Rabbi L. Scheinbaum

“And he should not accumulate wives lest his heart turn away from Hashem.” (17:17)

The Torah states in very strong terms the prohibition of Jewish king from accumulating a large number of wives, horses, or wealth. To each of these prohibitions the Torah attaches a reason, “Lest his heart turn away from Hashem.” Shlomo Hamelech, whose Torah wisdom was so immense and whose heart was so pure, felt certain that no surfeit of wives would turn his heart from Hashem. He therefore declared that he maintained the strength to withstand all the trials without sinning, and proceeded to transgress these commandments. The Midrash points out that when Shlomo transgressed these commandments, the letter “yud”…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Shoftim, 5751

Appoint for yourselves judges and police for your tribes… – “Do not plant an asheira (a tree for idolatry) for yourself… near to the altar of Hashem your G-d.” (16:18-21)

It is interesting to note the proximity of the Torah‘s enjoinment of the appointing of judges, to the admonishment regarding the planting of an asheira tree near the altar. Rabbi Meir Shapiro Zt”l explains that the Torah here is alluding to the character of a Jewish judge and leader. The mizbayach was filled with the earth and covered with copper. This denotes the nature and temperament of a Torah leader. He should be inwardly meek and humble as earth, and outwardly brazen, unswerving and steadfast as copper – in defense of the Torah’s laws and the sanctity of the Jewish…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Re'eh, 5751

“And it shall be if he says unto you, “I shall not go out from you” because he loves you and your house because he fares well with you.” (15:16)

The Talmud in Kiddushin (22a) explains the word “with you” in every respect of the word. What the master eats and drinks, where he sleeps, in every aspect of his daily endeavor, the Jewish servant must be dealt with and viewed as an equal, and in certain situations as a superior. These laws serve as the basis for the Talmud’s statement of “one who purchases for himself a servant, is like purchasing for himself a master”. The commentators question the apparent contrast between the relationship of a master and his Jewish servant, to an individual and his fellow Jew who…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Re'eh, 5751

For you shall surely open up your hand for him… sufficient for his need which he lacks…” (15:8)

We are herein enjoined to provide the indigent not only with basic sustenance, but also to provide for all his wants and needs. The Talmud in Kesubos (67b) relates that Hillel ran before the carriage of a formerly wealthy individual in order to satisfy the rich man’s needs for the outer trappings of affluence to which he was accustomed. The Talmud defines this act as adherence to the dictates of “dei machsoro”, the necessity to provide the indigent with all that they lack and need. We should wonder, however, as to the attitude of this pauper. Did he not realize…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Re'eh, 5751

“You are children of Hashem your G-d.” (14:1)

Rabbi Yaakov Neiman Zt”l states that this posuk should serve as a blueprint for every educator as he charts his path towards desseminating Torah values to Jewish children. For, just as every Jew should be aware that “I place Hashem constantly before me”, so too, should every educator reflect that he is instructing Hashem’s children. This awareness will enable him to maintain his patience and attention while transmitting Torah to Hashems’s children. Often we are lacking the compassion neccessary to transmit Torah values. Despite various differences among children in ability, aptitude, skill, and desire, their potential can be realized if…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Re'eh, 5751

“Take heed for yourself that you do not forsake the Levi as long as you live upon your land.” (12:19)

As Bnei Yisroel are about to undertake the settlement of the land, it is significant to note that the tribe of Levi will be scattered among the people. The Leviim will act as the nerves and arteries emanating from the nation’s brain and heart, with the Mishkan maintaining the spiritual link and bond between the members of the nation. Scattered among a population engaged primarily in agricultural pursuits, cattle breeding, and other related industries, such “unproductive” members of the community as the Leviim, could easily become neglected and even despised, if the people fail to appreciate the vital and role…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Eikev, 5751

“And what was done to Dasan and Aviram … how the earth opened up her mouth and swallowed them up.” (11:6)

The punishment meted out to these two wicked individuals for their participation in Korach’s quarrel is alluded to in this posuk. It seems puzzling that the Torah would mention Dasan and Aviram and not mention Korach who was the central figure and chief antagonist in this quarrel. We may derive from this apparent exclusion a lesson in the proper approach when rebuking someone. It is extremely important that one be aware of the feelings of the one who is being reprimanded, not to cause him any embarrassment and discomfort. Korach’s sons, once they repented, were spared from Hashem’s punishment. They…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Eikev, 5751

“That, as a man chastises his son, so Hashem chastises you.” (8:5)

The unique character of a parent’s chastisement is poignantly characterized by Rabbi Isser Zalman Meltzer Zt”l in explaining the posuk in Tehilim (23): “Though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me”. He draws an analogy to a father who is walking with his son in a heavily wooded and uncharted forest. Prior to entering the area the father cautions his son very strongly against separating from him even momentarily. He vividly describes to him the life – threatening danger and peril associated with walking in this forest…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Eikev, 5751

“All the commandments which I command you today, you shall observe to do so that you may live and multiply and go and take the land into possession.” (8:1)

In the previous chapter, the Torah dealt with the abolishment of any form of heathenism, as well as the removal of idols and anything even remotely connected with them from the Jewish domain. This chapter deals with the positive aspects of serving Hashem, as Bnei Yisroel had come to realize. This recognition requires the understanding that only through a faithful carrying out of our mission in this world, and an adherence to Hashem’s mitzvos, will there be permanent happiness in our life. Nothing in a heathenistic lifestyle can contribute in the slightest to our happiness; even the smallest heathen tinge…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Eikev, 5751

“And it shall be because you will listen to these laws.” (7:12)

Rashi explains the word ceg as referring to those mitzvos on which one tramples with his heels WYBQE (ie. which one treats lightly). The word eikev, which means “heel”, is analogously used here to apply to those mitzvos to which one’s attitude is at best complacent. The Torah is warning us to take heed with regard to these mitzvos and apply ourselves properly to their performance. Rabbi Eliezer Gordon Zt”l employs the word “eikev” in a somewhat different manner. When one performs a mitzvah publicly or in association with others, the outcome of this action, is in reality, two…

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“And he should not accumulate wives lest his heart turn away from Hashem.” (17:17)

Appoint for yourselves judges and police for your tribes… – “Do not plant an asheira (a tree for idolatry) for yourself… near to the altar of Hashem your G-d.” (16:18-21)

“And it shall be if he says unto you, “I shall not go out from you” because he loves you and your house because he fares well with you.” (15:16)

For you shall surely open up your hand for him… sufficient for his need which he lacks…” (15:8)

“You are children of Hashem your G-d.” (14:1)

“Take heed for yourself that you do not forsake the Levi as long as you live upon your land.” (12:19)

“And what was done to Dasan and Aviram … how the earth opened up her mouth and swallowed them up.” (11:6)

“That, as a man chastises his son, so Hashem chastises you.” (8:5)

“All the commandments which I command you today, you shall observe to do so that you may live and multiply and go and take the land into possession.” (8:1)

“And it shall be because you will listen to these laws.” (7:12)

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