Bracha – Page 41 – Peninim on the Torah

“And Yisro heard… of all that Hashem had done for Moshe and for Yisrael His people.” (18:1) – “And Moshe told his father-in-law all that Hashem had done.” (18:8) – “And Yisro said blessed be Hashem for saving you.” (18:10)

We may note that Yisro did not bless Hashem until after he had heard the various miracles which had transpired directly from Moshe. What was unique about Moshe’s description of the details of the Exodus and its miracles as differentiated from the information Yisro had heard while in Midyan? Indeed, the first reports of these occurrences provided incentive enough for him to leave his home to come join Bnei Yisrael in the desert. The Darchei Mussar explains that from this pasuk we may derive the importance of studying with a teacher who is replete with yiras shomayim (fear of Heaven)….

Home -> Vayechi -> 5752

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Vayechi

“All these” were the twelve tribes of Israel. And “this” was what their father said to them and he blessed them, each according to his blessing he blessed them.” (49:28)

Yaakov was able to discern the diversity within the twelve tribes. In his blessing to his sons he reflected upon this. “All these” represented the tribes of Israel. Yaakov spoke to them of “this,” recognizing the underlying unity that existed among the tribes. When divergent opinions exist within any group, discord rules: Each member is struggling to impose his opinion on the other members. Regarding Am Yisrael, however, while each tribe and each community may have its own particular traditions, reflecting its own individual virtue, Yaakov blessed each one distinctively. Yet, as long as each remembers to ascribe to the…

Home -> Vayechi -> 5752

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Vayechi

“And like fish they shall multiply in the midst of the earth.” (48:16)

Rashi explains that the word udshu originates from the word ds (fish). Thus, the blessing was that Efraim and Menashe should multiply and grow just as fish multiply and grow without the evil eye affecting them. This part of the blessing was so basic that the fish symbol served as the emblem on the banner of the tribe of Efraim. Even today the fish emblem serves as a talisman against the effect of the evil eye. This effect stems from the occult power of the jealousy, hatred, and envy of others. The Sefas Emes states that if Yosef and his…

Home -> 5752 -> Vayishlach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayishlach, 5752

“And Yaakov was greatly afraid and distressed.” (32:8)

As a consequence of Yaakov and Eisav’s confrontation, Hashem made a revelation to Yaakov. A reminder of this encounter is interwoven into the daily life of Am Yisrael. Just as Yaakov and Eisav opposed each other, so, too, in contemporary life they face one another. They each represent a distinct way of life, originating from two different sets of goals. Yaakov is characterized as a hard-working and loving family man, blessed with children. Opposite him stands Eisav, a man of “accomplishment” and substance, of power and glamour. For twenty years Yaakov struggled to raise a family, to educate children, to…

Home -> 5752 -> Vayeitzei

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayeitzei, 5752

“And He will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear.” (28:20)

Yaakov does not want much, only the bare necessities to render life possible. The Alter of Kelm Z”l questions Yaakov’s request. Was Yaakov not aware that Hashem provides every individual’s needs? The Rambam states clearly that Hashem does not allow anyone to go without his basic needs fulfilled. Why then was Yaakov insecure regarding his material sustenance? He suggests that herein lies a profound lesson. Upon leaving his father’s home, Yaakov was occupied with the changes about to take place in his spiritual surroundings. Until recently his father’s protective influence dominated his life. He was now entering a new world…

Home -> 5752 -> Lech Lecha

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Lech Lecha, 5752

Go away to yourself, from your land, from your birthplace. (12:1)

Ever since Hashem had driven Adam from Gan Eden to wander throughout the world, man has been seeking for Hashem. Even man’s early attempts to worship idols began as a form of searching for the source of all being. Avram was the one who discovered the secret, but not by exploring remote heights. The Midrash relates that “by himself he studied Torah“. We may suggest that he didn’t merely study by himself, but the meaning here is that he studied from himself, from within himself. His introspection led him to reflect upon the precision by which the universe is ordered….

Home -> 5774 -> Bereishis

ויאמר אלקים נעשה אדם בצלמנו כדמותנו

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Bereishis, 5774

And G-d said, “Let us make Man in Our image, after Our likeness. (1:26)

The Midrash Rabbah relates that, when Moshe Rabbeinu was writing the Torah as Hashem’s “secretary,” he came to the above pasuk. He asked Hashem incredulously, “Ribbono Shel Olam, why give an excuse to the heretics?” This pasuk appears to imply that Hashem either needed assistance in creating or had partnered with the angels. In any event, it seems to dispute the Oneness of Hashem. The Almighty replied, “He who wants to err – will err.” This statement begs elucidation. There are many places in which we find Hashem doing things – even miraculous occurrences – to prevent people from making…

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

“I will remember My covenant with Yaakov and also My covenant with Yitzchak; and also My covenant with Avraham I will surely remember, and I will remember the Land.” (26:42)

This pasuk presents an apparent change in the sequential order of the Avos, Patriarchs. Rashi interprets the pasuk to indicate that the merit of Yaakov should be sufficient to bring redemption to his children. If Yaakov’s merit is not worthy of effecting redemption, Yitzchak Avinu’s zechusim, merits, will add to the virtue on behalf of Klal Yisrael. If Klal Yisrael is still in need of support, the merits of Avraham Avinu will tip the scale in favor of Klal Yisrael. The commentators question this sequence. Yaakov Avinu is the bchir ha’Avos, the chosen of the Patriarchs, his name is engraved…

Home -> 5755 -> Shemini

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Shemini, 5755

“And Moshe and Aharon came to the Ohel Moed and they went out and they blessed the people.” (9:23)

The beginning of the parsha focuses on the events surrounding the eighth day of the Mishkan’s inauguration. This was the day Aharon Ha’Kohen and his sons were invested into the priestly service. During the days of the inauguration, the first family of kohanim offered sacrifices in anticipation of the Shechinah “descending” to repose in the Mishkan. Rashi notes that all of Klal Yisrael assembled to witness the consecration of this holy edifice to which they had all donated generously. Yet, despite their devotion and sacrificial offerings, the Shechinah did not descend. Moshe and Aharon entered the Mishkan to beg Hashem…

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Back to Home -> Yisro ->

“And Yisro heard… of all that Hashem had done for Moshe and for Yisrael His people.” (18:1) – “And Moshe told his father-in-law all that Hashem had done.” (18:8) – “And Yisro said blessed be Hashem for saving you.” (18:10)

“All these” were the twelve tribes of Israel. And “this” was what their father said to them and he blessed them, each according to his blessing he blessed them.” (49:28)

“And like fish they shall multiply in the midst of the earth.” (48:16)

“And Yaakov was greatly afraid and distressed.” (32:8)

“And He will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear.” (28:20)

Go away to yourself, from your land, from your birthplace. (12:1)

ויאמר אלקים נעשה אדם בצלמנו כדמותנו

And G-d said, “Let us make Man in Our image, after Our likeness. (1:26)

בראשית ברא אלקים את השמים ואת הארץ

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

“I will remember My covenant with Yaakov and also My covenant with Yitzchak; and also My covenant with Avraham I will surely remember, and I will remember the Land.” (26:42)

“And Moshe and Aharon came to the Ohel Moed and they went out and they blessed the people.” (9:23)

YEARS

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