Rabbi L. Scheinbaum

“You should prepare the way . . . (so) that every murderer shall flee there.” (19:3)

The Torah implores Bnei Yisrael to “prepare the way” for the unintentional murderer, availing him the opportunity to reach the safe haven of the Arai Miklat. Indeed, they prepared road signs which pointed the way to the nearest city of refuge. The Talmud in Makkos 10b states that just as Hashem shows the way for the unintentional sinner, He certainly does the same for the righteous. Horav A.H. Lebowitz, Shlita, notes that Hashem places “road signs” for all of us, directing us to the correct path to follow for a successful life. The unintentional murderer found his way referring to…

Home -> 5753 -> Shoftim

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Shoftim, 5753

And it shall be when he sits upon the throne of his kingdom and he shall write him a copy of this law . . . and it shall be with him. And he shall read therein all the days of his life that he may learn to fear Hashem his G-d . . . that his heart not be lifted up (in arrogance) above his brethren and that he not turn aside from the mitzvah.” (17:18,19,20)

The Torah implies that the king must seek shleimus, perfection, not only as king, but also as an individual Jew. He is not permitted to allow his exalted position to go to “his head.” Arrogance is an unbecoming character trait for anyone, especially a Jewish king. All too often, one who is constantly involved with communal responsibility forgets his obligation to himself. One’s personal spiritual perfection should not defer to his communal endeavors. One who devotes himself to Klal Yisrael undoubtedly has enormous zechusim, merits. These merits will support him in his time of need. Nonetheless, as Horav D. Bliacher,…

Home -> 5753 -> Re'eh

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Re'eh, 5753

You shall open your hand to your brother, to the poor, to the needy, in your land.” (15:11)

There are four levels of tzedakah. First is one who is “your brother.” One’s family takes precedence in charity. Second is “your poor.” The poor citizens of one’s city are to be cared for before one accepts responsibility for the poor of another city. The third degree is “your needy.” He who is most needy is to be helped first. Last is “in your land,” the poor of Eretz Yisrael. The laws regarding charitable donations are unambiguous. One does not contribute according to his heart’s sentiments. Torah provides a prescribed manner and order for giving. The needy person or organization…

Home -> 5753 -> Re'eh

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Re'eh, 5753

“After Hashem your G-d you shall walk, and Him you shall fear, and His mitzvos you shall keep, and unto His voice you shall listen, and Him you shall serve.” (13:5)

In Parashas Eikav (10:20) the Torah makes a similar statement, “You shall fear Hashem, worship Him, and cling to Him.” One idea distinguishes these two seemingly redundant pesukim. The first pasuk is written is the singular, whereas the pasuk in our parsha is written in the plural form. This implies two different audiences. Horav A.M. M’Gur, z.l., offers the following explanation for the apparent redundancy and change in focus. Under stable conditions, each individual can concentrate upon developing and enhancing his own spirituality, even in seclusion. During times of spiritual turbulence, however, the moral fiber of society deteriorates and blasphemers…

Home -> 5753 -> Re'eh

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Re'eh, 5753

“And you shall set the blessing upon Mount Gerizim and the curse upon Mount Eival.” (11:29)

Why did Hashem designate two distinct mountains for curse and blessing? Would it not have been equally effective to have both blessing and curse upon the same mountain? Indeed, were not the Leviim the ones who stood between both mountains and recited both blessings and curses? The Kehilas Yitzchak explains that Hashem could have understandably issued blessing and curse from the same mountain. He wanted, however, to teach us a valuable lesson. The place from which goodness and blessing emanates must be separate from the place which breeds evil and curse. A Jew should seek to go to such a…

Home -> 5753 -> Re'eh

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Re'eh, 5753

“And (you) will turn aside from the path which I have commanded you this day.” (11:28)

Rashi derives from this pasuk that one who worships idols is in reality turning away from the entire Torah. Rashi’s words seem superfluous. Obviously one who is an idol worshiper has no relationship with the Torah! Horav Y.D. Soloveitchik, z.l., explains this pasuk in the following manner. Some individual Jews who, despite their commitment to Torah observance, still believe in various forms of idol worship. Indeed, the Navi Sheker, the false prophet, uses Hashem’s Name in an effort to promulgate idolatry! This is a grave mistake. To believe in Hashem is to believe in nothing else. Hashem is the sole…

Home -> 5753 -> Re'eh

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Re'eh, 5753

“Behold I set before you today a blessing and a curse.” (11:26)

This phrase is usually interpreted as, “I put before you two things, a blessing and a curse, of which you must choose one.” This translation emphasizes two distinct paths which are available to man: the path of good which leads to life and the path of evil which leads to the contrary. Horav M. Swift, z.l., offers another interpretation for this pasuk. He renders “blessing and curse” literally as being one unit. Every blessing carries within it the potential that through misapplication will be transformed into a curse. People who have been endowed with wealth may shower this blessing upon…

Home -> 5753 -> Eikev

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Eikev, 5753

“For if you will guard and continue guarding all this command ” (11:22)

It is not sufficient to study Torah. An individual must constantly review his Torah studies, so that they remain in his mind and becoame integrated into his personality. Indeed, the Sifri ascribes to this pasuk the admonition to repeat again and again that which we have learned. The Torah warns that, just as one has to be careful not to lose any penny that he has earned, he should likewise vigilantly guard against losing any Torah knowledge which he has acquired. In Iyov 28:7, Torah knowledge is compared to both gold and glass. Like gold, it is difficult to acquire,…

Home -> 5753 -> Eikev

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Eikev, 5753

“And Bnei Yisrael journeyed from the springs of Bnei Yaakon to Mosera, there Aharon died.” (11:6)

The Ramban suggests that Har Ha’Har, upon which Aharon died, was actually a mountain ridge stretching from Mosera to Kadesh. Aharon climbed up to the ridge in Kadesh and died on top opposite Mt. Mosera. This explanation resolves the apparent contradiction concerning the place of Aharon’s demise, Mosera or Har Ha’Har. Horav Yekusiel Grunwald, z.l., offers a homiletic rendering of this pasuk which suggests a profound message. Mosera was the place where brother fought against brother with casualties falling on each side. After Aharon’s death, the Clouds of Glory departed, causing much consternation among Bnei Yisrael. Afraid of war…

Home -> 5753 -> Eikev

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Eikev, 5753

“And Hashem was very angry with Aharon to destroy him. And I prayed for Aharon also the same time.” (9:20)

Rashi explains that ushnavk, “to destroy him,” refers to the destruction of children. During the sin of the Golden Calf, Hashem dictated that Aharon was to be punished by the death of his children. Only through Moshe’s entreaty on his behalf were two of his sons spared, although two did die. The Mizrachi derives from Rashi’s statement that Nadav and Avihu died as a result of Aharon’s involvement in the Golden Calf. This idea, however, is inconsistent with Rashi in Shemos 24, where he states that they died as a result of beholding the glory of Hashem while they were…

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Back to Home -> Shoftim ->

“You should prepare the way . . . (so) that every murderer shall flee there.” (19:3)

You shall open your hand to your brother, to the poor, to the needy, in your land.” (15:11)

“After Hashem your G-d you shall walk, and Him you shall fear, and His mitzvos you shall keep, and unto His voice you shall listen, and Him you shall serve.” (13:5)

“And you shall set the blessing upon Mount Gerizim and the curse upon Mount Eival.” (11:29)

“And (you) will turn aside from the path which I have commanded you this day.” (11:28)

“Behold I set before you today a blessing and a curse.” (11:26)

“For if you will guard and continue guarding all this command ” (11:22)

“And Bnei Yisrael journeyed from the springs of Bnei Yaakon to Mosera, there Aharon died.” (11:6)

“And Hashem was very angry with Aharon to destroy him. And I prayed for Aharon also the same time.” (9:20)

YEARS

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

You have Successfully Subscribed!