Bracha – Page 49 – Peninim on the Torah

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Va'eschanan, 5759

When your son will ask you tomorrow saying, “What is the meaning of the testimonies, and the statutes, and the ordinances which Hashem, our G-d has commanded you?” (6:20)

Chazal suggest that this question is asked by the “wise” son of the “four” sons of the Haggadah. We are taught that the Torah “speaks” to each of the four sons, representing four perspectives or types of Jews. Each one has his own focus, each one has his own perspective, analogous with his chosen way of life. What is the distinction of having four sons? It would seem that Chazal are lauding the fact that these “four sons” truly exist. Horav Chaim Soloveitchik, zl, distinguishes between secular studies — in which the text is divided according to one’s age or…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Re'eh, 5759

Therefore, I am commanding you, saying, open your hand to the needy and poor breathren in your land. (15:11)

Generally, the word “leimor,” saying, is used when the speaker wishes to have his words conveyed to others. This approach creates a problem in regard to this pasuk’s translation. It would seem that Hashem is saying, “I command you to say – you shall open your hand to the needy and poor.” This does not translate smoothly. Why would Hashem instruct us to say, “You should open your hand to the needy and poor”? To whom should we say this? The Vorker Rebbe, zl, explains that the mitzvah of tzedakah consists of two aspects. First and foremost is the actual…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Re'eh, 5759

See, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse. (11:26)

Life presents us with one of two extreme situations:. We either evoke blessing, so that everyone looks up to us, respects our word, and reveres our religion; or, we symbolize curse, dust of the earth, to be stepped upon and trampled. The Vilna Gaon, zl, notes that the word “Re’eh” is written in the singular. He explains that the Torah speaks to each individual. Man is not judged by the deeds of society as a whole. Rather, Hashem judges each individual according to his own actions. Do not see yourself reflected in the world. Avraham preached to an entire world. …

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayishlach, 5759

Yaakov was left alone and a man wrestled with him until the break of dawn. (32:25)

Rashi cites the Talmud in Chullin 9A that says that Yaakov had forgotten some pachim ketanim, small earthenware pitchers, and had returned to retrieve them. Chazal derive from the fact that Yaakov returned for some inexpensive vessels that “to the righteous, their money is dearer to them than their bodies. Since they earn every penny with great diligence, their integrity is impeccable, everything they own is very dear to them.” Chazal’s words obviously reflect a deeper meaning. We do not venerate an individual for exhibiting greater care for his material possessions than for his own body. Horav Simcha Zissel M’Kelm…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5759, Vayigash

And he (Yaakov) sent Yehudah ahead of him to Yosef, to prepare ahead for him in Goshen. (46:28)

Rashi cites the Midrash which interprets the word “l’horos” to mean “to teach.” This implies that Yehudah, the leader of the brothers, was sent ahead to establish a makom Torah, a House of Torah study, a yeshivah to prepare for the spiritual development of those coming to Egypt. What about Yosef, who was a tzaddik, who had maintained his spiritual level throughout his ordeal in exile, who certainly knew the country? Why was he not charged with founding the yeshivah? The various commentators rationalize Yaakov’s decision. Horav Dov Eliezerov, zl, offers a practical solution to the problem. He relates that…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayeira, 5759

Hashem remembered Sarah as He had said…And she (Sarah) conceived. (21:1,2)

Rashi quotes Chazal, who explain the juxtaposition of Sarah’s conception upon Avraham’s prayer on behalf of Avimelech and his family. As punishment for Avimelech’s abduction of Sarah, he and his household were subjected to a complete cessation of their reproductive functions. Avraham prayed for them and, in turn, was himself blessed. The inference is that, if one prays for another, if he himself is in need of that same cure/help, his prayers will soon be answered. The Tiferes Shmuel interprets this statement with a slightly different twist, providing an important lesson. He reads the dictum in the following…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayeira, 5759

The child grew and was weaned. Avraham made a great feast on the day Yitzchak was weaned. (21:8)

Rashi says that feast was “great” because the great men of that generation, Shem, Eiver and Avimelech attended it. In the Talmud Shabbos 130A, Tosfos contends that this feast took place on the day Yitzchak was circumcised, the eighth day after his birth. Rabbeinu Bachya feels that this unique feast took place on the day that Yitzchak began to study Torah. It is no wonder that Avraham “bypassed” the first “milestone” of Bris Milah. After all, he himself was three years old when he “realized” that there was a Creator Who ruled the world. Consequently, he felt that the most…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5759, Vayechi

All these are the twelve tribes of Yisrael…He blessed them each according to his special blessing. (49:28)

Rashi explains that Yaakov Avinu gave each of his sons his individual blessing, uniquely cogruous with his individual nature and personality. He then gave a collective blessing to all of them together. Horav Eli Munk, zl, explains that the Jewish nation is founded on the principle of unity in plurality. Each tribe is called upon to perform its particular function, based upon its specific character trait. Hence, each tribe constitutes a unit by itself. Why, then, did Yaakov bless them collectively afterwards? Horav Eliyahu Meir Bloch, zl, derives a significant lesson from this pasuk. It is important for everyone to…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5759, Vayechi

May the angel who redeems me from all evil bless the lads, and may my name be declared upon them, and the names of my forefathers, Avraham and Yitzchak. (48:16)

Why does Yaakov mention his own name before he mentions his father and grandfather? Why does he not demonstrate the mitzvah of Kibud Av, honoring one’s father? Horav Dovid Feinstein, Shlita, suggests a practical reason for this omission: Yaakov was saying that his grandsons should be a source of such nachas that not only should I be pleased, but even my forefathers will be filled with nachas. Kol Yehudah suggests that Yaakov was referring to the attributes represented by each of the Patriarchs. Avraham Avinu devoted himself to the middah of chesed. He reached out with kindness to an entire…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5759, Vayechi

He blessed Yosef and he said,…”O G-d who shepherds me from my inception until this day.” (48:15)

Targum Unkeles understands “ha’roeh osi,” “Who shepherds me”, as “Who sustains me.” Interestingly, Yaakov Avinu finds no other time suitable to offer his gratitude to the Almighty for sustaining him and providing for his basic material needs. He refers to the G-d before whom his ancestors walked, whose angel redeemed him from all evil, and adds – “Who has sustained me.” Why did Yaakov find it necessary to supplement his praise of Hashem with the more “basic and simple” praise of sustenance? Horav Gershon Leibman, Shlita, Rosh Hayeshiva of Bais Yosef in France, extends this question. We thank Hashem for…

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When your son will ask you tomorrow saying, “What is the meaning of the testimonies, and the statutes, and the ordinances which Hashem, our G-d has commanded you?” (6:20)

Therefore, I am commanding you, saying, open your hand to the needy and poor breathren in your land. (15:11)

See, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse. (11:26)

Yaakov was left alone and a man wrestled with him until the break of dawn. (32:25)

And he (Yaakov) sent Yehudah ahead of him to Yosef, to prepare ahead for him in Goshen. (46:28)

Hashem remembered Sarah as He had said…And she (Sarah) conceived. (21:1,2)

The child grew and was weaned. Avraham made a great feast on the day Yitzchak was weaned. (21:8)

All these are the twelve tribes of Yisrael…He blessed them each according to his special blessing. (49:28)

May the angel who redeems me from all evil bless the lads, and may my name be declared upon them, and the names of my forefathers, Avraham and Yitzchak. (48:16)

He blessed Yosef and he said,…”O G-d who shepherds me from my inception until this day.” (48:15)

YEARS

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