Rabbi L. Scheinbaum

“For I have loved him because he commands his children and his household after him that they keep the way of Hashem.” (18:19)

This pasuk expresses the reason that Hashem “loved” Avraham, as well as suggesting the probable reason that Hashem chose Avraham to become the first Patriarch. Avraham did what a father is supposed to do. He taught his children, conveying to them the heritage as he received it — without adding his personal agenda. One’s real perspective on life is reflected in what he teaches his children. Avraham transmitted his monotheistic values, his belief in Hashem, exemplified by his unique chesed, kindness, to his children — all to be handed down throughout the generations. Avraham Avinu was also the first gadol,…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayeira, 5757

“And Sarah laughed at herself saying, ‘After I have withered shall I again have delicate skin? And my husband is old!’ And Hashem said to Avraham, ‘Why is it that Sarah laughed?'” (18:12,13)

Why did Hashem question Avraham concerning Sarah’s behavior? Why did Hashem not speak directly to Sarah? Indeed, her level of prophecy was even higher than that of Avraham. One would assume that if Sarah had laughed, she should have to answer for it herself; not through her husband as the intermediary. Kehillas Yitzchak cites Horav Yisrael Salanter, zl, who clarifies this issue with an analogy. If one were to enter the kitchen of someone’s home and find that the maid or cook is not particular about the laws of kashrus, he would conclude that the master of the house himself…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5757, Vayakhel

“Betzalel made the Aron of shittim wood.” (37:1)

The Torah attributes the building of the Aron to Betzalel. Rashi explains that because Betzalel was moser nefesh, sacrificed himself with remarkable diligence to make sure that the Aron was built to exact perfection, he was considered to be its prime builder. Interestingly, in response to the Torah’s previous statement,Vaya’asu Haron, and they made the Aron,” Chazal question why the Torah writes, “and they” in the plural. In contrast, regarding other vessels the Torah had stated Va’asos, “and you should make,” in the singular. Chazal suggest that the Aron represents Torah study. Thus, everyone is welcome to join in creating…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5757, Vayakhel

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

Chur protested the creation of the Golden Calf; he was killed. One might think that his ill-fated protest accomplished nothing. Had he been quiet, he would have remained alive. This has always been the excuse of those who choose the path of indifference. They shy away from any controversy, regardless of how it demeans the Torah and its adherents. Horav Elyakim Schlesinger, Shlita, cites the Midrash which states that Betzalel was selected as chief artisan of the Mishkan specifically because his grandfather, Chur, sacrificed his life for Torah ideals. This is the underlying meaning of the word, “See.” Take a…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5757, Vayakhel

“Every man and woman whose heart motivated them to bring… the Bnei Yisrael brought a free-willed offering to Hashem.” (35:29)

This pasuk seems ambiguous. It begins by stating that every man and woman contributed toward the Mishkan and ends by saying that all Bnei Yisrael contributed. Why is there a change in the text? Does the Torah seek to convey a secret message? Horav Gavriel Ze’ev Margolis, zl, suggests that the Torah implies a fundamental lesson for parents. If we want our children to grow up as committed Jews, we must train them as such. Being an observant Jew is no different than any other endeavor – it takes training. What better time to educate a person than when he…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5757, Vayakhel

“The princes brought the Shoham stones and the stones for the settings for the Eiphod and the Choshen.” (35:27)

As soon as the nesiim heard that Hashem had commanded Moshe to build a Mishkan, they offered to supply all of the materials necessary for constructing this edifice. They believed that Hashem would rather repose in a Mishkan built of their donations than one constructed with the gifts of Klal Yisrael. First, they were not involved in the sin of the Golden Calf, as the other Jews were. Second, their motivation was pure and unblemished; they would contribute with a pure heart since they were outstanding in their wisdom and character. They believed that a Mishkan built with their contributions…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5757, Vayakhel

“Moshe commanded that they proclaim throughout the camp, saying, ‘Man and woman shall do no more work towards the gift of the Sanctuary’ and the people were restrained from bringing.” (36:6)

Why did the people cease to bring donations for the Mishkan? The command was only that the people should stop building the Mishkan. Who mentioned money? Rav Shalom, the Admor M’Belz, zl, suggests a practical explanation. When people are involved in a davar she’bikdushah, holy endeavor, the spirit of sanctity and the desire to give more and more tzeddakah is overwhelming. As long as one is engaged, the mitzvah captivates him, inspiring him to contribute time, effort and money towards achieving its goal. Indeed, it is highly unlikely that one who is totally involved in a Torah endeavor will refrain…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5757

Moshe said to Aharon…Cook the meat at the entrance to the Ohel Moed…As I transmitted the command: Aharon and his sons are to eat it. (8:31)

We may note that Moshe Rabbeinu addresses Aharon in the third person, although he is speaking directly to Aharon. Horav S.R. Hirsch, zl, attributes this discrepancy to the fact that during the seven days of Milluim, Moshe did not function in his usual capacity as transmitter of the law. Rather, he acted as the Kohen Gadol. Moshe appears to Aharon and his sons as the Rabbon Shel Yisrael, the quintessential teacher and transmitter of the law, only in regard to this eating of the Ayil Ha’milluim and its bread. This set the tone for the future, when the Kohen Gadol…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5757

This is the law of the (korban) Olah, Elevation-offering, the (korban) Minchah, Meal-offering, the (korban) Chatas, Sin-of fering. (7:37)

In the Talmud Menachos 110, Chazal comment that one who studies Torah does not need to bring a Korban Olah, Minchah, or Asham. The Torah study in itself serves as a vehicle for atonement. The Kotzker Rebbe, zl, once said, “I thought I would have chassidim who would not listen to the enticements of the yetzer hora, evil inclination, not because they would not want to, but rather, because they would be so involved in Torah study they simply would not have the time to listen!” This may be the underlying message of our pasuk. One who studies Torah will…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5757

Any (korban) Chatas from which some blood has been brought to the Ohel Moed, to effect atonement within the Holy shall not be eaten; it shall be burned in fire. (6:23)

Horav Raphael Katz, zl, the author of the Marpé Lashon, infers a profound lesson in avodas Hashem, service to the Almighty from this pasuk. There are instances during a man’s spiritual growth when, with all good intention, he attempts to “jump the gun” and ascend to a higher spiritual plane for which he is not yet ready. A man must build upon a solid foundation of spiritual development. Otherwise, everything he has done–even his previous accomplishments–will lose its integrity. He proves his thesis from the fact that if a Korban Chatas is offered inside the Heichal, the blood is invalid…

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“For I have loved him because he commands his children and his household after him that they keep the way of Hashem.” (18:19)

“And Sarah laughed at herself saying, ‘After I have withered shall I again have delicate skin? And my husband is old!’ And Hashem said to Avraham, ‘Why is it that Sarah laughed?'” (18:12,13)

“Betzalel made the Aron of shittim wood.” (37:1)

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

“Every man and woman whose heart motivated them to bring… the Bnei Yisrael brought a free-willed offering to Hashem.” (35:29)

“The princes brought the Shoham stones and the stones for the settings for the Eiphod and the Choshen.” (35:27)

“Moshe commanded that they proclaim throughout the camp, saying, ‘Man and woman shall do no more work towards the gift of the Sanctuary’ and the people were restrained from bringing.” (36:6)

Moshe said to Aharon…Cook the meat at the entrance to the Ohel Moed…As I transmitted the command: Aharon and his sons are to eat it. (8:31)

This is the law of the (korban) Olah, Elevation-offering, the (korban) Minchah, Meal-offering, the (korban) Chatas, Sin-of fering. (7:37)

Any (korban) Chatas from which some blood has been brought to the Ohel Moed, to effect atonement within the Holy shall not be eaten; it shall be burned in fire. (6:23)

YEARS

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