Bracha – Page 56 – Peninim on the Torah

“And he blessed them that day saying with you Israel will bless its children, saying “Hashem should make you like Ephraim and Menashe.” (48:20)

The verse begins with the plural “ofrchu” (and he blessed them) and ends with the singular “lc” (with you). Perhaps it may be suggested that Yaakov is referring to Yosef’s dedication to properly educating his sons in a land foreign and adverse to Torah and its heritage. Yosef’s two sons were born and raised in a land which was diametrically opposed to Yaakov’s principles. Although there were daily temptations and attractions to seduce them away from the faith of their ancestors, they remained steadfast in their commitment to their faith. On the contrary, they were willing to reject their noble …

Home -> 5751 -> Vayeitzei

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayeitzei, 5751

“And of all that you will give me I will give a tenth of it to you.” (28:22)

Yaakov vows that from everything that he will receive from Hashem, he will give one tenth to charity. It may be noted from this verse that the mitzvah of charity does not apply only to monetary matters, but the mitzvah applies to anything one receives as Hashem’s gift. If one is blessed with wisdom and knowledge, it is imperative for him to share this gift with others who are not as fortunate as he. Rabbi Shimon Shkopf Zt”l remarked that just like one who is generous with his money merits that his possessions will increase, so too, if one is…

Home -> 5751 -> Vaeira

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vaeira, 5751

“How can I expect Pharaoh to listen to me, I have a speech defect.” (6:12)

Moshe was blessed with all the attributes of perfection and purity. He was the paragon of excellence, so that the Jewish people would believe that his superiority was truly a divine gift. Why then was he lacking in his power of speech? Should not this attribute have been included among his special divine gifts? This was also Hashem‘s intention, lest others say that the Jewish people were inspired by Moshe’s rhetoric and style, and moved by his eloquence, rather than by the content of his message. Often, people are emotionally stimulated by rhetoric that covers subtle dishonesties disseminated by…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5751, Shemos

And a man of the house of Levi went and took the daughter of Levi.” (2:1)

This posuk refers to the marriage of Moshe‘s parents, Amram and Yocheved. Why doesn’t the Torah mention their names. It isn’t until later that their names are revealed. What do we learn from this omission? Often, when parents are blessed with a very bright child who possesses very special qualities and capabilities, they immediately take credit for everything this child accomplishes. This is wrong, for we can not be sure how a child will mature. In Pirkei Avos it is stated, “Do not trust yourself until the day of death” (2:5). This is especially true if a person lives in…

Home -> Pekudei -> 5751

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5751, Pekudei

“And Betzalel, the son of Uri, the son of Chur, of the tribe of Yehuda,had made all that Hashem had commanded Moshe. (38:22)

The Midrash explains the Torah‘s reason for citing Betzalel’s grandfather, Chur, when enumerating his lineage. Chur was slain during the incident involving the Golden Calf as a result of his opposition the Calf. The construction of the Mishkan through Chur’s grandson atoned for the guilt of Chur’s death. Betzalel was the recipient of many wonderful family qualities. He was also the great-grandson of Moshe’s sister, Miriam. As a reward for her fear of Hashem which prompted her to disobey Pharoah’s order to murder the Jewish babies, she was blessed with a descendant who knew how and was worthy of building…

Home -> Behar -> 5751

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5751, Behar

“And if your brother becomes poor and his hand becomes shaky next to you then you shall support him.” (25:35)

There are individuals who by their very nature are worriers. Although blessed with great wealth and capital on which they and their families could live very comfortably, they do not cease to worry and toil to amass an even greater fortune. These individuals are often troubled and anxious about the future. In contrast to these individuals, are those who are usually happy and content, comforted by their trust and reliance in Hashem as their source of sustenance and fulfillment. It is an interesting phenomenon that when these individuals are approached to participate in a charitable endeavor, their responses are often…

Home -> 5751 -> Acharei Mos

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Acharei Mos, 5751

“And you shall not give any of your seed, to set them apart to the Molech. And you shall not profane the name of your G-d.” (18:21)

The Ramban is of the opinion that the depravity of worshipping this idol was so great, that people would actually pass their child through the fires of the Molech, until the child died. Accordingly, the meaning of Chilul Hashem may be understood. What greater desecration of Hashem’s Name is there than by one who believes that by offering his child as a sacrifice to an idol, his house will be blessed by this same idol! The Sforno suggests an even stronger understanding of Chilul Hashem. He says that when one offers animals to Hashem, but then offers his child to…

Home -> 5751 -> Pinchas

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Pinchas, 5751

“Behold I give unto him my covenant of peace. And it shall be unto him and to his children after him.” (25:12-13)

Pinchas’ zealous act averted the destruction of Klal Yisroel and restored Hashem’s Honor and Glory. His achievement exemplifies the deep devotion one should have towards Hashem, and the powerful results which even one individual who acts for the sake of Heaven can effect. Zealousness, a very noble and lofty trait, can become ignominious and reprehensible when its motives and goals are not proper and dignified, Hashem Himself attests to Pinchas’ pure intentions and rewards him everlasting and eternal reward for his actions. Pinchas’ actions, despite the possibility of their being viewed by some as an act of violence and hostility,…

Home -> 5751 -> Korach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5751

“And the gift which you set apart shall be reckoned unto you as though it were the corn of the threshing floor.” (18:27)

The Torah enjoins the Levi that when he receives his due (tithe) from the Yisroel, he himself is then obliged to give a tithe to the Kohain. This halacha requires clarification, since according to Torah law one is obliged to tithe only produce which is gathered from one’s own field, not that which he purchases or receives as a gift. Why then are the Leviim required to give maaser to the Kohein from the gifts of maaser which they themselves receive? If we study the words of the posuk, we will see that the Levi should not view the maaser…

Home -> 5751 -> Naso

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Naso, 5751

“But if the woman had not forfeited her purity and is pure. Then she shall be cleaned and shall conceive a child.” (5:28)

The Talmud in Berachos (31b) quotes in the name of Rabbi Yishmael that if this woman was previously childless, she would now have a child. Rabbi Akiva disagrees and says that if she had difficult births she would now bear children with ease. In any event, the blameless sotah merited various blessings. Why is this? Should a woman who was so close to promiscuity that her husband had warned her not to be secluded with an individual man, be so rewarded? Although she did not reach the epitome of sin, she nevertheless does not represent one who rightfully deserves blessing!…

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“And he blessed them that day saying with you Israel will bless its children, saying “Hashem should make you like Ephraim and Menashe.” (48:20)

“And of all that you will give me I will give a tenth of it to you.” (28:22)

“How can I expect Pharaoh to listen to me, I have a speech defect.” (6:12)

And a man of the house of Levi went and took the daughter of Levi.” (2:1)

“And Betzalel, the son of Uri, the son of Chur, of the tribe of Yehuda,had made all that Hashem had commanded Moshe. (38:22)

“And if your brother becomes poor and his hand becomes shaky next to you then you shall support him.” (25:35)

“And you shall not give any of your seed, to set them apart to the Molech. And you shall not profane the name of your G-d.” (18:21)

“Behold I give unto him my covenant of peace. And it shall be unto him and to his children after him.” (25:12-13)

“And the gift which you set apart shall be reckoned unto you as though it were the corn of the threshing floor.” (18:27)

“But if the woman had not forfeited her purity and is pure. Then she shall be cleaned and shall conceive a child.” (5:28)

YEARS

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