G-d Who – Peninim on the Torah

ויאמר אליו אני ד' אשר הוצאתיך מאור כשדים

And He (Hashem) said to him, “I am G-d Who brought you out of Uhr Kasdim.” (15:7)

The fact that the Torah does not mention the miracle of Avraham Avinu being spared from death in Uhr Kasdim, except in passing, begs elucidation. Hashem just says, “I am G-d Who brought you out of Uhr Kasdim” – nothing at all about saving him from certain death. Apparently, as far as our Patriarch was concerned, Uhr Kasdim was not much of a nisayon, test, for him. Why? Horav Yaakov Moshe Charlop, zl, explains that Avraham Avinu lived his life on the ultimate spiritual plateau of V’chai bahem, “By which he shall live” (Vayikra 18:5). This teaches that one’s entire…

Home -> 5757 -> Yisro

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Yisro, 5757

“I am Hashem your G-d Who has taken you out of the land of Egypt.” (20:2)

The Kuzari explains why Hashem identifies Himself as the one Who took us out of Egypt, rather than as the Creator of the universe. The Exodus was a phenomenon that was clear for all to see. Hundred of thousands of Jews witnessed this unprecedented break with the course of natural events. While everyone was aware that there had been a creation, no man had been present. It, therefore, makes sense to refer to an event that would have greater credibility in the eyes of man. Horav Yaakov Neiman, zl, offers an interesting response to this famous question. He claims that…

Home -> 5774 -> Lech Lecha

ויקרא בשם ד'

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Lech Lecha, 5774

And he invoked Hashem by Name. (12:8)

Much credit is given to Avraham Avinu – and rightfully so. Using his intellectual skills, he was able to determine that there is a G-d Who created and continues to guide the world. He went about sharing his newly-discovered observation with whomever he met. This, of course, ruffled the feathers of those who were entrenched in paganism, especially someone like Nimrod, the king who claimed divinity for himself. Avraham was to be removed. One cannot have a dissenter who disputes and proves that the life he is living is a sham. The Patriarch was to be thrown into a fiery…

Home -> Ha'azinu -> 5762

צור ילדך תשי ותשכח קל מחללך

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5762, Ha'azinu

“You ignored the Rock Who gave birth to you, and forgot G-d Who brought you forth.” (32:18)

Every faculty with which man is endowed can be used positively or negatively. Certainly, Hashem’s desire is that we use these G-d- given faculties for a positive goal. The Kotzker Rebbe, z.l., says that the ability to forget is a perfect example. Shikchah, forgetfulness, is a gift, a vehicle through which we are able to proceed beyond our past troubles. If we do not forget the unpleasant occurrences in our lives, they will gnaw at us, wreaking havoc upon our emotional stability. Regrettably, some of us use this gift to forget Hashem’s beneficence and patience with us. The Dubno Maggid, z.l.,…

Home -> Vayeishev -> 5777

לאיש אשר אלה לו אנכי הרה ותאמר הכר נא למי החתמת והפתילים והמטה האלה.

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5777, Vayeishev

“By the man to whom these belong I am with child.” And she said, “Identify, if you please, whose are this signet, this wrap and this staff.” (38:25)

What is the definition of yiraas Shomayim, fear of Heaven? A G-d-fearing Jew is one who is acutely aware of Hashem’s Presence, who understands that he stands before G-d at all times and that all of his actions and designs are under Heavenly scrutiny. A G-d-fearing person never loses his perspective of Hashem. This may sound like a given, almost a simple understatement, but, if one thinks about it, most of us act as if we do not think Hashem is “looking.” If one were to ask the average person how to develop recognition, a profound realization of Hashem, the…

Home -> Mikeitz -> 5777

וקל שקי יתן לכם רחמים לפני האיש

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5777, Mikeitz

And many Keil Shakkai grant you mercy before the man. (43:14)

The Midrash Tanchuma questions why Yaakov Avinu blessed his sons using the Name Keil Shakkai. They explain that our Patriarch endured much adversity in his life. While yet in the womb, he fought with his twin brother, Eisav. It was not easy growing up with such a brother, having to look over his shoulder constantly to see if Eisav was planning a terror attack against him. Finally, when the opportunity materialized, Yaakov escaped home, only to land in the home of his corrupt uncle, Lavan. After twenty years of swindling and deceit, Yaakov once again escaped. Three days later,…

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ויאמר אליו אני ד' אשר הוצאתיך מאור כשדים

And He (Hashem) said to him, “I am G-d Who brought you out of Uhr Kasdim.” (15:7)

“I am Hashem your G-d Who has taken you out of the land of Egypt.” (20:2)

ויקרא בשם ד'

And he invoked Hashem by Name. (12:8)

צור ילדך תשי ותשכח קל מחללך

“You ignored the Rock Who gave birth to you, and forgot G-d Who brought you forth.” (32:18)

לאיש אשר אלה לו אנכי הרה ותאמר הכר נא למי החתמת והפתילים והמטה האלה.

“By the man to whom these belong I am with child.” And she said, “Identify, if you please, whose are this signet, this wrap and this staff.” (38:25)

וקל שקי יתן לכם רחמים לפני האיש

And many Keil Shakkai grant you mercy before the man. (43:14)

YEARS

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