Ha’azinu – Page 8 – Peninim on the Torah

For they are a nation bereft of counsel, and there is no discernment in them. (32:28)

One would think that an individual who is unable to render sound advice lacks discernment. There is a reason we refer to it as “sage” advice. One who “can” renders advice. One who is unable to determine, make distinction or perceive, is not one from whom we seek advice. If so, the pasuk is redundant. “For they are a nation bereft of counsel” – means that they are too foolish to recognize their own conceit. Why does the Torah add that “there is no discernment in them”? Obviously, they are not rocket scientists if they cannot figure out the course…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5771, Ha'azinu

If/that I sharpen My flashing sword and My hand shall grasp judgment, I shall return vengeance upon My enemies and upon those that hate Me shall I bring retribution. (32:41)

In the Midrash, Chazal derive from the words, v’so’cheiz b’mishpat Yadi, “and My hand shall grasp judgment,” that Hashem’s meting out of punishment is unlike that of human judges. A human being who releases an arrow from a bow, or allows a bullet to exit the gun chamber, knows that there is no turning back. Once the arrow/bullet is released it is “deadset” on reaching its target. There is no pulling back, no reprieve. It is too late. For Hashem, it is never too late. The Almighty can retrieve His “arrows”, call back His “bullets”, at any time. Hashem is…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5770, Ha'azinu

“May my teaching drop like rain; may my utterance flow like the dew.” (32:2)

Ibn Ezra explains the simile to rain and dew as meaning that the words of Torah should penetrate the nation and make it fruitful, just as the rain and dew nourish the earth. Horav Mordechai Gifter, z.l., notes that rain and dew have an effect only on earth, but not on stones. Only soil contains the requisite minerals and nutrients which are conducive to growth, while stones do not. Likewise, in order to be successful, a rebbe must have someone with whom to work. The student must possess certain basics upon which to build. First and foremost is attitude. The weakest…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5770, Ha'azinu

“Ask your father and he will relate it to you.” (32:7)

Parents are always there for us – or, at least, they should be. They advise, direct, guide and offer support and comfort – when necessary. Parents provide our most enduring form of support, being there for us even after they are no longer here in this world. How often does one go to the cemetery and “unload” his troubles to his parents and leave somewhat relieved? We entreat them to be meilitz yosher, intercede, in our behalf – and they do. I recently came across a poignant story which illustrates this phenomenon. The story is about a young girl who…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5770, Ha'azinu

“For it (the Torah) is not an empty thing for you, for it is your life.” (32:47)

When the Torah tells us that the Torah is our life, it means just that – it is our source of living. Without the Torah we are not alive. A parent may say to his child, “You are my life,” but despite the overwhelming affection the parent is trying to convey, his very life and existence are not dependent upon his child. The Torah, however, is meticulous in everything it says. Therefore, if the Torah asserts that it is our life, it is certainly no exaggeration. Horav Mordechai Gifter, z.l., cites the Rambam who states that all physical matter falls…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5770, Ha'azinu

“Hashem spoke to Moshe on that very day… ‘Ascend to this mount of Avarim… and die on the mountain.’” (32:48- 50)

Rashi tells us that the phrase, “b’etzem ha’yom ha’zeh,” “on that very day,” is mentioned in two other places. When Noach entered the Teivah, Ark, the Torah writes that he entered “on that very day”(Bereishis 7:13). Also, when the Jews left Egypt, the Torah writes that they left “on that very day” (Shemos 12:51). The reason for emphasizing when they left and when Noach entered the Ark, is to demonstrate that even if the people would have said, “We will not let Noach leave; we will not let the Jews depart Egypt,” Hashem enabled them to leave in the middle…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5769, Ha'azinu

“May my teaching drop like rain; may my utterance flow like the dew.” (32:2)

Ibn Ezra explains the simile to rain and dew as meaning that the words of Torah should penetrate the nation and make it fruitful, just as the rain and dew nourish the earth. Horav Mordechai Gifter, z.l., notes that rain and dew have an effect only on earth, but not on stones. Only soil contains the requisite minerals and nutrients which are conducive to growth, while stones do not. Likewise, in order to be successful, a rebbe must have someone with whom to work. The student must possess certain basics upon which to build. First and foremost is attitude. The weakest…

Home -> Ha'azinu -> 5769

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5769, Ha'azinu

“Ask your father and he will relate it to you.” (32:7)

Parents are always there for us – or, at least, they should be. They advise, direct, guide and offer support and comfort – when necessary. Parents provide our most enduring form of support, being there for us even after they are no longer here in this world. How often does one go to the cemetery and “unload” his troubles to his parents and leave somewhat relieved? We entreat them to be meilitz yosher, intercede, in our behalf – and they do. I recently came across a poignant story which illustrates this phenomenon. The story is about a young girl who…

Home -> Ha'azinu -> 5769

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5769, Ha'azinu

“For it (the Torah) is not an empty thing for you, for it is your life.” (32:47)

When the Torah tells us that the Torah is our life, it means just that – it is our source of living. Without the Torah we are not alive. A parent may say to his child, “You are my life,” but despite the overwhelming affection the parent is trying to convey, his very life and existence are not dependent upon his child. The Torah, however, is meticulous in everything it says. Therefore, if the Torah asserts that it is our life, it is certainly no exaggeration. Horav Mordechai Gifter, z.l., cites the Rambam who states that all physical matter falls…

Home -> Ha'azinu -> 5769

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5769, Ha'azinu

“Hashem spoke to Moshe on that very day… ‘Ascend to this mount of Avarim… and die on the mountain.’” (32:48- 50)

Rashi tells us that the phrase, “b’etzem ha’yom ha’zeh,” “on that very day,” is mentioned in two other places. When Noach entered the Teivah, Ark, the Torah writes that he entered “on that very day”(Bereishis 7:13). Also, when the Jews left Egypt, the Torah writes that they left “on that very day” (Shemos 12:51). The reason for emphasizing when they left and when Noach entered the Ark, is to demonstrate that even if the people would have said, “We will not let Noach leave; we will not let the Jews depart Egypt,” Hashem enabled them to leave in the middle…

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For they are a nation bereft of counsel, and there is no discernment in them. (32:28)

If/that I sharpen My flashing sword and My hand shall grasp judgment, I shall return vengeance upon My enemies and upon those that hate Me shall I bring retribution. (32:41)

“May my teaching drop like rain; may my utterance flow like the dew.” (32:2)

“Ask your father and he will relate it to you.” (32:7)

“For it (the Torah) is not an empty thing for you, for it is your life.” (32:47)

“Hashem spoke to Moshe on that very day… ‘Ascend to this mount of Avarim… and die on the mountain.’” (32:48- 50)

“May my teaching drop like rain; may my utterance flow like the dew.” (32:2)

“Ask your father and he will relate it to you.” (32:7)

“For it (the Torah) is not an empty thing for you, for it is your life.” (32:47)

“Hashem spoke to Moshe on that very day… ‘Ascend to this mount of Avarim… and die on the mountain.’” (32:48- 50)

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