Challenge – Page 25 – Peninim on the Torah

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Beha'alosecha, 5752

“And this was the work of the Menorah… according to the pattern which Hashem had shown Moshe, so he made the Menorah.” (8:4)

Rashi explains that the word “and this” means that Hashem showed Moshe with His “finger” the exact pattern of the Menorah, as Moshe was puzzled regarding the Menorah’s pattern. Perhaps this can be further explained in the following manner: Two men are each given the necessary materials with which to build a house, although neither has the knowledge or the talent to perform this task successfully. These two individuals explore different routes in order to confront this challenge. One goes to a carpenter to learn the necessary skills for building a house. Afterwards, he takes the materials and builds the…

Home -> 5752 -> Acharei Mos

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Acharei Mos, 5752

“And you shall keep My statutes and My judicial ordinances, which, if a man will fulfill them he will gain life through them (18:5).” – “And you shall keep My charge so that you do not do any of the abominable customs.”(18:30)

The second half of the first pasuk contains the motivation for the command in the first half. One must fulfill Hashem’s imperatives in order to gain life. These chukim (statutes) and mishpatim (judicial ordinances) are the very essence of the Torah. In order to continually translate them into practical reality, we must indeed guard them. We fulfill our duty for guarding the Torah only by living up to the following two demands: to study Torah and not to transgress. One must always be aware of Chazal’s statement: o,rnau vban uz – If one desires to be the guardian of…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5752

“This is the law of the burnt offering, such burnt offering shall remain on its firewood upon the Altar.” (6:2)

Rashi explains that every individual instance in which the word “Torah” is used, the implication is that one particular law is applicable. In this case “Torah” refers to all sacrifices that “come up” on the Altar, even if they become unfit. They remain, since they have already “come up”. This law applies only to those sacrifices which become unfit in the Sanctuary. Those which become unfit prior to being brought into the Courtyard of the Sanctuary, however, are not offered as sacrifice. Horav Yehudah Zev Segal Zt”l remarks that we may derive a profound lesson regarding our focus in…

Home -> Shemos -> 5752

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Shemos

“But the midwives feared Hashem, and they did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed them; rather they kept the children alive.” (1:17)

The heroic behavior of the two midwives, who Chazal identify as Yocheved and Miriam, is unquestionably a classic illustration of self-sacrifice. Ignoring a king’s decree is a great risk at any time, especially during times of such a tumultous political climate. Yocheved and Miriam accepted this challenge and excelled. In describing their heroism the Torah emphasizes that the motivation for their behavior is reflected in the pasuk “The midwives feared Hashem.” Their self-sacrifice did not emenate from an innate compassion which prohibited them from executing brutal genocide against the infants in order to save their own lives. Rather, their actions…

Home -> 5752 -> Vayishlach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayishlach, 5752

“And Yaakov was left alone, and there wrestled a (man) with him… and he touched the hollow of his thigh… Therefore the Bnei Yisrael do not eat the sinew of the thigh vein.” (32:25-33)

This narrative raises many questions. First, why was Yaakov alone, without his wives and children who had already crossed the river? Chazal respond that he had forgotten small jars and returned to retrieve them. Secondly, who was this “man” that wrestled with Yaakov? Chazal respond that this was Eisav’s “guardian angel”. We may also question the significance of the damage inflicted upon the thigh muscle. As a remembrance of this physical damage, we are forbidden to eat the sinew of an animal’s thigh muscle. We may suggest that the Torah is illustrating the effect of Am Yisrael’s exile upon…

Home -> 5752 -> Vayeira

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayeira, 5752

“And Hashem tested Avraham.” (22:1)

Hashem elevated Avraham to become a beacon illuminating mankind’s path. When Hashem called Avraham, his response was immediate: hbbv -I am ready, I am prepared for any sacrifice, any deed which is requested of me. hbbv denotes the unconditional compliance in advance of the actual order. Avraham reflects the fierce determination to comply with the command before subjecting it to critical review and personal judgment. This hbbv manifests the obedience with which man raises himself to join the angels’ heavenly chorus “to obey the voice of His word” (Tehillim 103:20). This hbbv was the legacy Avraham bequeathed to his…

Home -> 5774 -> Bereishis

ויאמר ד' אלקים לא טוב היות האדם לבדו אעשה לו עזר כנגדו

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Bereishis, 5774

Hashem Elokim said, “It is not good that man be alone; I will make him a helper corresponding to him.” (2:18)

The words lo tov, not good, tell it all. Man was independent and self-sufficient. Procreation was an ability with which he was created. So, why did he require a helpmate? A life alone is “not bad,” but it is also “not good.” For man to achieve his primary function, he needs the companionship, support and challenge inherent in every good marriage. Hashem wanted the children born to Adam and his future mate to be born from and raised by a father and mother. Interestingly, prior to the creation of woman, Hashem brought every species of animal – wild beast and…

Home -> Bechukosai -> 5755

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5755, Bechukosai

“If you walk in My laws/follow My decrees.” (26:3)

The Midrash cites the pasuk in Tehillim 119, “I contemplated my path and my feet returned me to Your testimony.” It also presents Dovid Ha’Melech’s explanation of his allusion in the pasuk. Dovid Ha’Melech explained that every day he organized his activities and decided where to go. He would begin on his way, but instead of proceeding to his intended destination, his feet literally propelled him to the Bais Ha’Midrash. This Midrash begs further explanation. First, what connection is there between the pasuk, “If you will walk in My laws,” and Dovid Ha’Melech’s statement ? Second, Dovid Ha’Melech’s original statement…

Home -> 5755 -> Acharei Mos

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Acharei Mos, 5755

“One lot for Hashem and one lot for Azazel.” (16:8)

One of the least understood and most fascinating services performed in the Bais Ha’Mikdash was the Yom Kippur service involving the two he-goats. These two goats were both holy korbanos which expiated the sins of Klal Yisrael. That, however, is the point at which their similarities ended, for, the manner in which each was sacrificed was disparate to the extreme. One goat’s blood was sprinkled in the Kodesh Ha’Kodoshim, while the other one entered the Kodesh only momentarily during its lifetime, immediately prior to being sent to a terrible and desolate death. The commentators, each in their own inimitable way,…

Home -> 5755 -> Acharei Mos

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Acharei Mos, 5755

“He shall don a sacred linen tunic; linen breeches shall be upon his flesh … he shall immerse himself in water and then don them.” (16:4)

On Yom Kippur, the Kohen Gadol would change into his regular gold vestments or into his white linen garments. He changed his clothing a total of five times, each time immersing himself in the mikveh. He wore the simple white garments when he performed the service inside the Sanctuary. In contrast, he wore the gold ones outside. Horav Moshe Swift, z.l., remarks that in everyday life we, too, perform both ohbp ,sucg, service on the inside, and .uj ,sucg , service on the outside. Service to one another within the parameters of our homes and community defines avodas penim, while…

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“And this was the work of the Menorah… according to the pattern which Hashem had shown Moshe, so he made the Menorah.” (8:4)

“And you shall keep My statutes and My judicial ordinances, which, if a man will fulfill them he will gain life through them (18:5).” – “And you shall keep My charge so that you do not do any of the abominable customs.”(18:30)

“This is the law of the burnt offering, such burnt offering shall remain on its firewood upon the Altar.” (6:2)

“But the midwives feared Hashem, and they did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed them; rather they kept the children alive.” (1:17)

“And Yaakov was left alone, and there wrestled a (man) with him… and he touched the hollow of his thigh… Therefore the Bnei Yisrael do not eat the sinew of the thigh vein.” (32:25-33)

“And Hashem tested Avraham.” (22:1)

ויאמר ד' אלקים לא טוב היות האדם לבדו אעשה לו עזר כנגדו

Hashem Elokim said, “It is not good that man be alone; I will make him a helper corresponding to him.” (2:18)

“If you walk in My laws/follow My decrees.” (26:3)

“One lot for Hashem and one lot for Azazel.” (16:8)

“He shall don a sacred linen tunic; linen breeches shall be upon his flesh … he shall immerse himself in water and then don them.” (16:4)

YEARS

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