Attitude – Page 104 – Peninim on the Torah

“For the maaser (tithe) of the Bnei Yisrael … I have given to the Leviim as a heritage; therefore I have said to them, among the Bnei Yisrael they shall not inherit a heritage.” (18:24)

The Levi receives no portion in Eretz Yisrael. He is, consequently, absolved from the labor and toil involved in working the soil and other “mundane” material pursuits. He is to devote himself totally to the service of the Almighty. Hence, he receives the maaser gifts from his fellow Jews to sustain him in his spiritual vocation. In his commentary to Sefer Devarim 10:9, Rashi states that since the Leviim were set apart for the service of the Altar and are not free to plow and to sow, they are to receive a designated gift (maaser) from the house of the…

Home -> 5755 -> Korach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5755

“And Korach took … they gathered together against Moshe and Aharon and they said to them, ‘It is too much for you … why do you exalt yourselves over the congregation of Hashem?'” (16:1,3)

Korach’s rebellion stands alone as the most vicious rebellion against Rabbinic authority. Korach’s attempt to usurp the leadership of Klal Yisrael from Moshe in order to undermine Divine authority over Klal Yisrael established his reputation as the paradigmatic baal machlo’kes, one who initiates conflict. What rationale can we find to explain Korach’s reprehensible behavior ? Chazal teach us that Korach maintained a prominent position in the hierarchy of the Leviim. His traits were a combination of superior qualities which few people could emulate. Descending from the family of Kehas, the most distinguished of the Levite families, he had an illustrious…

Home -> 5755 -> Beha'alosecha

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Beha'alosecha, 5755

“And Moshe said to him, ‘Are you being zealous for my sake? Would that the entire people of Hashem could be prophets'” (11:29)

Two elders prophesied in the camp. When Moshe’s son, Gershom, heard the prophecies, he ran to tell his father. According to one comment in the Midrash, the prophecy predicted Moshe’s imminent death in the desert and Yehoshua’s ascension to leadership. Moshe received the news of the prophecy calmly. Yehoshua, on the other hand, was greatly shaken by the prediction, and he asked Moshe to imprison the two prophets. Moshe’s response to his student Yehoshua reveals his greatness and underscores his brilliance as the quintessential leader of Klal Yisrael. Horav S.R. Hirsch, z.l., derives from Moshe’s perspective the necessary attitude a…

Home -> 5755 -> Beha'alosecha

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Beha'alosecha, 5755

“And they journeyed from the Mountain of Hashem a three day distance.” (10:33)

The Midrash views this journey from the Mountain of Hashem in an uncomplimentary manner. Chazal equate Bnei Yisrael’s departure with a “child who is running away from school,” happy to leave the holy place where he received mitzvos. Inasmuch as their venture away from the Har Hashem was in accordance with Hashem’s will, Bnei Yisrael’s attitude reflected a haste that was unbecoming and inappropriate. We must endeavor to understand the analogy to a child running from school. After all, Klal Yisrael was not delinquent in their departure. Horav Elyakim Shlesinger, Shlita, gives the following insight into this analogy. Why does…

Home -> 5755 -> Beha'alosecha

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Beha'alosecha, 5755

“When you kindle the lamps.” (8:2)

The parsha begins with the section which deals with the maintenance of the menorah. It follows immediately after the conclusion of Parashas Naso, which is concerned with the dedication of the mizbei’ach. Chazal address the juxtaposition of these two topics. They remark that upon witnessing the ceremonial activities and involvement of the nesiim in the altar’s dedication, Aharon Ha’Kohen became pained by his own and his shevet’s exclusion from them. Hashem responded to this concern by emphasizing Aharon’s unique opportunity to prepare and kindle the menorah. The Ramban notes the difficulty inherent in this statement. Aharon had the responsibility for…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Naso, 5755

“A man or woman who shall disassociate himself by taking a Nazirite vow of abstinence for the sake of Hashem; from new or aged wine he shall abstain …” (6:2,3)

Rashi cites Chazal who explain the juxtaposition of the laws of the Nazir to the laws of the Sotah. They state that one who sees a Sotah in her state of degradation should take a Nazirite vow in order to enforce his abstinence from wine. The Sotah is a woman who has profaned herself by destroying the fidelity of her marriage. She has submitted to her passions by allowing her heart to overpower her mind. Wine stimulates the senses and catalyzes a behavior which, if not controlled, can be detrimental. By abstaining from wine and focusing on the lessons gleaned…

Home -> Bamidbar -> 5755

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5755, Bamidbar

“But they shall not come and look as the holy (object) is inserted, lest they die.” (4:20)

Rashi explains that this pasuk refers to the insertion of the holy objects into their coverings, a task performed by the Kohanim. The Leviim are not permitted to view this procedure. The Ibn Ezra adds two similar opinions. One view suggests that this pasuk is an admonition against the Leviim entering to see the dismantling of the paroch’es, partition/ curtain from before the Aron Ha’Kodesh. The other view contends that the Leviim are prohibited from seeing the Aron when it is uncovered or revealed. This opinion is confirmed in the Midrash, which cites the Navi in Shmuel I 6:19, in…

Home -> Vayigash -> 5753

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5753, Vayigash

“And Yaakov said to Pharaoh… few and unhappy have been the days of the years of my life.” (47:9)

The Daas Zekeinim cite the Midrash that states that Hashem shortened Yaakov’s life-span as compared to Yiztchak’s because of this remark. Hashem told Yaakov, “I saved you from Eisav and Lavan and returned Dinah and Yosef to you, and yet you complain that your life has been short and unhappy. You shall not live as long as your father did!” Horav Benzion Bruk, z.l., in a thesis on the depth of judgement which Hashem applies to the righteous, cites this Midrash as the source of a great moral lesson for us. Imagine, if you will, one who has suffered overwhelming…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Toldos

“And the sons struggled within her” (25:22)

The Talmud states that the implacable hatred which Eisav exhibited for Yaacov was foreshadowed in their mother’s womb. The eternal struggle between Eisav and Yaakov began even before birth. Hence, says Horav S. R. Hirsch, z.l., the paths of these two rival brothers seems to have been pre-established. This approach is consistent with the teachings of some scholars who contend that the first gestures of a human being are indicative of the tendencies and desires which become evidenced throughout his life. From the most tender age, the child conceals the man. The skilled educator is mandated to display acute sensibility…

Home -> 5753 -> Chayei Sarah

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Chayei Sarah, 5753

“And Avraham said to his slave… and take a wife for my son for Yitzchak.” (24:2-4 )

The Torah devotes a large amount of space to the process of Yitzchak seeking a wife and subsequent marriage. This is indicative of the importance that is attributed to this major event. Indeed, there is no event in the life of a Jewish father which is more important than the marriage of his child. No details are left to chance. Avraham elaborates for Eliezer the specific criteria required for Yitzchak’s wife, who is to carry on the mantle of Jewish motherhood. The Torah details the fact that this first Jewish marriage was arranged through an intermediary or in the classical…

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“For the maaser (tithe) of the Bnei Yisrael … I have given to the Leviim as a heritage; therefore I have said to them, among the Bnei Yisrael they shall not inherit a heritage.” (18:24)

“And Korach took … they gathered together against Moshe and Aharon and they said to them, ‘It is too much for you … why do you exalt yourselves over the congregation of Hashem?'” (16:1,3)

“And Moshe said to him, ‘Are you being zealous for my sake? Would that the entire people of Hashem could be prophets'” (11:29)

“And they journeyed from the Mountain of Hashem a three day distance.” (10:33)

“When you kindle the lamps.” (8:2)

“A man or woman who shall disassociate himself by taking a Nazirite vow of abstinence for the sake of Hashem; from new or aged wine he shall abstain …” (6:2,3)

“But they shall not come and look as the holy (object) is inserted, lest they die.” (4:20)

“And Yaakov said to Pharaoh… few and unhappy have been the days of the years of my life.” (47:9)

“And the sons struggled within her” (25:22)

“And Avraham said to his slave… and take a wife for my son for Yitzchak.” (24:2-4 )

YEARS

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