. It can also be a responsibility we take upon ourselves towards those around us.

Have you ever been in the same room as someone who seemed troubled by something? Maybe they just needed someone who would sit down and listen to them while they spoke?

Unfortunately, I know a handful of guys who actually considered suicide. They felt all alone and depressed. They felt as if they were incapable of receiving love or compassion. They rationalized, the only way these feelings would go away- was if they were to end their lives (lo aleinu).

Sometimes the signs are easy to read; you can tell whether someone is trying to reach out to you. The case doesn't need to be an extreme case of suicide – it can be a simple outcry for friendship.

May we be zocheh to help those in need. Who knows, it might save someone's life.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso

[1] 4:4-18
[2] Tanchuma 26
[3] Tz'ror ha-Mor 4:18

Parashas Behar & Bechukosai - Verbal Abuse vs. Stealing

Last night I was talking to a friend and I asked him if I can ask him a personal question. After he responded “Yes,” I asked him if he was a Ger (convert). He answered, “Yes,” and then said, “Maybe you should ask a Rabbi if you can ask those type of questions, because it might be a problem halachically.”

Instantly a halacha came to my mind: The Chofetz Chaim says you may not ask a Ba'al Tshuva whether he remembers doing a certain maaisa when he wasn't religious. He might not want to remember his past and by asking him, it will bring up memories he tried forgetting. [1] It seems like the halacha would apply here as well.

There might be Ba'alei Tshuva or Gairim who are more sensitive than others. For example: I have absolutely no problem if someone were to remind (or ask) me of my non-religious days. I am proud of my past because it got me to where I am today (obviously I regret it and have repented.) Nevertheless, I have tasted both life styles and I chose the best one.

Just because I don't mind speaking of my past doesn't mean others wouldn't mind either. There might be things I am sensitive about but others aren't, and vice versa.

In this week's parasha, the Torah speaks about Ona'as Devarim - hurting someone through words. [2] The Gemara says that hurting someone through words is worse than stealing someone's money. The reason is because if someone stole money, you can pay it back. However, if you hurt someone verbally, you can't undo it. [3]

Baruch Hashem my friend was not offended by my question last night. I do, however, apologize to anyone whom I might have hurt through my words and ask for their forgiveness.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso


[1] Sefer Chofetz Chaim – Intro; Lavim 13
[2] 25:17
[3] Baba Matziah 48b