Challenge – Page 20 – Peninim on the Torah

The Rock–Perfect is His work, for all His paths are justice. (32:4)

Hashem’s judgment is meticulous and fair. Our inability to comprehend His justice is not a reason to disdain those areas of Heavenly justice to which we do not relate well. Hashem has reasons for every Heavenly act and decree. Most are not within our scope of comprehension. Therefore, we need emunah, faith. We are to trust in Hashem that everything He does is good–even though we do not necessarily understand His decree. Life is all part of one great continuum. Everyone has his “day in court.” We are not on this world long enough to see or comprehend everything…

Home -> 5757 -> Emor

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Emor, 5757

Say to the Kohanim, the sons of Aharon, and tell them: Each of you shall not contaminate himself to a (dead) person among his people. (21:1)

Horav Chaim Mordechai Katz, zl, observes that Judaism sustains three levels of kedushah, holiness: that of a Yisrael, common Jew; that of a Kohen, member of the priestly family; that of the Kohen Gadol, High Priest. These three distinct individuals represent three ascending levels of Divine sanctity. The average Jew, the Yisrael or Levi who is not a Kohen, is a member of an “Am Kadosh,” holy nation, consecrated to the Almighty, separated from all that is impure and unclean. Just as Hashem is holy and unsusceptible to evil and contamination, the Yisrael who is to emulate Hashem is adjured…

Home -> Devarim -> 5757

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5757, Devarim

Provide for yourselves distinguished men, who are wise, understanding, and well known to your tribes, and I shall appoint them as your heads. (1:13)

In a play on the word “onhatu” , “and I will appoint them,” the Midrash changes the “sin” to a “shin”, transforming the word “onhatu” to “and I shall hold them guilty”. The Midrash is teaching us the importance of listening to our spiritual leaders. If they lead properly and the common people still do not respond with respect, the people are liable. They cite an interesting analogy. Once a snake was sliding along its path, when the tail began complaining to the head, “Why are you always in the front with me dragging along behind? I want to lead,…

Home -> 5757 -> Beshalach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Beshalach, 5757

On that day Hashem saved Yisrael from the hand of Egypt. And The Bnei Yisrael went on dry land in the midst of the sea…. (14:29, 30) And Bnei Yisrael ate the manna for forty years, until their arrival in an inhabited land. (16:35)

One miraculous occurrence followed another; is there a relationship between the two? Chazal seem to think so. They say in the Talmud Pesachim 118a: “A man’s sustenance is as difficult as the splitting of the Red Sea.” Simply, put, providing man with sustenance is as great a feat as Krias Yam Suf. The Zohar Ha’kadosh questions Chazal’s statement. Is there any act that is difficult for Hashem to perform? Was Krias Yam Suf difficult for Hashem? Is it difficult for Hashem to sustain a person? A number of explanations address this Chazal. The Chozeh M’Lublin, z”l, suggests a profound insight….

Home -> 5757 -> Acharei Mos

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Acharei Mos, 5757

You shall safeguard My charge not to do any of the abominable traditions that were done before you. (18:30)

This pasuk is enigmatic. One would think that the purpose of observing mitzvos, of safeguarding the Torah’s dictate, would be to develop a closer relationship with Hashem. We attain a level of spiritual ascendancy commensurate with our commitment to observe. That, however, is not what the Torah says. We are adjured to safeguard the Torah ,so that we will decline to perform the abominable practices of the heathens into whose land we are entering! While these seem to be pretty strong words, it is not uncommon to find such statements throughout the Torah. One who observes, grows. In contrast, one…

Home -> Devarim -> 5756

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5756, Devarim

“Enough of your dwelling by this mountain. Turn yourselves around and journey.” (1:6,7)

Hashem tells Bnei Yisrael that one year at Har Sinai was sufficient. They had achieved remarkable benefits at this place. The Torah, the Mishkan with its various vessels, and their spiritual leadership all were established at Har Sinai. The time had come to move on. Let us examine this statement. Imagine that one is living in a community in which he has abundant material benefit, amazing financial success, and many friends. Are we going to tell him that since he is achieving such a high level of success, the time has come to move away? Is this not essentially what…

Home -> 5756 -> Korach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5756

“And Korach took/separated himself… They gathered together against Moshe and Aharon.” (16:1,3)

Korach is one of the most tragic figures in the Torah. He had such amazing potential for achievement. In fact, he was one of those who participated in carrying the Aron Ha’Kodesh. This distinction, together with the massive wealth he had accumulated, was still not sufficient to quell his feelings of envy, his lust for power. Chazal refer to Korach’s incursion as “shtus,” foolishness. We would assume that a man who carried the Aron would know better. Did he not know that the Aron was not carried by its carriers, but that actually the Aron supported itself, as well as…

Home -> 5756 -> Korach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5756

“And Korach took.” (16:1)

What incited Korach to challenge Moshe and Aharon? Indeed, Chazal characterize his behavior as “shtus,” an act of sheer stupidity. They say that he had a vision of his future descendants, among whom was Shmuel Ha’Navi. This was the source of his downfall. He assumed that if such virtuous scholars would descend from him, then he himself must be intrinsically virtuous. Chazal state that his mistake stemmed from his lack of awareness that his sons had repented during the last few moments. What lesson can we derive from Korach’s error? Horav Baruch Ezrachi, Shlita, cites the Midrash in Vayikra that…

Home -> Bamidbar -> 5756

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5756, Bamidbar

“From twenty years and upward all that are able to go forth to war in Yisrael, you shall number them by their hosts.” (1:2)

All male members of the tribes were soldiers – except the Leviim. The census counted everyone from age twenty and above -except Shevet Levi. Is this not ironic? Who came forward with his brother, Shimon, to avenge the shame of their sister, Dinah, if not Levi? When Bnei Yisrael sinned with the Eigel Ha’zahav, Golden Calf, Moshe Rabbeinu called out for “volunteers” to expunge the evil from the people. “Mi L’Hashem Eilai,” “Who is for Hashem (shall come) to Me!” he declared, and who came, if not Shevet Levi? When Zimri, the Nasi of Shevet Shimon, publicly desecrated Hashem’s Name…

Home -> 5758 -> Vayeira

Moshe Marcovich In Vayeira, 5758

And Hashem tested Avraham and said to him, “Avraham,” and he replied, “Here I am.” (22:1)

Avraham Avinu’s loyalty to Hashem was ratified through ten trials, which he passed with exemplary devotion. Every trial had its own unique degree of challenge. The tenth, and most significant trial, was the Akeidah — when Hashem instructed Avraham to bind Yitzchak and sacrifice him. Avraham responded, “Hineni,” I am prepared and ready to serve You in any way that You ask. In response to a test of this caliber, the Satan was working overtime, challenging Avraham every step of the way. The Satan appeared to Avraham in the guise of an old man. He questioned Avraham regarding his destination. …

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The Rock–Perfect is His work, for all His paths are justice. (32:4)

Say to the Kohanim, the sons of Aharon, and tell them: Each of you shall not contaminate himself to a (dead) person among his people. (21:1)

Provide for yourselves distinguished men, who are wise, understanding, and well known to your tribes, and I shall appoint them as your heads. (1:13)

On that day Hashem saved Yisrael from the hand of Egypt. And The Bnei Yisrael went on dry land in the midst of the sea…. (14:29, 30) And Bnei Yisrael ate the manna for forty years, until their arrival in an inhabited land. (16:35)

You shall safeguard My charge not to do any of the abominable traditions that were done before you. (18:30)

“Enough of your dwelling by this mountain. Turn yourselves around and journey.” (1:6,7)

“And Korach took/separated himself… They gathered together against Moshe and Aharon.” (16:1,3)

“And Korach took.” (16:1)

“From twenty years and upward all that are able to go forth to war in Yisrael, you shall number them by their hosts.” (1:2)

And Hashem tested Avraham and said to him, “Avraham,” and he replied, “Here I am.” (22:1)

YEARS

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