Derech Eretz – Page 35 – Peninim on the Torah

“A man’s holies shall be his, and what a man shall give to the Kohen shall be his.” (5:10)

Chazal interpret this pasuk to imply that he who gives tzedakah to the poor or gifts to the Kohen or Levi will not sustain any loss as a result. It shall be vhvh uk, it will continue to be his-as Hashem will reward him. Accumulating wealth carries with it enormous responsibility. The first blessing that the Kohanim confer upon Bnei Yisrael is, “Hashem should bless you and guard you.” This blessing grants Klal Yisrael material abundance. Riches and prosperity, however, do not always generate blessing. At times, one needs to be protected from his own possessions, he must be guarded…

Home -> Bamidbar -> 5756

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5756, Bamidbar

“Take a census of the entire assembly of Bnei Yisrael according to their families, according to their father’s household, by number of the names…. from twenty years of age and up, everyone who goes out to the legion in Yisrael.” (1:2,3)

This is the third census within a relatively short period of time. When Bnei Yisrael left Egypt, the Torah (Shemos 12:37) states, “About six hundred thousand men on foot aside from children.” Once again, after the sin of the Golden Calf, Hashem counted them by means of a half shekel to determine how many were left after the sinners had died. The Torah (Shemos 38:26) states, “A half-shekel … for everyone who passed through the census takers, from twenty years of age and up for the six hundred three thousand, five hundred fifty.” As they are now counted once again,…

Home -> 5756 -> Emor

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Emor, 5756

“He shall remain holy to you, for holy am I, who sanctifies you.” (21:8)

The Kohen is to be held in the highest esteem. He is to have the primary role in matters of holiness. What is the significance of emphasizing the Kohen‘s superiority in holiness? Horav Elyakim Schlesinger, Shlita, recounts an incident that occurred with the Chazon Ish, zl, and the Brisker Rav’s, zl, analysis of the episode. It happened that a noted talmid chacham, Torah scholar, became embroiled in a halachic dispute with the Chazon Ish. Upon hearing of this debate, the Brisker Rav commented that the Torah scholar was not really a scholar; rather, he was an am ha’aretz, illiterate. He…

Home -> 5756 -> Shemini

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Shemini, 5756

“A fire came forth from Hashem and consumed them… and Aharon was silent… And your brethren the entire House of Yisrael shall bewail the fire which Hashem burnt.” (10:2,3,6)

The sudden death of such holy people as Aharon Ha’Kohen’s two sons on the most auspicious day after the liberation from Egypt is probably the most tragic scene recorded in the Torah. It is especially important to note Aharon’s reaction to the tragic death of his sons, as well as the manner in which Klal Yisrael was told to mourn the sudden demise of these two righteous people. In telling us that Aharon remained silent, the Torah uses the word oshu rather than ahrjhu which is a more appropriate word for describing silence. The Chofetz Chaim explains that even when…

Home -> 5756 -> Tzav

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5756

“The Kohen shall don his fitted tunic.” (6:3)

Rashi cites the Sifra which states that the word usn is related to vsn, “to measure,” which implies that the shirt must be fitted to the size of each individual Kohen. We may question the Torah’s decision to state the admonition in the chapter which deals with removing the burnt ashes. Why is this issue not addressed earlier, in the chapter concerning Bigdei Kehunah, priestly vestments? Horav Moshe Wolfson, Shlita, offers a thoughtful insight in response to this question. The Terumas Ha’deshen, removal of the ashes, was not an essential service. In effect, the pesoles, the disqualified, unfit part of…

Home -> 5758 -> Vayishlach

Moshe Marcovich In Vayishlach, 5758

And Timna was a concubine to Elifaz, son of Eisav, and she bore Amalek to Elifaz. (36:12)

Rashi cites the Talmud Sanhedrin 99b which explains the Torah’s emphasis on Timna. Avraham Avinu was held in such esteem that people were eager to associate in any way with his descendants. Timna was the daughter of nobility; yet when she came to Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov to convert, she was not accepted. Since she was so anxious to marry a descendent of Avraham, she said to Elifaz, Eisav’s son, “If I may not become your wife, at least let me be your concubine.” This union produced our archenemy–Amalek. The commentators are all troubled by the Patriarchs’ reaction to Timna’s…

Home -> Vayikra -> 5758

Moshe Marcovich In 5758, Vayikra

When a ruler sins…unintentionally, and becomes guilty. (4:22)

Rashi notes that the pasuk which addresses the sin committed by the Nasi/leader of the people begins with the word “asher,” whereas the previous pesukim began with the word “im,” if. He cites the Sifra that says that the word “asher” alludes to “ashrei,” fortunate. This implies that a generation whose leadership is concerned and seeks atonement — even for their unknown sins — is truly fortunate. The Noam Elimelech gives insight into the “good fortune” of the generation whose leader atones for the sins. A distance, an insurmountable breach, exists between the tzaddik, the righteous, pious man, and the…

Home -> Vayigash -> 5758

Moshe Marcovich In 5758, Vayigash

He sent Yehudah ahead of him to Yosef to prepare ahead of him in Goshen. (46:28)

Yaakov sent Yehudah ahead of the family to prepare for their arrival. The Midrash understands the word “l’horos” according to its Hebrew definition, “to teach.” Yaakov sent Yehudah to found a yeshivah, a place where their family could study Torah. We infer from Yaakov’s action that Torah study takes priority over any other endeavor. When a community is being developed, one must first establish a Torah institution, nurturing its inhabitants spiritually. The commentators address the fact that Yehudah, not Yosef, was chosen to establish the yeshivah, even though Yosef was a distinguished talmid chacham, who had already been in…

Home -> Vayigash -> 5758

Moshe Marcovich In 5758, Vayigash

He sent Yehudah ahead of him to Yosef, to prepare ahead of him in Goshen. (46:28)

Rashi interprets the word “l’horos” to mean “to teach.” Yaakov sent Yehudah to prepare a makom Torah, a place for Torah study, to lay the foundation for Torah dissemination in Egypt. The Midrash asserts that Yaakov sent Yehudah because he was on good terms with Yosef. Certainly, Yosef would have done everything within his power to assist any emissary of his father. The Midrash implies, however, that it would have been inappropriate to send Yehudah to establish a yeshivah had his relationship with Yosef not been one of total harmony. This seems difficult to understand. Yehudah was selected because of…

Home -> Vayechi -> 5758

Moshe Marcovich In 5758, Vayechi

Water like impetuosity–you cannot be foremost, because you mounted your father’s bed; then you desecrated Him Who ascended my couch. (49:4)

Reuven’s impetuosity cost him his right to national leadership. We may wonder if Reuven’s action was really that inappropriate. After all, he was demonstrating overwhelming respect to his mother. Indeed, the Torah lists Reuven together with the rest of his brothers. This causes Chazal to comment that Reuven was as righteous as they. He did not sin. He erred and was deserving of a formal reprimand. Why, however, should he have lost the bechorah? Horav Zaidel Epstein, Shlita, makes a compelling statement. Reuven was certainly demonstrating concern for his mother’s feelings, fulfilling the mitzvah of kibud eim, honoring his mother….

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“A man’s holies shall be his, and what a man shall give to the Kohen shall be his.” (5:10)

“Take a census of the entire assembly of Bnei Yisrael according to their families, according to their father’s household, by number of the names…. from twenty years of age and up, everyone who goes out to the legion in Yisrael.” (1:2,3)

“He shall remain holy to you, for holy am I, who sanctifies you.” (21:8)

“A fire came forth from Hashem and consumed them… and Aharon was silent… And your brethren the entire House of Yisrael shall bewail the fire which Hashem burnt.” (10:2,3,6)

“The Kohen shall don his fitted tunic.” (6:3)

And Timna was a concubine to Elifaz, son of Eisav, and she bore Amalek to Elifaz. (36:12)

When a ruler sins…unintentionally, and becomes guilty. (4:22)

He sent Yehudah ahead of him to Yosef to prepare ahead of him in Goshen. (46:28)

He sent Yehudah ahead of him to Yosef, to prepare ahead of him in Goshen. (46:28)

Water like impetuosity–you cannot be foremost, because you mounted your father’s bed; then you desecrated Him Who ascended my couch. (49:4)

YEARS

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