5771

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…

Home -> Ha'azinu -> 5771

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5771, Ha'azinu

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…

Home -> Ha'azinu -> 5771

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5771, Ha'azinu

Remember the days of old, understand the years of each generation. (32:7)

Remembrance is a major part of Jewish service to Hashem. Much of our tradition is based upon remembering what once was – our highs and lows, joys and travails. Most important, however, is the ability to see the Yad Hashem, guiding Hand of G-d, throughout all that occurs. The Bostoner Rebbe, zl, put remembrance into perspective when he said, “Remembrance is important, but we must know what to remember. Even concerning those tragedies closest to our own time, such as the Holocaust, are we to remember the pain – or the self-sacrifice – what its victims died for – or…

Home -> Ha'azinu -> 5771

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5771, Ha'azinu

Corruption is not His – the blemish is His children’s. (32:5)

Teshuvah is a wonderful thing, but sometimes it comes too late to prevent the damage that has already been done. There is no time limit to teshuvah. It is always accepted, thus allowing for a person who has lived a life of abandon to die and leave this world as a tzaddik, righteous person. There is, however, a collateral damage with regard to his children. This is a damage that is irreparable. When parents go along their merry way, living a life of abandon, a lifestyle that is antithetical to Torah, they must remember that their children are watching. Impressionable…

Home -> Ha'azinu -> 5771

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5771, Ha'azinu

Let My teachings drip like the rain, may My utterance flow like the dew. (32:2)

The Torah is compared to rain which descends from the heavens, reviving the seeds buried within the earth. The Sefas Emes notes a relationship between adamah, earth, and rain vis-à-vis Adam HaRishon, primordial man, his offspring, and the Torah which is compared to rain. The earth filled with seed is potential vegetation, grass, etc. It is only when rain descends on the adamah that this potential is released and the seeds begin to sprout and produce. Likewise, adam, man, created from adamah, is filled with tremendous potential. Will he realize his potential, or will it continue to lay dormant? Torah…

Home -> Ha'azinu -> 5771

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5771, Ha'azinu

Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; and may the earth hear the words of my mouth. (32:1)

There seems to be a disparity between the Torah’s description of Moshe Rabbeinu’s oratory to the heaven and the way he addressed the earth. He says: Haazinu, “Give ear,” pay attention, as if he was speaking directly to heaven. Also, he uses the word, adabeirah, “I will speak,” which is a stronger, more direct form of communication. In contrast, Moshe tells the earth v’sishma, “and hear,” listen in as I convey imrei fi, “the words of my mouth.” It is almost as if Moshe is talking directly to heaven, and he is requesting earth to listen in on the conversation. How…

You have Successfully Subscribed!

YEARS

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)

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

Remember the days of old, understand the years of each generation. (32:7)

Corruption is not His – the blemish is His children’s. (32:5)

Let My teachings drip like the rain, may My utterance flow like the dew. (32:2)

Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; and may the earth hear the words of my mouth. (32:1)

BOOK OF BEREISHIS

BOOK OF SHEMOS

BOOK OF VAYIKRAH

BOOK OF BAMIDBAR

BOOK OF DEVARIM

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

You have Successfully Subscribed!