Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum
The Torah relates how G-d created the world in six days. After each part of Creation had been completed the Torah confirms that G-d saw it was good. On the sixth day of Creation, after Man and Woman had been created, G-d saw that everything He created was very good. The purpose of all creation is for the sake of Man. G-d created a perfect world that contained everything necessary for its proper maintenance.
The human being was endowed with free will. This allows him to choose to follow the Creator’s will and thus be deserving of great reward. However, he is also capable of choosing to behave in a way contrary to G-d’s desire, for purposes of self-glorification and pleasure. With the very introduction of the first human beings, the Torah exposes human nature and some its weaknesses.
Adam and Eve were given one mitzvah to observe in the Garden of Eden. They could enjoy the fruits of every tree in the garden except for one, the Tree of Knowledge. Had they kept this one mitzvah, they would have fulfilled their purpose and brought the world and all of its future to eternal bliss.
Yet, they allowed themselves to be enticed by the serpent. The fruit looked delicious and the serpent’s arguments that they would become wiser made sense, and they ate from the forbidden fruit. Man fell to temptation, trading eternity for a moment of fleeting pleasure.
Furthermore, when confronted by G-d as to why they had transgressed their commandment, Adam and Eve both “passed the buck”, with Adam laying the blame on Eve, and Eve laying the blame on the serpent. Rather than appreciating their G-d given gift of free will, Adam and Eve turned it against G-d and complained that they were coerced. The Rabbis see in this denial of guilt an even worse sin than the original disobedience, for until man understands his failings, he cannot begin to rectify them.
Cain and Abel too, the first brothers in the world, were subject to sibling rivalry that had tragic consequences. Abel offered a sacrifice to G-d from his choicest flocks, whereas Cain offered one from his inferior produce. Abel’s sacrifice was accepted and Cain’s was not. Cain was jealous of his brother and murdered him. Instead of choosing to improve his own behavior, he chose to destroy his competition.
These stories portray the negative character and lowliness to which every human being is capable of falling if he fails to develop and elevate his base nature. The seeds of lust for physical pleasure, lack of appreciation, desire for honor, and jealousy are rooted in every person. It is a lifetime of work to uproot these traits and develop the G-d-like qualities that man is also capable of achieving.
G-d said, “Let us make man”... (Gen. 1:26)
The Midrash questions the misleading terminology “Let us,” which implies a multiplicity. Who was helping G-d in the creation of man? It explains that G-d wanted to teach the importance of humility, to confer with others before making important decisions, for even G-d conferred with the angels before creating man.
Rav Ahron Walkin, a leading Torah scholar and author, once received a letter from a twelve-year-old budding scholar disagreeing with a published interpretation of his. Rav Walkin accepted the boy’s critique, and in a subsequent edition he retracted his own interpretation and even apologized for his error. The truth must be accepted from whatever source it may come.
Did You Know...
The Midrash relates how G-d prepared Eve for her wedding, even fixing her hair; escorted both Adam and Eve to their wedding canopy, and rejoiced with the new bride and groom. The Rabbis learn from this the importance of helping the bride and groom rejoice at their wedding. Whether through financial assistance, or through physically dancing and frolicking before the couple, it is considered a great mitzvah.
If it was a first marriage for either the bride or the groom, the festivities continue for a full week. The couple should not return to work until after the week. The bride and groom are accorded honor like a king and queen throughout the week. Neither should be left alone during that time, in the same manner that royalty is always escorted. If ten men are present at their meals, including at least one new face, the wedding blessings are recited at each meal.
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October 28, 2005
October 14, 2005
Parshas Ha'azinu 5766
Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum
This week’s portion is actually written as a poem in the Torah. It is written in two lengthy columns, rather than the usual paragraphs.
Moshe called upon Heaven and Earth to serve as eternal witnesses of the rewards that await those who will observe the Torah and the punishments for those who will not.
Moshe reminded the nation of G-d’s faithfulness and justice, how He had nurtured and protected the nation since its birth. Yet he also reminded them of their own disobedience and corruption. He encouraged them to carefully study their history, and learn from the lessons it could offer them. History tends to repeat itself. Those who fail to learn from the lessons of the past are often forced to repeat those lessons.
The people were also encouraged to seek and heed the advice of the elders. Aside from their scholarship, the elders also have the advantage of experience and hindsight. This, too, is the reason the Torah places such an emphasis on giving the proper respect to the elderly.
The poem also describes the cycle of Jewish history, both past and present. It tells of how the nation will conquer and then inhabit the Land, enjoying its great bounty. However, this indulgence can, and will, lead them astray from following G-d and His commandments, thereby incurring G-d’s wrath. G-d will bring punishments upon the Jewish nation, and they will fall into the hands of the other nations. The other nations, however, will sin even worse. Eventually G-d will bring the Great Redemption, and the glory of the Jewish people will be restored.
Ramban sees in this poem a complete foretelling of Jewish history throughout time, ending in the future redemption. It is the guarantee of Jewish survival, despite their many sins and punishments. The Ramban is reported to have said that every individual’s personal destiny is also alluded to in the poem.
Moshe reminded the people of how G-d had discovered the Jewish people in the wilderness, and encircled them to protect them. The Midrash sees this as a reference to the Clouds of Glory that surrounded the people as they traveled through the desert, protecting them from the elements and dangers.
You should take on the first day a beautiful fruit… (Lev. 23:40)
Rav Mordechai of Neshchiz was extremely poor; but he would put aside a little money each week to be able to buy a beautiful esrog for Succos. Once, on the way to make his purchase, he met a man crying bitterly. The man explained that he was a driver and his horse had died. He couldn’t afford to buy a horse and he didn’t know how he would support his family.
Rav Mordechai immediately gave the man all the money he had saved. Then he turned to the heavens and said, “There are different ways of beautifying a mitzvah. Whereas other people will recite a blessing on a beautiful esrog, my esrog will be beautified by a horse!”
Did You Know...
One must review the Torah portion twice each week, and the Targum Onkelos (the Aramaic commentary) once. Some say that Rashi’s commentary may be learned instead of Targum. Preferably it should be completed before the Shabbos day meal, or at least before Shabbos Mincha. If one was unable to complete the portion before then, it may be completed anytime before Simchas Torah. One should not begin reviewing the portion before it is first read the previous Shabbos at Mincha.
There are different customs regarding the manner of the review. Some complete the portion once, then a second time, and then review the Targum. Others review each passage twice with the Targum, while others review each paragraph twice followed by the Targum.
This week’s portion is actually written as a poem in the Torah. It is written in two lengthy columns, rather than the usual paragraphs.
Moshe called upon Heaven and Earth to serve as eternal witnesses of the rewards that await those who will observe the Torah and the punishments for those who will not.
Moshe reminded the nation of G-d’s faithfulness and justice, how He had nurtured and protected the nation since its birth. Yet he also reminded them of their own disobedience and corruption. He encouraged them to carefully study their history, and learn from the lessons it could offer them. History tends to repeat itself. Those who fail to learn from the lessons of the past are often forced to repeat those lessons.
The people were also encouraged to seek and heed the advice of the elders. Aside from their scholarship, the elders also have the advantage of experience and hindsight. This, too, is the reason the Torah places such an emphasis on giving the proper respect to the elderly.
The poem also describes the cycle of Jewish history, both past and present. It tells of how the nation will conquer and then inhabit the Land, enjoying its great bounty. However, this indulgence can, and will, lead them astray from following G-d and His commandments, thereby incurring G-d’s wrath. G-d will bring punishments upon the Jewish nation, and they will fall into the hands of the other nations. The other nations, however, will sin even worse. Eventually G-d will bring the Great Redemption, and the glory of the Jewish people will be restored.
Ramban sees in this poem a complete foretelling of Jewish history throughout time, ending in the future redemption. It is the guarantee of Jewish survival, despite their many sins and punishments. The Ramban is reported to have said that every individual’s personal destiny is also alluded to in the poem.
Moshe reminded the people of how G-d had discovered the Jewish people in the wilderness, and encircled them to protect them. The Midrash sees this as a reference to the Clouds of Glory that surrounded the people as they traveled through the desert, protecting them from the elements and dangers.
You should take on the first day a beautiful fruit… (Lev. 23:40)
Rav Mordechai of Neshchiz was extremely poor; but he would put aside a little money each week to be able to buy a beautiful esrog for Succos. Once, on the way to make his purchase, he met a man crying bitterly. The man explained that he was a driver and his horse had died. He couldn’t afford to buy a horse and he didn’t know how he would support his family.
Rav Mordechai immediately gave the man all the money he had saved. Then he turned to the heavens and said, “There are different ways of beautifying a mitzvah. Whereas other people will recite a blessing on a beautiful esrog, my esrog will be beautified by a horse!”
Did You Know...
One must review the Torah portion twice each week, and the Targum Onkelos (the Aramaic commentary) once. Some say that Rashi’s commentary may be learned instead of Targum. Preferably it should be completed before the Shabbos day meal, or at least before Shabbos Mincha. If one was unable to complete the portion before then, it may be completed anytime before Simchas Torah. One should not begin reviewing the portion before it is first read the previous Shabbos at Mincha.
There are different customs regarding the manner of the review. Some complete the portion once, then a second time, and then review the Targum. Others review each passage twice with the Targum, while others review each paragraph twice followed by the Targum.
October 12, 2005
The GPS and Yom Kippur
A Yom Kippur message from Rabbi Nisenbaum. (Read it here)
It is important for us to forgive others if we expect G-d to forgive us for our misdeeds. Nonetheless, the recital of this prayer does not exonerate the perpetrator from asking for forgiveness. It is a requirement to ask for forgiveness, even if one knows that he will be forgiven. Once a person has asked for forgiveness three different times, he need not ask any more. If the victim was a Torah scholar, however, he must ask until he gains forgiveness.
Did You Know...
It is customary to recite the Tefilla Zaka before the Kol Nidrei prayer. Aside from accepting the prohibitions of the day, in the Tefilla Zaka we also express our forgiveness to anyone who hurt us in the past year (unless they hurt us maliciously, with the intent that we would forgive them).It is important for us to forgive others if we expect G-d to forgive us for our misdeeds. Nonetheless, the recital of this prayer does not exonerate the perpetrator from asking for forgiveness. It is a requirement to ask for forgiveness, even if one knows that he will be forgiven. Once a person has asked for forgiveness three different times, he need not ask any more. If the victim was a Torah scholar, however, he must ask until he gains forgiveness.
October 6, 2005
Parshas Vayelech 5766
Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum
Moshe presented the nation with his final words of farewell and encouragement on the last day of his life. He told them that although he was not able to lead them into the Promised Land himself, he had appointed a capable successor in Joshua. He promised them that they had nothing to fear, and they would yet enter the Land.
He also instructed the people in the last two of the 613 mitzvos. The purpose of both these mitzvos was to help them maintain their commitment and connection with G-d and His Torah.
The first mitzvah was Hakhel, where the entire nation was required to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem every seven years. The king would read from the Torah on a specially constructed podium. For the men and women this would prove to be a most inspiring experience, both intellectually and emotionally. However, the mere opportunity to see millions of Jews in the Temple at one time, studying Torah, was so great that even the tiny infants had to be brought in order that the image be seared in their subconscious mind. The experience would serve as a boost for the nation that would last for the next seven years.
The last mitzvah in the Torah was for each individual to write his own Torah scroll, or at least to have one written for him. This Torah scroll would serve as a reminder for each individual of the eternal covenant G-d made with the people. Although the time would come that the people would forsake the Torah and fall prey to the surrounding cultures, the Torah scroll would provide a constant reminder of an unchanging standard in a world in flux. The nation’s responsibilities to G-d, and the standard to which they are to aspire, remain the same as when they were first given at Sinai. The Torah will never be forgotten, and ultimately the people will yet return to G-d and the Torah.
This message is also alluded to in the special Haftara for Shabbos Shuva, the Shabbos between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. The prophet Hosea encourages the people to repent from their evil ways. Essentially, the sin is not an intrinsic part of one’s personality; thus it can be removed and atoned for. The potential for sincere Teshuva always remains, and G-d is always willing to accept it and forgive.
"For the sin we have transgressed before You..." (liturgy)
Rav Yisrael Salanter visited Berlin for Yom Kippur with his student, Rav Lazer Shulvitz. They prayed in a large, crowded, synagogue, where the doors were left open the entire day to allow the fresh air to circulate. During the services, Rav Lazer had to leave for a few minutes. When he returned, the congregation had begun the Amidah (the silent prayer recited standing). Not wanting to push others to get to his place, Rav Lazer began to pray in the doorway.
Suddenly he heard Rav Yisrael whispering in his ear, “Thief! How do you expect your prayers to be answered on this holiest day, when you are robbing the congregation of the fresh air? The doors were left open to let in the air and by standing in the doorway you are blocking the air!” This was Rav Yisrael Salanter’s concern on Yom Kippur.
Did You Know...
During Succos, the Four Species are taken and waved each day besides Shabbos. An esrog (citron fruit) is taken, as well as a bundle comprised of a date palm, three myrtle branches, and two willow branches.
Preferably, the mitzvah should be performed first thing in the morning, though the species may not be taken before sunrise. Some people perform this mitzvah in the succah, while others wait to fulfill the mitzvah in the synagogue, during the prayers.
Although women are not obligated in the mitzvah, they are encouraged to perform it.
On the first day of Succos, and the first two days outside of Israel, one must own the species in order to perform the mitzvah. However, one can give them to a friend as a gift in order for him to fulfill the mitzvah, and they can they be returned, again, as a gift.
Moshe presented the nation with his final words of farewell and encouragement on the last day of his life. He told them that although he was not able to lead them into the Promised Land himself, he had appointed a capable successor in Joshua. He promised them that they had nothing to fear, and they would yet enter the Land.
He also instructed the people in the last two of the 613 mitzvos. The purpose of both these mitzvos was to help them maintain their commitment and connection with G-d and His Torah.
The first mitzvah was Hakhel, where the entire nation was required to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem every seven years. The king would read from the Torah on a specially constructed podium. For the men and women this would prove to be a most inspiring experience, both intellectually and emotionally. However, the mere opportunity to see millions of Jews in the Temple at one time, studying Torah, was so great that even the tiny infants had to be brought in order that the image be seared in their subconscious mind. The experience would serve as a boost for the nation that would last for the next seven years.
The last mitzvah in the Torah was for each individual to write his own Torah scroll, or at least to have one written for him. This Torah scroll would serve as a reminder for each individual of the eternal covenant G-d made with the people. Although the time would come that the people would forsake the Torah and fall prey to the surrounding cultures, the Torah scroll would provide a constant reminder of an unchanging standard in a world in flux. The nation’s responsibilities to G-d, and the standard to which they are to aspire, remain the same as when they were first given at Sinai. The Torah will never be forgotten, and ultimately the people will yet return to G-d and the Torah.
This message is also alluded to in the special Haftara for Shabbos Shuva, the Shabbos between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. The prophet Hosea encourages the people to repent from their evil ways. Essentially, the sin is not an intrinsic part of one’s personality; thus it can be removed and atoned for. The potential for sincere Teshuva always remains, and G-d is always willing to accept it and forgive.
"For the sin we have transgressed before You..." (liturgy)
Rav Yisrael Salanter visited Berlin for Yom Kippur with his student, Rav Lazer Shulvitz. They prayed in a large, crowded, synagogue, where the doors were left open the entire day to allow the fresh air to circulate. During the services, Rav Lazer had to leave for a few minutes. When he returned, the congregation had begun the Amidah (the silent prayer recited standing). Not wanting to push others to get to his place, Rav Lazer began to pray in the doorway.
Suddenly he heard Rav Yisrael whispering in his ear, “Thief! How do you expect your prayers to be answered on this holiest day, when you are robbing the congregation of the fresh air? The doors were left open to let in the air and by standing in the doorway you are blocking the air!” This was Rav Yisrael Salanter’s concern on Yom Kippur.
Did You Know...
During Succos, the Four Species are taken and waved each day besides Shabbos. An esrog (citron fruit) is taken, as well as a bundle comprised of a date palm, three myrtle branches, and two willow branches.
Preferably, the mitzvah should be performed first thing in the morning, though the species may not be taken before sunrise. Some people perform this mitzvah in the succah, while others wait to fulfill the mitzvah in the synagogue, during the prayers.
Although women are not obligated in the mitzvah, they are encouraged to perform it.
On the first day of Succos, and the first two days outside of Israel, one must own the species in order to perform the mitzvah. However, one can give them to a friend as a gift in order for him to fulfill the mitzvah, and they can they be returned, again, as a gift.
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