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Home -> Behar -> 5774

וכי ימוך אחיך ומטה ידו עמך והחזקת בו

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In 5774, Behar

If your brother becomes impoverished, and his means falter in your proximity, you shall strengthen him. (25:35)

Rashi explains vehechezakta bo, “you shall strengthen him,” to mean that, if one sees a decline in his fellow’s business, if he sees that the money does not flow in his home as it once used to, he should step in and slow the descent, helping him to regain his financial footing. It is that much more difficult once the fall has gone too far. Rashi compares this to a donkey who is struggling with a heavy load. As long as the donkey is erect, albeit struggling, one person can support him. Once the donkey has fallen to the ground,…

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Home -> Behar -> 5774

וכי ימוך אחיך... והחזקת בו

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In 5774, Behar

If your brother becomes impoverished… you shall strengthen him. (25:35)

It is not always about money. Some of the wealthiest people are depressed, and, conversely, some of the poorest people are filled with joy. A person’s attitude reflects his needs. V’chi yamuch achicha, ‘If your brother becomes impoverished,” is not necessarily about money. He might need a shoulder to cry on; a hand to pat his back; a smile to brighten his day; a compliment to make him feel relevant. Emotional depression is worse than financial woe. People cover up their feelings. They smile, laugh, joke, all while they are crying bitterly from within. A number of years ago, a…

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Home -> 5774 -> Balak

וישלח מלאכים אל בלעם בן בעור פתורה

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Balak, 5774

He sent messengers to Bilaam ben Beor to Pesor. (22:5)

The Mishnah in Pirkei Avos (5:22) distinguishes between the talmidim, disciples, of Bilaam ha’rasha, and those of Avraham Avinu. The three character traits which are the hallmarks of Avraham’s students are: ayin tovah, a good eye, ruach nemuchah, lowly, humble spirit; and nefesh shefalah, a meek soul. Ayin tovah is listed first – and rightfully so – because it plays a leading role in defining one’s character. Rabbeinu Yonah explains ayin tovah as generosity of spirit, a middah of the kindhearted person who goes out of his way to perform good deeds, to shower his benevolence on others. He cites…

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Home -> Vayikra -> 5759

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In 5759, Vayikra

And He (Hashem) called to Moshe. (1:1)

The Midrash notes the fact that Moshe Rabbeinu had as many as ten names, each one characterizing a different one of his traits.  Hashem told him that regardless of his many names, He would refer to him only by the name that Bisya bas Pharaoh had given him – Moshe.  Referring to drawing him  from the water, “ki min hamayim meshisihu,” she called him Moshe, which is related to “meshisihu,” “drew him” (from the water). While this name is important, it only reflects Bisya’s act of saving him, so it should not take precedence over the other names that address…

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Home -> 5759 -> Shemini

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Shemini, 5759

These shall you abominate from among the birds, they may not be eaten – they are an abomination…the chasidah. (11:13,19)

One would think that with a name as impressive as chasidah, a derivative from chesed, kindness, this bird would rate a high standard of kashrus.  Why is it included as a non-kosher fowl?  Commenting on the Talmud Chullin 63a, Rashi attributes the name chasidah to the kindness it displays towards members of its species by sharing food with them.  Yet, its comparison is not recognized .  The Chidushei Ha’Rim explains that it directs its kindness only towards its own species / fellow.  In other words, chesed is not a commodity that we control at our pleasure.  If someone does not…

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Home -> 5759 -> Shemini

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Shemini, 5759

Moshe said to Aharon: Of this did Hashem speak…”I will be sanctified through those who are nearest to Me,thus I will be honored before the entire People.” (10:3)

In this parsha, the Torah recounts the tragic loss of Aharon’s two sons, Nadav and Avihu.  The tragedy in itself is overwhelming; the fact that two such remarkable young men were taken from us under such circumstances makes it even more difficult to accept.  Yet, this is part of the Divine plan.  Who are we to question the Almighty?  Indeed, Chazal state a number of reasons to explain the punitive divine measures against Nadav and Avihu.  They are to be considered spiritually deficient only in the context of their lofty plateau of holiness.  “Bikrovai Ekadesh;” “I will be sanctified through…

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Home -> Shemos -> 5759

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In 5759, Shemos

Hashem said to Aharon, “Go to meet Moshe”…and he went and encountered him at the mountain of G-d, and kissed him. (4:27)

Regarding Aharon’s encounter with Moshe Rabbeinu, the Midrash cites the pasuk in Tehillim 85, “Chesed v’emes nifgashu, tzedek v’shalom nashuku,” “Kindness and truth have met; righteousness and peace have kissed.” Aharon is the symbol of chesed; Moshe represents emes.  In the second part of the pasuk, tzedek is the virtue which characterizes Moshe, while Aharon is defined by  the virtue of shalom.  Horav Elimelech Moller, Shlita, infers from this pasuk that an individual creates his name by  his  actions and deeds. Thus, when Aharon and Moshe met, it was an encounter of emes and chesed – tzedek and shalom.   Moshe…

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Home -> 5759 -> Re'eh

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Re'eh, 5759

Safeguard and hearken to all these words… In order that it will be well with you and your children… When you do what is good and right in the eyes of Hashem, your G-d. (12:28)

Gemillas chesed, performing acts of loving kindness, is unquestionably the most rewarding type of deed one can perform.  They are rewarding in both a material and spiritual sense.  Classic Rabbinic material is replete with references to the merit one engenders for himself when he helps others.  Each different category of chesed is demanding in its own unique manner.  Visiting the sick and infirm means more than getting into a car or sending flowers.  It means empathizing with the sick person, feeling his pain and easing his burden.  Probably the most important message we can convey to a sick individual that…

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Home -> 5759 -> Vayeira

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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Home -> 5759 -> Vayeira

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Vayeira, 5759

And Hashem remembered Avraham; so He sent Lot from amidst the upheaval. (19:29)

The Ran infers from this pasuk that Lot was spared only because of Avraham.  Chazal question what did Lot do that granted him such merit that he was saved from the destruction that befell Sodom.  They respond that when Avraham referred to Sarah as his “sister” in order to protect himself from the Egyptians, Lot did not utter a word in dispute.  Since he was compassionate with Avraham, Hashem took pity and spared him.  The various commentators ask if this was the only merit that Lot possessed.  Surely, he must have performed acts of chesed and good deeds that would…

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