Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum
Sacrifices played an important role in the times of the Temple. The act of offering an animal to G-d--whether it entailed burning it completely, or partially burning it and partially eating it—-had a powerful impact on the individual and his development of a personal relationship with G-d. Some of the commentaries explain that when a person would sacrifice an animal as atonement for sin, he would imagine that the animal was being put to death in his stead. This would lead to feelings of remorse, which led to atonement.
Some of the sacrifices were brought to atone for different sins. The guilt offering (asham) atoned for certain sins such as stealing and then swearing falsely. The olah, which was totally burnt on the altar, atoned for the transgression of positive commandments. A person who accidentally transgressed sins carriying the penalty of kares, or spiritual death, brought the sin offering (chattas). The peace offering (shelamim), an optional sacrifice, was brought out of a sense of good will towards G-d. The tamid, a communal sacrifice, was brought twice each day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Other sacrifices such as the holiday sacrifices were brought on specific occasions.
Although the sacrifices were necessary for the atonement of sin, they were by no means central to atonement. We therefore find that even after the Temple was destroyed and sacrifices were no longer brought, atonement could still be achieved through Teshuva (repentance) and prayer, since these also humble a person before G-d. The Talmud says that one’s table also constitutes an altar, and the proper behavior during mealtime and hosting poor guests at one’s meals can serve as atonement.
However, after all the interpretations of sacrifice, Maimonides concludes that the real meaning behind sacrifice remains a chok, a statute beyond human comprehension. Whether the modern mind can appreciate it or not, the sacrificial order is the will of the Creator. For this reason we pray daily for the Messianic Age when the sacrificial order will again be restored as a part of the Temple service.
“…He shall split it with its feathers …and the Kohain will burn it on the Altar…” (Lev. 1:17)
Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein of B’nei Brak once witnessed a man visiting his elderly father. The elderly invalid had an unpleasant odor about him and the son plugged his nose to block the odor. Rav Zilberstein called the son over and chastised him. He cited a Midrash regarding the poor man’s bird offering, that although burning feathers emits a horrible odor, it was nonetheless offered as a “sweet-smelling fragrance to G-d.” This made the poor man feel included in the Temple, although he could not afford a more expensive offering. If the Kohain would cheerfully do his service with such sensitivity to the poor stranger’s feelings, surely a child must show such sensitivity to a parent’s feelings.
Did You Know...
Any vessel that has been used with chametz must be koshered before using it on Pesach. Materials made of metal or stone may be koshered. China, porcelain, and other earthenware may not be koshered. Although the custom is to kosher glassware the rest of the year, most authorities are more stringent for Pesach. The custom is also not to kosher plastic materials, including Teflon. Formica surfaces such as counter tops should be washed and covered before using them for Pesach. Enamel sinks must also be covered, but the custom is to also kasher them by pouring boiling water over the sink, in case part of the covering comes off.
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March 30, 2006
March 23, 2006
Parshas Vayakhel-P'kudei 5766
Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum
Moshe gathered the people to speak to them about the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). He also reiterated the laws of Shabbos to them and explained that although the Mishkan was important, Shabbos was even more important and could not be desecrated even for the purpose of constructing the Mishkan.
He instructed the Jewish people about the different materials and skills that would be needed for building the Mishkan. Although they had not been required to give anything, their response was overwhelming. Men and women quickly brought so much gold and expensive jewelry that there was a surplus of what was needed and Moshe had to stop them from bringing more. Likewise, the people offered their services in assisting in the construction of the Mishkan and its vessels. The enthusiasm was necessary to atone for the misplaced enthusiasm the people had shown when they brought their jewelry at the sin of the Golden Calf.
Betzalel, a grandson of Chur, oversaw the construction of the Mishkan. Chur, the Talmud explains, had stood up against the nation when they had first requested the Golden Calf. He had sharply rebuked them for failing to show the proper faith in Moshe and G-d. At the height of the rebellion the people murdered him. It was therefore quite appropriate that the construction of the Mishkan, which would atone for the Golden Calf, should take place under Chur’s grandson’s direction.
After the Mishkan was completed, Moshe was told to inaugurate the dedication. This was a seven-day ceremony in which Moshe would erect the Mishkan, perform the service, and then dismantle it each day. On the eighth day, the first day of Nissan, the Mishkan was erected permanently and Aharon would take over as the Kohen Gadol (High Priest).
The Rabbis relate that Moshe was unable to erect the heavy walls by himself. He asked G-d how it was possible to ask something of him that was physically impossible. G-d told Moshe that He only wanted him to put forth his best effort and that the Mishkan would then erect itself. This is alluded to in the passage that relates that “the Mishkan was erected” (Exod. 40:17)--not that Moshe erected it.
The implicit message in this is that G-d only expects man to put forth his best effort in trying to create a bastion of holiness for G-d’s Presence to reside. Once he tries his hardest, however, G-d Himself will complete the task for him.
“Everyone whose heart motivates him shall bring a gift for G-d.. .” (Ex. 35:5)
The commentators explain that the people’s intentions had to be sincere to take part in the Tabernacle’s construction. After a pogrom in Brisk where many people were killed, a rescue committee was formed, boasting many prominent individuals. A woman whose husband had been killed applied for assistance, but received no response. She appealed to the Rav to intervene.
He met with the committee and said to them, “Why is it that after such an incident such a committee is organized, while thousands of poor people in Poland and Russia have been long suffering? The answer is that the committee’s intent is not so much to assist the needy as it is to fight anti-Semitism by showing that Jews will not allow themselves to be driven out. That might be acceptable, but the sincere desire to help is missing. This widow did not receive help because the intentions were misguided.”
Did You Know...
When one sees a fruit tree in blossom, a special blessing is recited thanking G-d for creating the beautiful trees for man to enjoy. The blessing is usually recited in Nissan, but may be recited afterwards. It is only recited once a year, even if one sees several trees blossoming.
If the tree will not bear fruit, no blessing is recited. If one only sees leaves, or if the fruit has already begun to grow, no blessing is recited.
If one did not recite the blessing the first time he saw the blossoms, he may still recite it as long as the fruit has not yet grown.
Moshe gathered the people to speak to them about the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). He also reiterated the laws of Shabbos to them and explained that although the Mishkan was important, Shabbos was even more important and could not be desecrated even for the purpose of constructing the Mishkan.
He instructed the Jewish people about the different materials and skills that would be needed for building the Mishkan. Although they had not been required to give anything, their response was overwhelming. Men and women quickly brought so much gold and expensive jewelry that there was a surplus of what was needed and Moshe had to stop them from bringing more. Likewise, the people offered their services in assisting in the construction of the Mishkan and its vessels. The enthusiasm was necessary to atone for the misplaced enthusiasm the people had shown when they brought their jewelry at the sin of the Golden Calf.
Betzalel, a grandson of Chur, oversaw the construction of the Mishkan. Chur, the Talmud explains, had stood up against the nation when they had first requested the Golden Calf. He had sharply rebuked them for failing to show the proper faith in Moshe and G-d. At the height of the rebellion the people murdered him. It was therefore quite appropriate that the construction of the Mishkan, which would atone for the Golden Calf, should take place under Chur’s grandson’s direction.
After the Mishkan was completed, Moshe was told to inaugurate the dedication. This was a seven-day ceremony in which Moshe would erect the Mishkan, perform the service, and then dismantle it each day. On the eighth day, the first day of Nissan, the Mishkan was erected permanently and Aharon would take over as the Kohen Gadol (High Priest).
The Rabbis relate that Moshe was unable to erect the heavy walls by himself. He asked G-d how it was possible to ask something of him that was physically impossible. G-d told Moshe that He only wanted him to put forth his best effort and that the Mishkan would then erect itself. This is alluded to in the passage that relates that “the Mishkan was erected” (Exod. 40:17)--not that Moshe erected it.
The implicit message in this is that G-d only expects man to put forth his best effort in trying to create a bastion of holiness for G-d’s Presence to reside. Once he tries his hardest, however, G-d Himself will complete the task for him.
“Everyone whose heart motivates him shall bring a gift for G-d.. .” (Ex. 35:5)
The commentators explain that the people’s intentions had to be sincere to take part in the Tabernacle’s construction. After a pogrom in Brisk where many people were killed, a rescue committee was formed, boasting many prominent individuals. A woman whose husband had been killed applied for assistance, but received no response. She appealed to the Rav to intervene.
He met with the committee and said to them, “Why is it that after such an incident such a committee is organized, while thousands of poor people in Poland and Russia have been long suffering? The answer is that the committee’s intent is not so much to assist the needy as it is to fight anti-Semitism by showing that Jews will not allow themselves to be driven out. That might be acceptable, but the sincere desire to help is missing. This widow did not receive help because the intentions were misguided.”
Did You Know...
When one sees a fruit tree in blossom, a special blessing is recited thanking G-d for creating the beautiful trees for man to enjoy. The blessing is usually recited in Nissan, but may be recited afterwards. It is only recited once a year, even if one sees several trees blossoming.
If the tree will not bear fruit, no blessing is recited. If one only sees leaves, or if the fruit has already begun to grow, no blessing is recited.
If one did not recite the blessing the first time he saw the blossoms, he may still recite it as long as the fruit has not yet grown.
March 16, 2006
Parshas Ki Sissa 5766
Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum
G-d commanded Moshe to take a census of the Jewish people. Although this order is mentioned before the sin of the Golden Calf, it was actually instructed after the plague had killed many of the participants in the sin. Rather than counting the people themselves, they were instructed to give a half shekel each, and the coins were then counted. The half-shekel served as atonement for the nation.
After the great revelation at Sinai, Moshe told the nation that he would return from atop the mountain after forty days. The people miscalculated Moshe’s words and began the counting from the moment he left. In fact, however, Moshe had meant for the forty days to begin from the next morning, marking a complete forty days and nights. When Moshe had not returned by noon of the fortieth day of their calculations, they feared that he would not return at all. The people clamored around Aharon to make them an image as a replacement for Moshe. Although Aharon had no intention of sinning, he feared for his life. The Midrash says that Chur, Miriam’s son, tried to stop the people and was murdered.
Aharon told the people to bring their gold to him. He thought he could procrastinate until Moshe returned. The people, however, rushed to bring him their gold. Aharon took the gold and threw it into a fire. Miraculously, a golden calf appeared by itself.
Only a minority of the nation, three thousand people, actually served the Golden Calf as a god. These instigators were actually from the Mixed Assembly who had joined the Jews when they left Egypt, and were not from the main body of the nation. The majority of the others only viewed it as a physical representation of something with which they could connect to G-d, to take the place of Moshe. Yet this too was considered a serious sin, because it marked a lack of trust and belief in the way G-d wanted the people to relate to Him.
The people were all punished on various levels, according to their involvement. The tablets that Moshe had received at Sinai were broken, and only after Moshe prayed on behalf of the people were they finally forgiven. The atonement was completed on Yom Kippur when they received the second set of tablets. Their direct relationship with G-d would never be the same. Only the Levites and the women, who had not been involved with the Calf at all, were spared from punishment. The Levites were chosen to serve in the Temple instead of the firstborn, and the women were given Rosh Chodesh, the New Moon, as a monthly holiday.
...the Children of Israel should guard the Shabbos. . . (Ex. 31:16)
The commentators note that Shabbos must be guarded and protected like a precious jewel. Rav Baruch Frankel would sleep sparingly on Shabbos, explaining that a guard must not fall asleep on his job.
The Chazon Ish was so vigilant regarding Shabbos observance, he would not use electricity on Shabbos in Israel, as he was concerned that its usage would cause work for the non-observant Jewish workers of the Electric Company. Even today, The Chazon Ish’s disciples only use electricity from a generator on Shabbos.
Did You Know...
The entire month of Nissan is considered like a holiday since the Tabernacle was dedicated during the first twelve days of the month, and the week of Pesach comes right after that.
The Tachanun prayers are not recited the entire month. Eulogies are also not permitted and funeral services are abbreviated, although the regular shiva is observed.
Fasting is not permitted throughout the entire month, except for the Fast of the Firstborn the day before Pesach. Although a bride and groom do not fast on their wedding day if it falls on any type of Jewish holiday, even minor, they do fast during the month of Nissan, and even on Rosh Chodesh.
G-d commanded Moshe to take a census of the Jewish people. Although this order is mentioned before the sin of the Golden Calf, it was actually instructed after the plague had killed many of the participants in the sin. Rather than counting the people themselves, they were instructed to give a half shekel each, and the coins were then counted. The half-shekel served as atonement for the nation.
After the great revelation at Sinai, Moshe told the nation that he would return from atop the mountain after forty days. The people miscalculated Moshe’s words and began the counting from the moment he left. In fact, however, Moshe had meant for the forty days to begin from the next morning, marking a complete forty days and nights. When Moshe had not returned by noon of the fortieth day of their calculations, they feared that he would not return at all. The people clamored around Aharon to make them an image as a replacement for Moshe. Although Aharon had no intention of sinning, he feared for his life. The Midrash says that Chur, Miriam’s son, tried to stop the people and was murdered.
Aharon told the people to bring their gold to him. He thought he could procrastinate until Moshe returned. The people, however, rushed to bring him their gold. Aharon took the gold and threw it into a fire. Miraculously, a golden calf appeared by itself.
Only a minority of the nation, three thousand people, actually served the Golden Calf as a god. These instigators were actually from the Mixed Assembly who had joined the Jews when they left Egypt, and were not from the main body of the nation. The majority of the others only viewed it as a physical representation of something with which they could connect to G-d, to take the place of Moshe. Yet this too was considered a serious sin, because it marked a lack of trust and belief in the way G-d wanted the people to relate to Him.
The people were all punished on various levels, according to their involvement. The tablets that Moshe had received at Sinai were broken, and only after Moshe prayed on behalf of the people were they finally forgiven. The atonement was completed on Yom Kippur when they received the second set of tablets. Their direct relationship with G-d would never be the same. Only the Levites and the women, who had not been involved with the Calf at all, were spared from punishment. The Levites were chosen to serve in the Temple instead of the firstborn, and the women were given Rosh Chodesh, the New Moon, as a monthly holiday.
...the Children of Israel should guard the Shabbos. . . (Ex. 31:16)
The commentators note that Shabbos must be guarded and protected like a precious jewel. Rav Baruch Frankel would sleep sparingly on Shabbos, explaining that a guard must not fall asleep on his job.
The Chazon Ish was so vigilant regarding Shabbos observance, he would not use electricity on Shabbos in Israel, as he was concerned that its usage would cause work for the non-observant Jewish workers of the Electric Company. Even today, The Chazon Ish’s disciples only use electricity from a generator on Shabbos.
Did You Know...
The entire month of Nissan is considered like a holiday since the Tabernacle was dedicated during the first twelve days of the month, and the week of Pesach comes right after that.
The Tachanun prayers are not recited the entire month. Eulogies are also not permitted and funeral services are abbreviated, although the regular shiva is observed.
Fasting is not permitted throughout the entire month, except for the Fast of the Firstborn the day before Pesach. Although a bride and groom do not fast on their wedding day if it falls on any type of Jewish holiday, even minor, they do fast during the month of Nissan, and even on Rosh Chodesh.
March 9, 2006
Parshas Tetzave 5766
Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum
The kohanim (priests) were instructed to wear special garments during their service in the Tabernacle. If these garments were not worn, or if other clothes besides these were worn, the kohain was disqualified from doing the service, and was liable for Divine punishment.
The Torah explains the purpose of these garments: to add a dimension of glory and beauty to the Divine service. People are naturally impressed by beauty and a regal appearance.
The Kohain Gadol (High Priest) had eight vestments made especially for him. These included a pair of linen pants, a linen checkered tunic, a linen turban, and an embroidered sash. Over the tunic, he wore a blue, woolen, sleeveless robe called the Me’il. From the bottom of the Me’il there dangled little blue woolen pomegranates and golden bells that tinkled as he entered the Tabernacle.
Over the Me’il he wore the Ephod, an apron-type of garment with shoulder straps. It was woven from five different types of threads. A golden breastplate called the Choshen Mishpat was connected to the Ephod. Twelve different jewels, corresponding to the twelve tribes, were embedded in the Choshen. Each of the stones had a different tribe’s name engraved on it. The eighth vestment was a golden headplate called a Tzitz. It was worn on the High Priest’s forehead.
The regular kohain only wore the first four vestments when he did the service in the Mishkan: the shirt, pants, sash and a hat.
Because the kohanim could not even wear shoes, there was a special chamber called the Bais Hamokad, where a fire burned on the stone floor. The kohain would warm his feet there before doing the service on the cold floor of the Tabernacle.
One of the reasons for the great amount of attention and detail paid to the clothing was to have an impact upon the kohain’s appreciation of his responsibilities. The unique uniform that had to be worn would impress upon the kohain the uniqueness of his mission as representative of the nation.
The garments also served as atonement for specific sins that the nation had transgressed collectively as a group. Although each individual had to do his own Teshuva (repentance), the garments would atone for the nation as a whole. For example, the Me’il atoned for the sin of Lashon Hora (slander). The Choshen atoned for improper judgment, the pants for immorality, the hat for arrogance, the belt for jealousy, the Ephod for idolatry, and the Tzitz for chutzpah.
“...There was a man of Yehuda in Shushan the capital whose name was Mordechai...” (Esther 2:5)
Rav Yechezkel Levenstein, of the Ponovezh Yeshiva, explains that only Mordechai was called a man; everyone else behaved like sheep. The Jews all attended Achashveirosh’s feast because they feared angering him. Only Mordechai refused to follow the crowd and insisted on obeying the Torah. The salvation came through Mordechai’s behavior.
It only takes a few good men, or even one good person, to accomplish what everyone else cannot. Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch founded a community in Frankfurt, Germany will only eleven families, yet he turned the tide against the assimilation of German Jewry. The Ba’al Shem Tov, founder of chassidus, Rav Yisrael Salanter, founder of the Mussar movement, and Sarah Schnerer, founder of the Beth Jacob movement for girls' education, all created movements single-handedly that literally changed the face of, and saved, modern traditional Judaism. Purim teaches us the important strength of a single individual.
Did You Know...
On the Shabbos preceding Purim we read Parshas Zachor, the incident involving Amalek. This is the only Torah reading, according to most authorities, that is required by Torah law.
Some authorities require women to hear the reading too. A woman who cannot attend services in the morning may listen to the reading Purim morning, or she can read it to herself from a chumash (Bible).
Some communities have a special reading on Shabbos afternoon. However, many authorities discourage this practice, especially if there is no quorum of men present.
Women are obligated to listen to the Megillah on Purim both at night and in the morning. If a woman cannot attend services, the Megillah should be read for her privately.
The kohanim (priests) were instructed to wear special garments during their service in the Tabernacle. If these garments were not worn, or if other clothes besides these were worn, the kohain was disqualified from doing the service, and was liable for Divine punishment.
The Torah explains the purpose of these garments: to add a dimension of glory and beauty to the Divine service. People are naturally impressed by beauty and a regal appearance.
The Kohain Gadol (High Priest) had eight vestments made especially for him. These included a pair of linen pants, a linen checkered tunic, a linen turban, and an embroidered sash. Over the tunic, he wore a blue, woolen, sleeveless robe called the Me’il. From the bottom of the Me’il there dangled little blue woolen pomegranates and golden bells that tinkled as he entered the Tabernacle.
Over the Me’il he wore the Ephod, an apron-type of garment with shoulder straps. It was woven from five different types of threads. A golden breastplate called the Choshen Mishpat was connected to the Ephod. Twelve different jewels, corresponding to the twelve tribes, were embedded in the Choshen. Each of the stones had a different tribe’s name engraved on it. The eighth vestment was a golden headplate called a Tzitz. It was worn on the High Priest’s forehead.
The regular kohain only wore the first four vestments when he did the service in the Mishkan: the shirt, pants, sash and a hat.
Because the kohanim could not even wear shoes, there was a special chamber called the Bais Hamokad, where a fire burned on the stone floor. The kohain would warm his feet there before doing the service on the cold floor of the Tabernacle.
One of the reasons for the great amount of attention and detail paid to the clothing was to have an impact upon the kohain’s appreciation of his responsibilities. The unique uniform that had to be worn would impress upon the kohain the uniqueness of his mission as representative of the nation.
The garments also served as atonement for specific sins that the nation had transgressed collectively as a group. Although each individual had to do his own Teshuva (repentance), the garments would atone for the nation as a whole. For example, the Me’il atoned for the sin of Lashon Hora (slander). The Choshen atoned for improper judgment, the pants for immorality, the hat for arrogance, the belt for jealousy, the Ephod for idolatry, and the Tzitz for chutzpah.
“...There was a man of Yehuda in Shushan the capital whose name was Mordechai...” (Esther 2:5)
Rav Yechezkel Levenstein, of the Ponovezh Yeshiva, explains that only Mordechai was called a man; everyone else behaved like sheep. The Jews all attended Achashveirosh’s feast because they feared angering him. Only Mordechai refused to follow the crowd and insisted on obeying the Torah. The salvation came through Mordechai’s behavior.
It only takes a few good men, or even one good person, to accomplish what everyone else cannot. Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch founded a community in Frankfurt, Germany will only eleven families, yet he turned the tide against the assimilation of German Jewry. The Ba’al Shem Tov, founder of chassidus, Rav Yisrael Salanter, founder of the Mussar movement, and Sarah Schnerer, founder of the Beth Jacob movement for girls' education, all created movements single-handedly that literally changed the face of, and saved, modern traditional Judaism. Purim teaches us the important strength of a single individual.
Did You Know...
On the Shabbos preceding Purim we read Parshas Zachor, the incident involving Amalek. This is the only Torah reading, according to most authorities, that is required by Torah law.
Some authorities require women to hear the reading too. A woman who cannot attend services in the morning may listen to the reading Purim morning, or she can read it to herself from a chumash (Bible).
Some communities have a special reading on Shabbos afternoon. However, many authorities discourage this practice, especially if there is no quorum of men present.
Women are obligated to listen to the Megillah on Purim both at night and in the morning. If a woman cannot attend services, the Megillah should be read for her privately.
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