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Home -> 5762 -> Re'eh

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Re'eh, 5762

“You shall tithe the entire crop of your planting.” (14:22)

Chazal teach us aseir bishvil sheh’tisasheir, “tithe so that you will increase your wealth.” There is a distinct corollary between the mitzvah of tzedakah, charity, and wealth. One who gives will be worthy of receiving. One who does not give has no merit for which to  receive. When we think about it, what really is wealth? Better yet, how do we estimate one’s worth? Usually, the idea of evaluating one’s worth is a reference to his financial assets. Actually, that approach identifies a very limited perspective of one’s true worth. We measure one’s worth in spiritual terms. It is not what…

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Home -> 5762 -> Re'eh

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Re'eh, 5762

“But this you shall not eat from among those that bring up their cud or have a completely separated hoof…” (14:7)

The criteria for identifying the kosher animal is repeated once again in Parashas Re’eh, thus emphasizing the significance of Kashrus. Two identifying characteristics of kosher animals are mentioned: they chew their cud; and they have completely split hooves. In the entire creation, just four animals have only one kosher sign. The overwhelming majority have neither sign. Only the One Who created these animals can make such an undisputed statement. As the Alter, z.l., m’Kelm notes, this attests to the Divine authorship of the Torah. No human author would publicly make a claim that could be refuted. Yet, there are those who…

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Home -> 5762 -> Eikev

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Eikev, 5762

“You shall place these words of Mine upon your heart… you shall bind them for a sign upon your arm… And you shall teach them to your children… And you shall write them upon the doorposts of your house.” (11:18-20)

Three mitzvos follow in close succession after Hashem’s threat of exile. Is there a relationship between these mitzvos and the exile? Rashi cites the Sifri that connects the juxtaposition in the following manner. We are enjoined to observe these commandments even in exile, so that when the redemption occurs, these mitzvos will not be foreign to us. There is a danger that when the Jewish People are in exile living in a non- Jewish environment, speaking the language of the host nation, adopting its customs and lifestyle, there is a real threat of assimilation. It is for this reason that we…

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Home -> 5762 -> Eikev

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Eikev, 5762

“And to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (11:13)

Rashi says this pasuk refers to avodas halev, service of the heart, which alludes to prayer. The word b’chol, with all, has a powerful meaning. When we pray to Hashem it has to be “with all,” with an all encompassing, unequivocal devotion to Him. Nothing should disturb or distract us when we are in communion with the Almighty. Yet, we all know that this is far from true. Many of us do not find the time to daven with a minyan. Regrettably, we daven with complete attention to Hashem only when we are in need. Perhaps if we would daven correctly…

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Home -> 5762 -> Eikev

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Eikev, 5762

“Bnei Yisrael journeyed from Beeros Bnei Yaakon to Moserah; there Aharon died.” (10:6)

The story of Aharon Hakohen’s passing is juxtaposed to the breaking of the Luchos. Chazal derive from here that the death of a tzaddik carries  with  it  the  same  impact  as  the  breaking  of  the Luchos. Chazal also teach us that when a tzaddik passes from this world, he is immediately replaced by another tzaddik. Once the sun “sets” on one tzaddik, it begins to shine on another. This is especially true if the son of a tzaddik is eminently qualified and capable to assume his father’s leadership role. Aharon passed away from this world after an exemplary “career” of leadership…

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Home -> 5762 -> Eikev

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Eikev, 5762

“For just as a man chastises his son, Hashem, your G-d, chastises you.” (8:5)

The word yesurim also indicates suffering. Hence, the suffering we sustain in this world is actually Hashem’s chastisement of us. Perhaps this is the only way one can endure the pain and anguish of suffering: he knows it comes from a loving Father. He also knows that he is not alone in his suffering. I once visited a young woman who was suffering through the terrible pain of end-stage cancer. I wondered what to say to her. Her life was dependent upon a miracle. The pain she sustained was excruciating. The mental anguish she suffered knowing that she would probably not…

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Home -> 5762 -> Va'eschanan

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Va'eschanan, 5762

“And it shall be, when Hashem, your G-d brings you to the land… to give you great and good cities that you did not build, and houses… which you did not fill, and wells dug, which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees, which you did not plant… Then beware for yourself lest you forget Hashem.” (6:10-12)

The Torah seems to emphasize that Eretz Yisrael is a land of abundance, for which we can take no credit. The cities are great,  but we did not build them. The houses are filled with all sorts of good things, but we did not fill them. The wells, vineyards, olive trees are all wonderful, but we did not dig or plant them. Material abundance is everywhere, but we had nothing to do with it. Does it really matter whether we had a hand in preparing this incredible abundance? The primary problem is that when people have too much, they might forget…

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Home -> 5762 -> Va'eschanan

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Va'eschanan, 5762

“Honor your father and your mother, as Hashem, your G-d, commanded you, so that your days will be lengthened.” (5:16)

Rashi says that the commandment to honor one’s parents was first given at Marah. Does it really make a difference where Hashem first commanded Klal Yisrael in regard to this mitzvah? Perhaps this teaches us that our entire approach to the mitzvah of Kibbud Av v’Eim is wrong. There are those who think that we have an obligation to honor our parents out of a sense of gratitude for what they have done for us. They bring us into the world, clothe and feed us, arrange our education and provide for our basic material needs. This is not the Torah’s perspective…

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Home -> 5762 -> Va'eschanan

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Va'eschanan, 5762

“Safeguard the Shabbos day to sanctify it.” (5:12)

Shabbos is more than a mitzvah in the Torah; it is a staple of our religion. Yet, it is one of the first mitzvos that was forsaken during the waves of the European immigration to America. “Shabbos was important,” the immigrants agreed, “but if you cannot make a living, its significance takes second place to survival.” Consequently,  shemiras Shabbos, Shabbos observance, was identified with the European shtetl. Much of Orthodoxy and the moral, ethical and social behavior that was endemic to Orthodox Judaism in Europe was discarded along with Shabbos. They were, however, as wrong then as they are wrong today….

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Home -> Devarim -> 5762

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In 5762, Devarim

“Any matter that is too difficult for you, you shall bring to me and I shall hear it.” (1:17)

Many people want to lead, but most are incapable – nonetheless that does not seem to stop them. A rav should not be remote, inflexible and uncaring. He should have a profound influence on the daily lives of his flock. Yet, this does not stop many from seeking positions of leadership. A rav should certainly be a scholar, but not every scholar should be a rav. A rav should be people-oriented, a communicator, friendly, compassionate and sensitive to the needs of all his members. Yet, lacking these criteria does not stop certain people from assuming positions of leadership. Horav Eliezer M….

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