Challenge – Page 26 – Peninim on the Torah

“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…

Home -> Vayakhel -> 5755

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5755, Vayakhel

“See, Hashem has called by name, Betzalel the son of Uri son of Chur.” (35:30)

The Daas Zekeinim indicates that Moshe originally believed that he would be the one to build the Mishkan. Hashem told Moshe that, on the contrary, Betzalel was a more suitable candidate to build it. It was Betzalel’s grandfather, Chur, who had sacrificed his life attempting to dissuade Bnei Yisrael from making the Golden Calf. The Mishkan serves as an atonement for the sin of the Golden Calf. Therefore, it is appropriate for the grandson of the individual who gave up his life fighting against that sin to be the one to build the Mishkan. This atonement is, indeed, different from…

Home -> 5755 -> Mishpatim

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Mishpatim, 5755

“And these are the laws which you shall place before them.” (21:1)

Rashi explains the idea of “placing the laws before them” as referring to Moshe’s and every teacher’s obligation to teach the laws over and over until the student is proficient in them. The material must be placed before the student like a table which is set and prepared for eating. The Talmud in Eruvin 54b relates the story of Rav Pr’eida who had a student whose weakness demanded that he be taught each law four hundred times! Only after this persistent review, would he comprehend the material. One day, after the “usual” review of four hundred times, Rav Pr’eida was…

Home -> 5755 -> Re'eh

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Re'eh, 5755

“See, I present before you today a blessing and a curse. The blessing that you listen… and the curse if you do not listen.” (11:26-28)

Why does the Torah seize upon “listening” as the requisite for blessing ? Why not action ? Are we not implored to “observe” and to “do” — not merely to “listen” ? Horav Shmuel Pinchasi, Shlita, asserts that the source of blessing and its tragic counterpart is one’s ability to “listen.” Even prior to one’s decision, one’s ability to listen will determine whether his actions will result in blessing or curse. One who refuses to listen, who is afraid to confront the reality of truth, is relegating himself to a life of curse. This form of listening does not refer…

Home -> 5774 -> Vayishlach

ויעקב שמע כי טמא את דינה בתו ובניו היו את מקנהו בשדה והחריש יעקב עד באם

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayishlach, 5774

Now Yaakov heard that he had defiled his daughter Dinah, while his sons were with his cattle in the field; so Yaakov kept silent until their arrival. (34:5)

There were no cellphones in those days, so Yaakov Avinu had to wait until his sons arrived home before he could tell them of the outrage that had taken place. Abarbanel explains that the Patriarch waited for his sons, because he was not going to make a decision without first consulting them. Their input was important to him. Horav Yaakov Meir Shechter, Shlita, explains that including mature children in decision making is good parenting. In fact, this is specifically how one should relate to his children. This is especially true under circumstances in which one is compelled to point out…

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Back to Home -> Vayishlach ->

“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)

“See, Hashem has called by name, Betzalel the son of Uri son of Chur.” (35:30)

“And these are the laws which you shall place before them.” (21:1)

“See, I present before you today a blessing and a curse. The blessing that you listen… and the curse if you do not listen.” (11:26-28)

ויעקב שמע כי טמא את דינה בתו ובניו היו את מקנהו בשדה והחריש יעקב עד באם

Now Yaakov heard that he had defiled his daughter Dinah, while his sons were with his cattle in the field; so Yaakov kept silent until their arrival. (34:5)

YEARS

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

You have Successfully Subscribed!