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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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Home -> 5751 -> Re'eh

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

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

“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

“And you shall serve Him and cleave to Him.” (13:5)

How does one ‘cleave’ to Hashem,” ask Chazal in the Talmud  Sotah 14a, “when He is described as an eish ochlah, consuming fire?” (Devarim 4:24). Chazal answer that the Torah enjoins us to cleave to Hashem’s ways. Mah Hu – af atah: Just as He supplies clothes for the unclothed, visits the sick, comforts mourners and buries the dead, so should you do the same. I wonder. It should be easy – especially if doing so  is considered following in the footsteps of the Almighty. We do not,  however, see people lining up to clothe the needy, visit the ill and…

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