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Home -> 5762 -> Beha'alosecha

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Beha'alosecha, 5762

“He named that place Kivros-Hataavah (the graves of lust) because there they buried the people who had been craving.” (11:34)

Immediately after the people were punished for their needless complaining, they started right up again with a new set of complaints and  accusations.  This  time  they  slandered  the  manna,  which  they received daily from Hashem. They claimed they wanted meat – although there was no shortage of meat. They talked about how wonderful Egypt was – in comparison to their misery in the desert. After all was said and done, it amounted to nothing more than an uncontrolled craving. They were overpowered by their yetzer hara, evil inclination. The middah of taavah, craving/lusting for something, can overwhelm a person, so that he…

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Home -> 5762 -> Naso

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Naso, 5762

“On the second day Nesanel ben Tzuar, the prince of Yissachar, offered.” (7:18)

Although each Nasi, prince, brought the same sacrifice, the Torah seeks to emphasize the importance of the independent declaration of each individual Nasi. Horav Yechezkel Levenstein, z.l., infers from here the uniqueness of every individual and our responsibility to respect each and every Jew – regardless of his background or position. He cites the Rambam, who posits that to include all of the Nesiim under one blanket grouping would be to diminish the individual honor each one deserved. The Torah is very careful to show respect to every one of Hashem’s creations – even inanimate ones. Regrettably, we think that respect…

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Home -> Bechukosai -> 5762

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In 5762, Bechukosai

“I will provide peace in the land.” (26:6)

Rashi cites the Sifra, which suggests that the positioning of the blessing of peace climaxes the precious blessings of material abundance. The Torah teaches us that peace is equivalent to all the other blessings combined. What a wonderful blessing – peace among people. Imagine a community with no strife, no controversy. Indeed, when people are embroiled in dispute, they have no time or energy to enjoy the fruits of their success. They are too busy fighting. How is peaceful co-existence achieved? Commenting on the pasuk, Ibn Ezra explains, shalom beineichem, “peace among you.” Usually, we translate beineichem as “among you.” Perhaps,…

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Home -> Bechukosai -> 5762

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In 5762, Bechukosai

“If you will follow My decrees.” (26:3)

Rashi understands the concept of following Hashem’s decrees as engaging in intensive Torah study. Ameilus, toil, in Torah is a critical aspect of Torah study. The Taz in Orach Chaim 47 writes, “The Torah is retained only by he that toils in it diligently and with great intensity. Those who study Torah casually – amid comfort and without toil – will not retain it.” The study of Torah is unlike any other scholarly pursuit. For a Jew, it is his lifeblood and must be viewed as such. Horav Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler, z.l., explains that one who toils in an endeavor or…

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Home -> 5762 -> Emor

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Emor, 5762

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

The sanctification of Hashem’s Name is a Jew’s primary privilege and responsibility. This obligation is all encompassing. To desecrate Hashem’s Name is a transgression of epic proportion. It is a sin that, regrettably, can occur with very little “effort” on our part.  Indeed, if one sins merely because Hashem’s will has very little bearing on his actions, then he has desecrated Hashem’s Name. If this is done in public, in the presence of ten Jews, the sin is magnified. The fundamental principles are one’s fear of Hashem and his respect for the Divine word. Sefer Yereim says that chillul Hashem is…

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Home -> 5762 -> Emor

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Emor, 5762

“You shall sanctify him, for he offers the food of your G-d.” (21:8)

Simply, the pasuk is teaching us to treat the Kohanim with the esteem befitting the Almighty’s Divine servants whose function it is to offer Hashem’s sacrifices. The Kesav Sofer takes a penetrating look into the meaning of this pasuk. If we look at the status of the Kohen, we note a paradox. On the one hand, he is the spiritual elite of the Jewish People. He has been selected to stand in Divine service before Hashem and also to act as a spiritual mentor of Klal Yisrael. On the other hand, the Torah gives him no way to sustain himself. He…

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Home -> 5762 -> Acharei Mos

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Acharei Mos, 5762

“Let not the Land disgorge you for having contaminated it.” (18:28)

Eretz Yisrael will tolerate us as long as we act appropriately, as  befits a land that is pure and holy. The Maggid m’Dubno offers a valuable  analogy  that  sheds  light  on  the  reason  Klal  Yisrael is compelled to go into exile. A wealthy man exemplified the middah, character trait, of hachnosas orchim, welcoming wayfarers and providing for their immediate needs. His home was a veritable restaurant that fed anyone in  need – from the abject poor to the business traveler who needed a home-cooked meal and a bed. Acutely aware of the varied backgrounds of his guests, he divided his dining…

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Home -> 5762 -> Metzora

זאת תהיה תורת המצרע ביום טהרתו

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Metzora, 5762

“This shall be the law of the metzora on the day of his purification.” (14:2)

One who is determined to correct the sin of lashon hara is confronted with two paradoxical issues. On the one hand, Chazal teach us that the Torah goes out of its way not to reveal any failing whatsoever, even in regard to an inanimate object. The Midrash teaches us that Hashem did not reveal the specie of the Eitz HaDaas, Tree of Knowledge, because an aveirah, sin, was actualized through it. We see this idea in regard to an animal with whom a woman had an immoral  relationship: it is killed. While we understand that the woman should be put to…

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Home -> 5762 -> Tazria

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Tazria, 5762

“If a tzaraas affliction will be in a person.” (13:9)

The laws of tzaraas, a spiritual malady which manifests itself in a physical illness which mimics leprosy, is the result of “speech problems.”  People  who  do  not  use  their  God-given  tongues appropriately, such that they disparage and slander, are visited with tzaraas. Volumes have been written addressing the sin of lashon hara, evil speech. What about lashon tov, good speech, positive speech, words that heal and soothe? The power of speech is a special gift that we must learn to appreciate. A good word can lift a spirit and save a life. How often do we regret not saying the right…

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Home -> Vayakhel -> 5762

כל נדיב לבו יביאה

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In 5762, Vayakhel

“Everyone whose heart motivates him shall bring it.” (35:5)

Sincerity is the key word when it comes to contributing to a Torah cause. The amount that one gives is not important. Rather, it is the manner   in   which   one   gives:   with   what   attitude,   with  what sensitivity, with what feeling. Hashem does not need our contributions. What is important to Him is the contributor’s inner desire to elevate and coalesce himself with the Almighty. There are people with small hearts who give big checks. The manner in which – and to whom – they give attests to this. There are also those whose checks are much less significant, but they manage…

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