Derech Eretz – Page 48 – Peninim on the Torah

“And Yosef died and all his brothers and all that generation. And the land was filled with them… and there arose a new king who did not know Yosef.” (1:6-8)

The opening pesukim of this parsha deal with the history of the first generation of Bnei Yisrael in the Egyptian exile. They imply that there are three stages in the process of the spiritual decline of Jewish life. First, the entire generation of immigrants dies. The “old school” passes on and disappears. Some children, even if they are not “practicing Jews,” will not exhibit their indifference to Judaism in the presence of their parents out of fear that it would break their hearts. Often children refrain from breaking with their heritage until immediately after their parents’ death. Such behavior illustrates…

Home -> Vayigash -> 5752

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Vayigash

“And He has made me a father to Pharaoh.” (45:8)

Rashi translates the word “ct” as a “friend and patron.” Horav Shimon Schwab Shlita explains that Rashi’s definition opens up a new vista of understanding regarding the ideal relationship between a father and his child. It should be one of friendship and companionship. There should exist an openness in which a child feels secure in confiding in his father. Later, in Sefer Devarim, we learn about the “maysis” (seducer, missionary) who attempts to persuade a fellow Jew to worship idols. The Torah states “if you will be seduced by your friend… who is as dear to you as your life….

Home -> 5752 -> Vayeitzei

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayeitzei, 5752

“And Yaakov’s anger was kindled against Lavan.” – “And Yaakov was angry and he argued with Lavan.” (31:36)

The Chidushei HaRim notes that the traits of anger and indignation are mentioned solely in regard to Yaakov. The Torah does not apply this concept to the other two Patriarchs. He describes Yaakov as the Patriarch who excelled in the attribute of emes (truth), serving as the paradigm of “truth for truth’s sake” – the essence of truth. He was therefore the only one who appropriately exhibited anger and indignation. These are emotions which emanate from a source untainted by any form of self-serving interests. Horav Shimon Schwab Shlita explains that when the deceitful Lavan kissed his children and grandchildren…

Home -> 5752 -> Lech Lecha

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Lech Lecha, 5752

“And that I will not take from all that is yours, lest you say I have enriched Avram.” (14:23)

Although Avram had previously accepted goods from Pharaoh, he refused to accept anything from the evil Sodom. Accepting gifts from the wicked inhibits the recipients from criticizing the giver, and Avram had no intention of ceasing to rebuke Sodom. This thought may be noted from the choice of words in this pasuk. It does not state, “Lest I say … ” which would imply that by accepting these gifts from Sodom, he might forget that all wealth and prosperity comes solely from Hashem. Had this been the reason, he should have similarly refused Pharaoh’s gifts. The pasuk, likewise, does not…

Home -> Bechukosai -> 5755

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5755, Bechukosai

“I broke the staves of your yoke and I led you erect.” (26:13)

The Midrash interprets the word ,uhnnue to mean “upright and erect”, without fear of any man. Horav Tzvi Hirsch Farber, z.l., defines this “posture” as relating to the Jew’s spiritual realm, rather than the physical. Unfortunately, some individuals tend to be apprehensive about public mitzvah observance. Our Jewish pride should not permit us to cast mitzvah performance by the wayside as a result of fear or ridicule. It is self-destructive for an individual to disavow himself from his inherent belief. To deny one’s nobility and genuine religious conviction out of fear of public reaction indicates a low spiritual self-esteem and…

Home -> Behar -> 5755

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5755, Behar

“My Shabbosos you shall observe and My Sanctuary you shall revere.” (26:2)

We may question this seemingly repetitive statement and its juxtaposition to the pasuk dealing with idol worship. Rashi explains that the Torah is adjuring the Jewish slave who is sold to a gentile not to assume that since he is subservient to a gentile, he may engage in whatever heathen practices his master advocates. If this is the case, why does the Torah specifically emphasize Shabbos observance and reverence for the Sanctuary ? In response to these questions, Horav Moshe Feinstein, z.l., offers a novel lesson to be derived from this pasuk. As a result of his servitude to a…

Home -> 5755 -> Kedoshim

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Kedoshim, 5755

“Every man; you shall revere your father and mother, and you shall observe My Shabbosos.” (19:3)

Horav S.R. Hirsch, z.l., asserts that respect for parents and Shabbos observance are two critical factors in preparing one for a life of kedushah, holiness. Parents, as the progenitors of the next generation, serve as the repository of Jewish history and the transmittors of this tradition. In this capacity, they herald Hashem’s wishes and are His representatives here on earth. We are adjured here to fear and revere our parents. To accept parental authority, to revere them obediently, is a critical step in the discipline and temperance one needs in order to attain holiness. Horav Hirsch takes note of the…

Home -> 5755 -> Metzora

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Metzora, 5755

“And there shall be taken for the person being purified two birds.” (14:4)

Horav Moshe Shternbuch, Shlita, observes that there are two types of baalei lashon hara, slanderers. There are those who are blatant, who disparage without shame. Their lack of sensitivity for others is overshadowed only by their own personal lack of self-respect. There is yet another type of baal lashon hara: one who attempts to veil his invidious activities, because he is embarrassed by his reprehensible maligning of others. He seeks to hurt; he has no qualms whatsoever about character assassination, but he doesn’t want to have his own name revealed as the cause of this embarrassment. The Torah addresses itself…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Metzora, 5755

“The Kohen shall command, and there shall be taken for the person being purified two birds … and cedarwood, crimson thread and hyssop.” (14:4)

Atonement for sin requires that the moral flaw which activated the misdeed be purged. One who speaks disparagingly of others is arrogant. A person who puts others down is haughty. The metzora must now humble himself as contrition for his sin. Rashi explains that the three items which the metzora brought allude to the metzora’s resolve to humble himself: Cedarwood which grows tall, imposing and wide, symbolizes arrogance. The wool thread which is dyed with a pigment made from a lowly creature and the hyssop, which is a lowly bush, represents the penitent’s newly found humility. He who used to…

Home -> 5755 -> Shemini

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Shemini, 5755

“Wine and strong drink you shall not drink … when you go into the Ohel Moed.” (10:9)

This halacha similarly applies to any intoxicating drink which the kohen imbibes. The punishment of death is incurred, however, only in the event the kohen drinks an intoxicating quantity, which Chazal have determined is even a reviis of undiluted wine. There is obviously no question of the kohen actually being drunk, since this small amount would not cause intoxication. There is, however, a fear that his mind will not be totally clear and tranquil. To transmit Hashem’s charge, one’s mind must be sharp, his intelligence, clear. Only then can he maintain the proper focus in order to guide and inspire…

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“And Yosef died and all his brothers and all that generation. And the land was filled with them… and there arose a new king who did not know Yosef.” (1:6-8)

“And He has made me a father to Pharaoh.” (45:8)

“And Yaakov’s anger was kindled against Lavan.” – “And Yaakov was angry and he argued with Lavan.” (31:36)

“And that I will not take from all that is yours, lest you say I have enriched Avram.” (14:23)

“I broke the staves of your yoke and I led you erect.” (26:13)

“My Shabbosos you shall observe and My Sanctuary you shall revere.” (26:2)

“Every man; you shall revere your father and mother, and you shall observe My Shabbosos.” (19:3)

“And there shall be taken for the person being purified two birds.” (14:4)

“The Kohen shall command, and there shall be taken for the person being purified two birds … and cedarwood, crimson thread and hyssop.” (14:4)

“Wine and strong drink you shall not drink … when you go into the Ohel Moed.” (10:9)

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