Attitude – Page 71 – Peninim on the Torah

“And Yaakov was a simple (perfect) man dwelling in tents.” (25:31)

Many definitions are applied to the word “tam” – simple, plain, scholarly, single-minded, etc. These attributes all apply to Yaakov’s character. The phrase dwelling in tents seems to refer to his amazing diligence in Torah study. Noting the plural term “tents”, the Midrash interprets the Torah’s emphasis to be a message that Yaakov went from one tent of Torah to another seeking whatever Torah knowledge was available. It therefore seems peculiar that the word used for describing Yaakov’s singular devotion to Torah study is “dwelling”. Would it not have been more appropriate to state that “Yaakov studies” in the tents…

Home -> 5752 -> Vayeira

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayeira, 5752

“And Hashem said, the cry of Sodom and Amorrah is great, and their sin is exceedingly great.” (18:20)

We should consider the extent of Sodom’s sins vis-a-vis the various other cities whose transgressions were also great. Indeed, the Baal Ha’Akeidah states that the famed sin of vgcdc adkp was far greater than those of Sodom, for in Sodom they allowed visitors to sleep in the street, while in Givhah even this was not permissible. There was however, a uniqueness to Sodom’s transgressions. Their immoral behavior originated from a depraved philosophy which later became a code of law. Their fear of having their lush, fertile land overrun with visitors caused them to legislate and enact the repulsive statutes for…

Home -> 5774 -> Bereishis

בראשית ברא אלקים את השמים ואת הארץ

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Bereishis, 5774

In the beginning of G-d’s creating the heavens and the earth. (1:1)

Who does not know the opening words of the Torah? Bereishis – “In the beginning” seems to be a very appropriate way to commence what is Hashem’s Magnum Opus, His Book, our Heavenly guide to life. What does seem strange is that the Torah begins with the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet – bais. One would think that a “beginning” commences with the first letter – aleph. Many and varied are the responses to this question. Perhaps the most notable is the one given by the Midrash Rabbah (1:10). Bais is the lashon, language, of b’rachah, blessing; aleph is…

Home -> Bechukosai -> 5755

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5755, Bechukosai

“If you walk in My laws/follow My decrees.” (26:3)

The Midrash cites the pasuk in Tehillim 119, “I contemplated my path and my feet returned me to Your testimony.” It also presents Dovid Ha’Melech’s explanation of his allusion in the pasuk. Dovid Ha’Melech explained that every day he organized his activities and decided where to go. He would begin on his way, but instead of proceeding to his intended destination, his feet literally propelled him to the Bais Ha’Midrash. This Midrash begs further explanation. First, what connection is there between the pasuk, “If you will walk in My laws,” and Dovid Ha’Melech’s statement ? Second, Dovid Ha’Melech’s original statement…

Home -> Behar -> 5755

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5755, Behar

“My Shabbosos you shall observe and My Sanctuary you shall revere.” (26:2)

We may question this seemingly repetitive statement and its juxtaposition to the pasuk dealing with idol worship. Rashi explains that the Torah is adjuring the Jewish slave who is sold to a gentile not to assume that since he is subservient to a gentile, he may engage in whatever heathen practices his master advocates. If this is the case, why does the Torah specifically emphasize Shabbos observance and reverence for the Sanctuary ? In response to these questions, Horav Moshe Feinstein, z.l., offers a novel lesson to be derived from this pasuk. As a result of his servitude to a…

Home -> 5755 -> Emor

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Emor, 5755

“Speak to the kohanim, the sons of Aharon, and say to them; in relation to no person may he render himself unclean among his people.” (21:1)

The Torah’s text in its admonition to the kohanim is unusual. At the outset it says “speak to the kohanim, the sons of Aharon,” rather than the usual, “the sons of Aharon, the kohanim.” The redundancy of the word rnt, speak/say, as in ,rntu / rnt, is also noted by Chazal. Horav S.R. Hirsch, z.l., concludes that in this pasuk we deal with two sentences of separate idealogical content. The Torah first instructs Moshe to speak to the kohanim as “Bnei Aharon,” emphasizing their exalted pedigree. They should take special note of their inherent holiness by virtue of their lineage,…

Home -> 5755 -> Metzora

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Metzora, 5755

“And Hashem spoke to Moshe and Aharon saying: Speak to the Bnei Yisrael and say to them, any man who will have a discharge from his flesh … is contaminated.” (15:1,2)

In this pasuk, the Torah uses the word urcs in the plural form. In contrast, the Baal Ha’Turim notes that regarding the laws of negaim, plagues, the Torah does not use the word, urcs in the plural form. The distinction implies that Aharon was excluded from transmitting the laws of negaim to Bnei Yisrael. He asserts that Aharon’s involvement in the sin of the Golden Calf precluded his ability to teach the laws of negaim since the Golden Calf was the precursor of the negaim which were to strike Bnei Yisrael as punishment for their treasonous worship. This explanation is…

Home -> 5755 -> Metzora

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Metzora, 5755

“The one to whom the house belongs shall come and declare to the kohen, saying, ‘Something like an affliction has appeared to me in the house.'” (14:35)

It is interesting to note that when the Torah refers to someone who has an affliction on his body, it says, ivfv kt tcuvu, “He shall be brought to the kohen (14:2). In contrast, in regard to a plague afflicting a house it says here “He shall come to the kohen.” What reason is there for this disparity between the two plagues ? Horav Dovid Feinstein, Shlita, makes a noteworthy observation. The plagues which strike one’s body, clothes, or home are an indication from Above that something is wrong with this person. The affliction progresses from the individual to his…

Home -> 5755 -> Metzora

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Metzora, 5755

“The Kohen shall command, and there shall be taken for the person being purified two birds … and cedarwood, crimson thread and hyssop.” (14:4)

Atonement for sin requires that the moral flaw which activated the misdeed be purged. One who speaks disparagingly of others is arrogant. A person who puts others down is haughty. The metzora must now humble himself as contrition for his sin. Rashi explains that the three items which the metzora brought allude to the metzora’s resolve to humble himself: Cedarwood which grows tall, imposing and wide, symbolizes arrogance. The wool thread which is dyed with a pigment made from a lowly creature and the hyssop, which is a lowly bush, represents the penitent’s newly found humility. He who used to…

Home -> 5755 -> Shemini

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Shemini, 5755

“Wine and strong drink you shall not drink … when you go into the Ohel Moed.” (10:9)

This halacha similarly applies to any intoxicating drink which the kohen imbibes. The punishment of death is incurred, however, only in the event the kohen drinks an intoxicating quantity, which Chazal have determined is even a reviis of undiluted wine. There is obviously no question of the kohen actually being drunk, since this small amount would not cause intoxication. There is, however, a fear that his mind will not be totally clear and tranquil. To transmit Hashem’s charge, one’s mind must be sharp, his intelligence, clear. Only then can he maintain the proper focus in order to guide and inspire…

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“And Yaakov was a simple (perfect) man dwelling in tents.” (25:31)

“And Hashem said, the cry of Sodom and Amorrah is great, and their sin is exceedingly great.” (18:20)

בראשית ברא אלקים את השמים ואת הארץ

In the beginning of G-d’s creating the heavens and the earth. (1:1)

“If you walk in My laws/follow My decrees.” (26:3)

“My Shabbosos you shall observe and My Sanctuary you shall revere.” (26:2)

“Speak to the kohanim, the sons of Aharon, and say to them; in relation to no person may he render himself unclean among his people.” (21:1)

“And Hashem spoke to Moshe and Aharon saying: Speak to the Bnei Yisrael and say to them, any man who will have a discharge from his flesh … is contaminated.” (15:1,2)

“The one to whom the house belongs shall come and declare to the kohen, saying, ‘Something like an affliction has appeared to me in the house.'” (14:35)

“The Kohen shall command, and there shall be taken for the person being purified two birds … and cedarwood, crimson thread and hyssop.” (14:4)

“Wine and strong drink you shall not drink … when you go into the Ohel Moed.” (10:9)

YEARS

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