Emes – Page 77 – Peninim on the Torah

ואתכם יהיו איש איש למטה איש ראש לבית אבתיו הוא

And with you shall be one man from each tribe; a man who is a leader of his father’s household. (1:4)

The Kli Yakar sees a redundancy in this pasuk: “One man from each tribe; a leader of his father’s household.” Being the appointed one of each tribe is quite a distinctive position. Why is it necessary to add that he be a leader of his father’s household? In his Toras Chaim, Horav Chaim Toyto, Shlita, explains this in his inimitable manner – with two stories. It is related that when the venerable Kotzker Rebbe, Horav Menachem Mendel, zl, was a young boy, a fire broke out in his hometown. In those days, houses were made of wood; thus, they were…

Home -> Ha'azinu -> 5753

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5753, Ha'azinu

“A G-d of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and right is He.” (32:4)

One does not need to possess an astute mind in order to comprehend that Hashem is the Creator. As Horav Y. Neiman, z.l., notes, simple prudent logic dictates that one believe in Hashem. The ultimate test of emunah, faith, however, is when one notices occurrences which contradict human logic and thought patterns. The challenge to accept Heavenly decrees which seem harsh and perplexing is the ultimate test of human faith. At such a time, the individual must trust in Hashem with a profound belief that man cannot possibly begin to understand his Creator. The pasuk alludes to this. Man should…

Home -> 5753 -> Nitzavim

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Nitzavim, 5753

“Assemble the people, the men, and the women, and the little ones.” (31:12)

Rashi explains that, although the little children were clearly not capable of comprehending the experience, they accompanied the adults. Thus, those who brought them would be rewarded. In truth, the children that came along probably disrupted the adults to the point that they could not listen as intently as they would have desired. We may, therefore, wonder at the Torah’s insistence that the children be present. Would it not have been preferable for the children to remain at home, in order to enable the adults to properly concentrate on their avodas Hashem, service to Hashem? Horav N. Adler, z.l., suggests…

Home -> 5753 -> Ki Savo

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Ki Savo, 5753

“Cursed (be he) that confirms not the words of this Torah to do them.” (27:26)

As translated above, this pasuk is ambiguous. How does one “confirm” the words of the Torah? The Ramban offers various interpretations of the word oheh from which we may derive important lessons. First, the Ramban states that the word “yakim” means to “uphold and accept” the validity of the Torah in all generations. Consequently, the curse applies to anyone who denies the relevance of any part of the Torah. Accordingly, it is our obligation to impress upon all Jews the Torah’s relevance as a living source of guidance for modern society. Second, the Ramban cites the Yerushalmi in Sotah 7:4,…

Home -> Masei -> 5753

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5753, Masei

“And they shall be for you cities of refuge . . . so that anyone who inadvertently kills a person shall be able to escape there.” (35:12,15)

One who killed b’shogeg, inadvertently, was to remain in the city of refuge until the death of the Kohen Gadol. Consequently, not all killers received the same punishment. While some had to remain a considerable length of time, some were liberated quickly. Not so with the deliberate killers. Each one received a similar punishment. Why is there such a discrepancy between the punishments of the deliberate and the inadvertent murderer? The Korban Chagigah offers an interesting response, which serves as a lesson in regard to appreciating the apportionment of punishment. In the case of the intentional murderer, it is difficult…

Home -> 5753 -> Chukas

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Chukas, 5753

“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 -> Korach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5753

“And Korach took.” (16:1)

The Targum Onkelos interprets Korach’s “taking” as “and Korach separated (himself).” The Sfas Emes applies this concept in the following manner. In Tana D’vei Eliyahu 25, Chazal teach that one must always strive to attain the standard established by his ancestors. He must always ask himself, “When will my actions reach those of my ancestors?” One who is consistent in this self-expectation demonstrates the motivation which is so essential for continued spiritual development. The Sefas Emes cites R’ Simcha Bunim of Paschischa who states that the behavior of a Jew must be in consonance with that of the Jews throughout…

Home -> 5753 -> Shelach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Shelach, 5753

“Send out men for you that they may scout out the land of Canaan.” (13:2)

Rashi cites the Midrash which questions the juxtaposition of the chapter discussing the spies upon the chapter dealing with Miriam’s speaking lashon hora against Moshe. It states that the Torah sought to emphasize the spies’ iniquity. They saw the punishment meted out to Miriam for slandering Moshe, and they, nonetheless, spoke lashon hora against Eretz Yisrael. They should have heeded the lesson inherent in Miriam’s punishment. Horav Chaim Shmulevitz, z.l., derives from this Chazal that Hashem’s punishment is presented as a corrective measure, rather than punitive. It is Hashem’s way of communicating displeasure with an individual’s deeds and a warning…

Home -> 5753 -> Acharei Mos

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Acharei Mos, 5753

“A sacred linen tunic he shall wear.”

Upon entering the Kodesh Hakadoshim, Holy of Holies, the Kohen Gadol divested himself of his ornate priestly vestments and clothed himself in simple, white linen. In public, the Kohen was responsible to maintain the dignity appropriate to his noble station in life. When he went into the Holy of Holies to confess the sins of Am Yisrael, to entreat Hashem on behalf of His people, he entered dressed as an ordinary Kohen. At the spiritually heightened moment, the most solemn of the year, the most venerated of men became a simple mortal. The facades of dignity and station in life…

Home -> 5753 -> Metzora

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Metzora, 5753

And you shall separate Bnei Yisrael from their contamination. (15:31)

The word o,rzvu, you shall separate, from contamination is derived from the word rzb, crown. The crown distinguishes its wearer from the masses. The Sfas Emes explains, that similarly, Bnei Yisrael distinguish themselves by separating from the moral contaminants which abound. It is the true hallmark of Bnei Yisrael’s majesty that they rise above earthly contamination in order to devote themselves to serving Hashem. Those who dedicate their lives to this endeavor are truly worthy of Hashem’s crown.

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ואתכם יהיו איש איש למטה איש ראש לבית אבתיו הוא

And with you shall be one man from each tribe; a man who is a leader of his father’s household. (1:4)

“A G-d of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and right is He.” (32:4)

“Assemble the people, the men, and the women, and the little ones.” (31:12)

“Cursed (be he) that confirms not the words of this Torah to do them.” (27:26)

“And they shall be for you cities of refuge . . . so that anyone who inadvertently kills a person shall be able to escape there.” (35:12,15)

“And Korach took.” (16:1)

“Send out men for you that they may scout out the land of Canaan.” (13:2)

“A sacred linen tunic he shall wear.”

And you shall separate Bnei Yisrael from their contamination. (15:31)

YEARS

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