Commitment – Page 45 – Peninim on the Torah

“And Yisrael sent messengers to Sichon . . . let me pass through your land we will not turn aside into field or into vineyard, we will not drink of the water of the wells, by the kings highway we will go until we have passed your border.” (21:21,22) – “And Sichon would not permit Yisrael to pass through his border, and Sichon gathered together all his people and went against Yisrael into the wilderness.” (21:23)

In this narrative, the Torah relates how Moshe requested Sichon’s permission for Am Yisrael to pass through his land. He promised Sichon that nothing would be touched and no one would be harmed. Sichon’s response was swift and emphatic. He not only prohibited their entry, but he subsequently waged war against them. This reaction is puzzling! What fear gripped Sichon that caused such terrifying concern, catalyzing his immediate attack on the Jews? They were not his enemies. It was not their desire to ravage his country. They were basically peace loving people who wanted access to their promised land. Horav…

Home -> 5753 -> Chukas

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Chukas, 5753

“And they journeyed from Kadesh, and the Bnei Yisrael came, the whole congregation, to the Har Ha’Har.” (20:22)

Rashi cites a Midrash which is particularly relevant in contemporary times. The pillar of cloud which travelled before Bnei Yisrael leveled out the mountains and flattened the hills which stood in Bnei Yisrael’s path. There remained, however, three mountains which resisted the shattering clouds: Har Sinai was spared, since the Torah would be given on it; Har Nevo was to be Moshe’s burial place; and Har Ha’Har was singled out as Aharon’s burial place. Horav M. Swift, z.l., poignantly expounds on this Midrash. He draws an analogy between the significance represented by the stated purpose of these mountains and important…

Home -> Bechukosai -> 5753

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5753, Bechukosai

“And I have broken the bars of your yoke and made you go upright.” (26:13)

Rashi cites the Midrash which explains this blessing with two words, with vpuez vnuecw “erect stature.” Horav M. Shternbuch, Shlita, expounds on this concept. There are individuals who, although they are observant, tend to deny their compliance with Hashem’s mitzvos. Consequently, they mask their mitzvah performance and attempt to conceal their allegiance to the Torah. These individuals disguise authentic observance with artificial excuses. They are moral cowards who lack the courage of their convictions, demonstrating a lack of pride in their heritage. They are fearful that, due to their commitment to Judaism, they will be viewed as different. This perception…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Emor, 5753

“And you shall not desecrate My holy Name, and I should be sanctified among the Bnei Yisrael.” (22:32)

The pasuk contains the solemn admonition against profaning Hashem’s Name, as well as the positive precept to sanctify His Name. The Torah commands us to sanctify and exalt Hashem’s Name by the very nature of our moral conduct. The passive application of “Kiddush Hashem” through martyrdom is also implied. We are mandated to sanctify His Name through life and through death. This mitzvah is to become an inherent component of our personality. Such supreme dedication to Hashem had been a beacon of inspiration to us throughout the generations. In our own times, during the period of the Holocaust, the spiritual…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Emor, 5753

“And Hashem said to Moshe speak unto the Kohanim, the sons of Aharon, and say unto them, none shall make himself unclean through contact with the dead.” (21:1)

The Kohanim were admonished not to come in contact with the dead, since this would render them unfit to perform the avodah. This rule was relaxed only in a situation which involved close relatives. Chazal explain the redundancy of the word ,rntu rnt by stating that it was a special directive to the Kohanim that the adults must instruct the young. It seems enigmatic that the Torah places emphasis upon teaching the young, while specifically discussing contact with the dead. We suggest that there is a special message to be gleaned from this pasuk. During moments of personal grief one…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5753

“And the Kohen shall put on his fitted linen garment.” (6:3)

Rashi explains that the vestments should fit correctly on the Kohen. If they are either too long or too short, they are inappropriate for ritual purposes. Horav M. Sternbuch, Shlita, suggests that this concept also applies to other areas of spiritual endeavor. The external garment should be suitable and consistent with the stature of its wearer. The Rambam states that those designated elite who dedicate their entire life to Torah study are included as honorary members of the tribe of Levi. Their devoted service to Hashem represents the loftiest pursuit, parallel to the dedication of the Leviim. Therefore, the Torah…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Yisro, 5753

“And Moshe sent away his father-in-law, and he (Yisro) went his way to his own land.” (18:27)

Rashi states that Yisro returned home solely in order to convert the remainder of his family to Judaism. The Maharal interprets the words “And Moshe sent” to imply that Moshe gave his blessings to this return. Horav A.H. Lebovitz, Shlita, poignantly extols the supreme sacrifice that Yisro made by leaving Bnei Yisrael and returning to Midyan. Bnei Yisrael had been privy to a unique miraculous existence. Sustained by manna, protected by the Clouds of Glory and a Pillar of Fire, Bnei Yisrael had experienced the most intense spiritual moments of all time. Under the tutelage of the greatest teacher, Moshe…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Bo, 5753

“And it shall be when Hashem will bring you into the land of the Canaanites as He swore unto you and your fathers, and He shall give it to you.” (13:11)

Rashi explains that Bnei Yisrael should feel that Eretz Yisrael was being given to them anew on that very day, rather than as an inheritance bequeathed to them by their ancestors. This special appreciation of Eretz Yisrael is more than a reflection of our love towards the land. It is also an essential prerequisite for its procurement. As we study Torah daily, we are reaffirming our acceptance of it, and we are obligating ourselves to its mandate. We likewise view Eretz Yisrael as our land. Horav Yerucham Levovitz, z.l., remarks that although Eretz Yisrael was pledged to our ancestors, it…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5751, Vayechi

“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 …

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vaeira, 5751

“And Hashem spoke to Moshe and Aharon and commanded them concerning the Bnei Yisroel.” (6:13)

Rashi explains that Hashem commanded Moshe and Aharon to lead the Bnei Yisroel with gentleness and patience. The Midrash emphasizes the responsibility of a leader in stronger terms: “Hashem said to Moshe and Aharon, my children are stubborn and recalcitrant, they are quick to anger, and they are troublesome. It is under these conditions that you should accept leadership over them, even if they should curse you, even if they should stone you.” This Midrash portrays the image of a Jewish leader. On one hand, a leader must not falter under pressure from the people. Even if they “curse” or…

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Back to Home -> Chukas ->

“And they journeyed from Kadesh, and the Bnei Yisrael came, the whole congregation, to the Har Ha’Har.” (20:22)

“And I have broken the bars of your yoke and made you go upright.” (26:13)

“And you shall not desecrate My holy Name, and I should be sanctified among the Bnei Yisrael.” (22:32)

“And Hashem said to Moshe speak unto the Kohanim, the sons of Aharon, and say unto them, none shall make himself unclean through contact with the dead.” (21:1)

“And the Kohen shall put on his fitted linen garment.” (6:3)

“And Moshe sent away his father-in-law, and he (Yisro) went his way to his own land.” (18:27)

“And it shall be when Hashem will bring you into the land of the Canaanites as He swore unto you and your fathers, and He shall give it to you.” (13:11)

“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 Hashem spoke to Moshe and Aharon and commanded them concerning the Bnei Yisroel.” (6:13)

YEARS

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