5785 – Peninim on the Torah

And He (Hashem) said: “Gaze, now, towards the Heavens, and count the stars if you are able to count them!” And He said to him, “So shall your offspring be!” (15:5)

In order to understand the foregoing simile, we must assume that the reference is to Avraham’s descendants throughout the millennia. Otherwise, how are we to understand the inability to count the Jewish People? Are we that great in number that we cannot be counted? On the other hand, we find in the beginning of Sefer Devarim (1:10) that the Torah states: “Behold, you are like the stars of heaven in abundance.” Rashi attributes this comparison to the eternal nature of the heavenly bodies. As they last forever, so, too, will the Jewish People be blessed with permanence. Horav Shimon Schwab,…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Lech Lecha, 5759

And there was quarreling between the herdsmen of Avram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock; and the Canaani and the Peruzi were dwelling in the land. (13:7)

This seemingly innocuous pasuk is the source of much homiletic exposition by the commentators. Why does the Torah begin by saying that there was a “riv,” “quarrel”, between Avraham and Lot’s herdsmen? In this instance, the Torah uses the word “riv,” which is the masculine gender of the word. On the other hand, when Avraham speaks with Lot, he says, “Let there not be a merivah between us,” using the female gender. The Shlah HaKadosh explains that Avraham sought to emphasize to Lot the gravity of machlokes, controversy, and its tragic consequences. He said a simple “riv,” which is…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Lech Lecha, 5759

They left to go to the land of Canaan, and they came to the land of Canaan. (12:5)

The primary rule in spiritual growth is never to lose focus of one’s goals. Horav Leib Chasman, zl, emphasizes the importance of setting an objective and not losing sight of it – even momentarily. A short lapse can cause one to fall short of his goal or, even worse, fall behind his starting point. Often, we accept upon ourselves the obligation to perform good deeds, we undertake lofty endeavors, all very worthwhile and within our grasp – if we abide by our agenda. We begin our quest, steadily moving forward, heading towards our goal. After awhile, however, something briefly distracts…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Lech Lecha, 5759

And Hashem said to Avram, “Go for yourself.” (12:1)

The words “Lech Lecha,” “Go for yourself” have a profound meaning according to the Sifrei Kaballah. Hashem instructed Avraham to go to the source of his neshamah, soul, to introspect, to look deeper into himself. Horav Shlomo Yosef Zevin, zl, explains that man is not expected to achieve a level higher than his potential. He is expected to maximize his competencies to attain a level of success and accomplishment commensurate with his G-d-given faculties. He cites the tzaddik, Rav Zushia of Annipole, who said, “When I arrive at the Olam Ha’Emes, the World of Truth, if they ask me, ‘Zushia,…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Lech Lecha, 5759

Go for yourself from your land. (12:1)

Hashem is telling Avraham to leave for his own benefit. As long as he remained in Charan, he would not merit the privilege of begetting children or the opportunity of successfully reaching out to a pagan society. Interestingly, Chazal consider Avraham Avinu’s move to be one of the asarah nisyonos, ten trials, to which he was subjected. This seems questionable. Imagine that someone who is r”l childless is told that, by traveling out of the country, he will meet a famous doctor who has successfully treated people who previously had not been blessed with children. Would anyone consider this a…

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And He (Hashem) said: “Gaze, now, towards the Heavens, and count the stars if you are able to count them!” And He said to him, “So shall your offspring be!” (15:5)

And there was quarreling between the herdsmen of Avram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock; and the Canaani and the Peruzi were dwelling in the land. (13:7)

They left to go to the land of Canaan, and they came to the land of Canaan. (12:5)

And Hashem said to Avram, “Go for yourself.” (12:1)

Go for yourself from your land. (12:1)

YEARS

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