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Parshah

Pearls of Rashi – Vayeitzei

rebbeteachesrashi · November 12, 2018 · Chassidism, Jewish Thought, Lubavitcher Rebbe, Parshah, Rashi · No Comments

In this week’s Torah portion, Vayeitzei, we read of the marriage of Yaakov to Lavan’s two daughters, Rachel and Leah.

Many of the commentaries question this. We are taught that even before the Torah was given, our forefathers kept all of its commands[1]. One of those commands is the prohibition against marrying two sisters; as the Torah says[2] “you shall not take a woman with her sister in marriage …” This being the case, how was Yaakov, our forefather, permitted to marry Rachel and Leah, who were sisters?

Each of the commentaries answer this question in their own manner. However, Rashi does not deal with this question. He explains the simple meaning of the Torah; everything which is needed in order to understand the entire Torah. Yet he disregards this question. In other words, according to Peshat there is no question. How can that be?

The status of the Patriarchs and their descendants prior to the giving of the Torah, was that of a special family among all of the children of Noah. The entire population of the world was commanded to follow seven commandments. After the Torah was given to the Jewish Nation, the Jews acquired a special status, and were obligated to fulfill 613 Mitzvos.

In addition to the seven universal commandments, the population of the world accepted upon themselves other commandments for the benefit of society. These were equally binding upon one and all. For example, it was accepted not to deceive another. Accordingly, we find that Yaakov scolded Lavan[3], “why have you deceived me?”

These commandments which were binding upon everyone, took precedence over the 613 commandments of the Torah. For our forefathers keeping the Torah’s Mitzvos was something extra which enhanced their service of G-d. If the fulfillment of any the 613 commandments would render it impossible to observe one of the binding commandments, it could not be fulfilled. Yaakov had already promised that he would marry Rachel, hence he was obligated to do so.

There are times that helping our fellow Jew, and keeping our word must take precedence over another law. May we all take care (after checking with a competent Rabbi) that we are not being too religious, and remember to help our fellow Jews.

Wishing everyone a good Shabbos.

Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn

Adapted from Likkutei Sichos Volume 5, Beginning with Page 141

IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR MOTHER
Mrs. Brocha bas Reb Tzvi Nechemiah Hacohen O.B.M. Cohen
Passed away on 8 Shevat, 5778
May Her Soul be bound in the Eternal Bond of Life
*
DEDICATED BY HER FAMILY
* * *
לעילוי נשמת
מרת ברכה בת ר’ צבי נחמי’ הכהן ע”ה כהן
נפטרה ביום ח ‘שבט, ה’תשע”ח
ת. נ. צ. ב. ה.
*
יוצא לאור ע”י בני משפחתה שיחיו

[1]. This is cited in a number of places in the Midrash. Among them, see Bereishis Rabbah, Chapter 95, 3.

[2]. Parshas Acharei, Vayikroh 18:18.

[3]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 29:25.

Pearls of Rashi – Toldos II

rebbeteachesrashi · November 9, 2018 · Chassidism, Jewish Thought, Lubavitcher Rebbe, Parshah, Rashi · No Comments

In this week’s Torah portion, Toldos, we find a story filled with great intrigue. Yitzchok had aged; before his passing he wanted to bless his first born, Aisov.

However, Yitzchok did not have all of the facts. Firstly, he was not aware that Aisov had already sold the rights and responsibilities that came together with being the first-born (bechor) to his brother Yaakov. Secondly, Yitzchok was under the impression that Aisov was righteous, and as such deserved his blessings. Aisov had managed to fool his father, as we discussed in the previous installment[1].

As an introduction to blessing his son Aisov, we read that[2] “It came to pass when Yitzchok was old, and his eyes were too dim to see, that he called Aisov his elder son, and said to him, ‘My son.’ Aisov replied, ‘Here I am.’”

In his comments to this verse, Rashi offers a number of explanations as to why Yitzchok’s eyes had dimmed. The final explanation which Rashi offers is that it was “in order to allow Yaakov to take the blessings.”

This poses a question. Why did Hashem blind our Patriarch Yitzchok in order to enable Yaakov to receive the blessings (which were in fact his)? It seems that there was a much simpler way. G-d could have let Yitzchok know that Aisov was wicked! Had He done that, naturally the blessings would have gone to Yaakov.

The explanation is, that Hashem follows that which He commands us to do. Just as we are forbidden to speak ill of another Jew, so too did Hashem refrain from doing so. The one option to assure that Yaakov would receive the Berochos, was for Yitzchok to become blind.

Think about that. Hashem withheld information from Yitzchok in order to avoid speaking badly of Aisov. Keep in mind that Aisov and his descendants were to be enemies of the Jewish Nation throughout our long exile. Furthermore, as a result of this, Yitzchok was like a prisoner in his own house for 57 years!

How much more so is it true that each of us must never say anything which even hints at something negative regarding a fellow Jew.

The cause of our long exile is baseless hatred for our fellow Jews. The way to combat this, and thereby bring the redemption, is by baseless love.

Wishing everyone a good Shabbos and a good month,

Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn

Adapted from Likkutei Sichos Volume 15, Page 215

[1]. The source for this is Rashi’s comments to our Parshah, Bereishis 25:27.

[2]. Our Parshah, Bereishis, Bereishis 27:1.

Pearls of Rashi – Toldos

rebbeteachesrashi · November 6, 2018 · Chassidism, Jewish Thought, Lubavitcher Rebbe, Parshah, Rashi · No Comments

This week we read the Parshah of Toldos. It tells us that our matriarch Rivkah gave birth to twins, our forefather Yaakov, and his brother Aisov; as we are taught[1] “her days to give birth were completed, and behold, there were twins in her womb.”

These twins were not identical in any way, shape or form. This was clear even before Rivkah gave birth to them. The Torah tells us that even when she was still carrying them[2] “the children struggled within her …” The struggle between the offspring of Yaakov and Aisov has indeed lasted until our time; it will continue until the ultimate Redemption.

In describing both sons, the Torah says that[3] “the youths grew up. Aisov was a man who understood trapping (hunting), a man of the field, whereas Yaakov was an innocent man, dwelling in tents.” Rashi cites the words from this verse “who understood trapping,” and explains as follows. “He knew how to trap and to deceive his father with his mouth. He would him, ‘Father, how do we tithe salt and straw?’ As a result of this his father thought that he was scrupulous in his observance of Mitzvos.”

As we have written many times, Rashi’s focus is to teach the beginning student the simple meaning of each verse. This being the case, many of the commentaries who explain Rashi raise a question. Why does Rashi not explain the verse according to its simple meaning? Why does Rashi explain Aisov’s understanding of trapping to mean that he trapped, or fooled his father. It would seem that he could just as well explain it to mean exactly what it says, that he was knowledgeable in hunting!

The Rebbe explains this by looking at the verse itself. First it says that “Aisov was a man who understood trapping.” Only then does it tell us that he was “a man of the field.” In order to trap and hunt animals, one must first go out to the field. The fact that the Torah first tells us of his ability to trap, means that the Torah is discussing a different type of trapping, i.e. tricking his father.

We each have an Aisov, an evil inclination within ourselves. Each of us must go “out into the field,” into the world, in order to bring G-dliness into it. At every turn the evil inclination tries to deceive us, to cause us to forget our mission as Shluchim, Hashem’s emissaries in the world. We need ceaseless vigilance in order to reach our goal despite Aisov’s trickery. In that manner will we bring Moshiach now!

Wishing everyone a good Shabbos.

Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn

Adapted from Likkutei Sichos Volume 25, Page 116

[1]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 25:24.

[2]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 25:22.

[3]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 25:27.

Pearls of Rashi – Chayei Soroh II

rebbeteachesrashi · November 2, 2018 · Chassidism, Jewish Thought, Lubavitcher Rebbe, Parshah, Rashi · No Comments

This week’s Torah reading is called by the name Chayei Soroh, meaning “The Life of Soroh.” This is despite the fact that at the beginning of this Parshah we read of Soroh’s passing, as we explained earlier.

Soroh and Avrohom had been married, yet Soroh remained childless. She told Avrohom to marry her handmaiden, Hagar, in order to father children. Hagar indeed gave birth to a son named Yishmoel. Later Soroh bore a son to Avrohom named Yitzchok.

At the end of our portion, we read that Avrohom later remarried and had more children. The Torah says that[1] “Avrohom took another wife, and her name was Keturoh.” Who was Keturah? Rashi tells us there that Keturoh “is Hagar. She was called Keturoh because her deeds were as beautiful as incense (Ketores – קטורת in Hebrew) …” In other words, he remarried the woman who had born his first son.

We need to understand how Rashi knows this. There doesn’t seem to be any allusion to this in the Torah!

The explanation is as follows. We learned earlier that Hashem commanded Avrohom to leave his father’s house. The Torah tells us that[2] “Avrohom (who was then called Avrom) took Soroh (whose was then Sorai) his wife and Lot his brother’s son, and all of their possessions which they acquired; and the people they had acquired (literally made) in Choron.”

What is the meaning of “the people they had made?” Rashi explains there that it refers to those “whom he had brought under the wings of the Shechinah. Avrohom would convert the men, and Soroh would convert the women. The Torah considers it as if they had made them.”

Avrohom had great success in reaching out to others. He had drawn many people close to Hashem and His service. How much more so is that true regarding his own family! How could one possibly say that one who was married to Avrohom returned to her previous ways of idolatry?

That is why the Torah now calls her Keturah; it tells us that “her deeds were as beautiful as incense.” That is why Avrohom took her again as his wife.

The same is true of all of one’s obligations; whether we feel up to the task or not. We must follow the example of Avrohom, thereby bringing Moshiach now.

Wishing one and all a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn

Adapted from Likkutei Sichos Volume 15, Page 174

[1]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 25:1.

[2]. Parshas Lech Lecho, Bereishis 12:5.

Pearls of Rashi – Chayei Soroh

rebbeteachesrashi · October 29, 2018 · Chassidism, Jewish Thought, Lubavitcher Rebbe, Parshah, Rashi · No Comments

This week’s Torah reading is called by the name Chayei Soroh, meaning “The Life of Soroh.” The apparent reason for this is, because the portion begins by saying that[1] “the life of Soroh was one hundred years, and twenty years. and seven years. These were the years of the life of Soroh.”

This, however, is difficult to understand. The entire Parshah is called by the name “The Life of Soroh,” hence, every part of this reading must focus on Soroh’s life. Despite this we find that after telling us that Soroh lived for 127 years, the Torah says that[2] “Soroh died in Kiryas Arba, which is Chevron …” How can we reconcile the fact that we are told of Soroh’s passing at the beginning of a Parshah which is called by the name “The Life of Soroh?”

This can be explained as follows. The entire Torah portion does indeed discuss things which took place after our matriarch Soroh’s passing. Nonetheless, everything which took place was a result of her influence[3].

Among that which was influenced Soroh’s life, was Avrohom’s search for a Shidduch, a proper match for his son Yitzchok. Immediately prior to beginning his quest, the Torah tells us that[4] “Avrohom was old, advanced in days. Hashem blessed Avrohom with everything.”

What exactly does it mean that Avrohom was blessed “with everything?” Rashi explains that “the words ‘with everything’ -בַּכֹּל in Hebrew, is numerically equal to the word ‘son’ – בֵּן in Hebrew; both equal 52. Since he had a son, he had to find a wife for him.”

What lesson can we learn from Rashi – why is it relevant that Hashem blessing Avrohom “with everything” is the equivalent of blessing him with a son? Avrohom was indeed blessed with everything. He was a wealthy man! There is no need to look for other blessings.

The explanation is, that among the obligations of a father to his son, is to marry him off. Rashi is telling us that it makes no difference whether the father is blessed with material wealth or not. Regardless, he must fulfil his obligation.

The same is true of all of one’s obligations; whether we feel up to the task or not. We must follow the example of Avrohom, thereby bringing Moshiach now.

Wishing one and all a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn

Adapted from Likkutei Sichos Volume 5, Page 346

[1]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 23:1.

[2]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 23:2.

[3]. See Likkutei Sichos Volume 15, beginning with page 145 at length.

[4]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 24:2.

Pearls of Rashi – Vayeiro II

rebbeteachesrashi · October 25, 2018 · Chassidism, Jewish Thought, Lubavitcher Rebbe, Parshah, Rashi · No Comments

In this week’s Torah reading, Vayeiro, we read that Hashem Himself appeared to Avrohom. The Torah portion begins by telling us[1] that “Hashem appeared to him (Avrohom) in the plains of Mamre. He was sitting at the entrance of the tent when the day was hot.”

Why did Hashem “visit” Avrohom? Rashi explains; G-d appeared to him in order to fulfill the Mitzvah of visiting the sick. Hashem performs all of the Mitzvos which He commands us to do (as so to speak). Avrohom had recently circumcised himself at the advanced age of 99. Just as Hashem commands us to bring comfort to the ill, so too did He perform this great Mitzvah.

Why did G-d find Avrohom sitting at the entrance of his tent? Rashi cites the words the words from this verse “at the entrance of the tent,” and explains that he was doing this in order “to see if there any passerby, whom he would bring into his house.”

The Midrash teaches us that Avrohom would regularly sit at the entrance of his tent in order to invite guests. After serving them food and drink, he would persuade them to thank Hashem. In this manner he would spread G-d’s name throughout the world.

This teaches us a tremendous lesson. Suppose that an individual already spent many years bringing Jews closer to Torah and Mitzvos. Furthermore, suppose that he actually succeeded in his mission; he helped many people return to Hashem. This does not allow him to “take a break” from his holy work.

To the contrary; even if he has reached the age of 99, he must persist in his mission. He has to use the greatest amount of energy imaginable. It is necessary to continue reaching out to one and all, despite the fact that he is not as strong as he was. He cannot rest; he must be sure that there is not even one Jew who he he needs to draw close to Hashem and His service.

Each of us has inherited the traits of our forefathers, the first of whom is Avrohom. May we learn from his attributes, and persist in carrying out our mission whether or not we “feel up to it.” The more energy and excitement we invest in carrying out our mission, the faster we will succeed in bringing Moshiach now.

Wishing one and all a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn

Adapted from Sefer Hasichos 5749, Volume I, beginning with Page 84

[1]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 18:1.

Pearls of Rashi – Vayeiro

rebbeteachesrashi · October 22, 2018 · Chassidism, Jewish Thought, Lubavitcher Rebbe, Parshah, Rashi · No Comments

In this week’s Torah reading, Vayeiro, we read of Avrohom and Soroh miraculously having a baby, our forefather Yitzchak. Despite the fact that Avrohom was already 100 years old, and his wife Soroh, our matriarch, was 90 years old, G-d’s promise that they would have children was fulfilled. They finally gave birth to a son who would continue the chain of Judaism.

This great miracle caused Soroh to declare[1], “Who would have said to Avrohom that Soroh would nurse children, for I have given birth to a son in his old age!” Rashi cites the words from the verse “Soroh would nurse children (in the plural),” and explains as follows. “Why is the word ‘children’ in the plural? On the day of the feast[2], the princesses brought their children with them, and she nursed them. (Why? Because) they were saying that, ’Soroh did not give birth, but rather she in a foundling from the street.’” In other words, she demonstrated that despite her advanced age, she was capable of nursing babies, many babies. Hence, they knew that she had been pregnant.

It seems that Rashi’s comments are open to question. Granted, the fact that “Soroh would nurse children” proved that she was pregnant. However, it did nothing to dispel the claim that Avrohom was not the father. Further on the Torah tells us that[3] “These are the generations of Yitzchok the son of Avrohom; Avrohom begot Yitzchok.” Rashi cites the words “Avrohom begot Yitzchok” and explains as follows; “the scoffers of the generation were saying that Soroh had conceived from Avimelech, for she had lived with Avrohom for many years and had not conceived from him.”

Here, in our verse, this does nothing to assuage this false claim. It only demonstrated that Soroh was pregnant; however, it did nothing to show that Avrohom was the child’s father!

The explanation is, that the princesses of whom Rashi speaks did not question that Avrohom was the father. They knew that Avrohom was able to father Yishmoel at age 86! The only ones who had a question were the “scoffers of the generation.” These were individuals whose profession is to laugh at others. They are not looking for answers; they only seek questions, to be used as ammunition for mocking others.

May Hashem grant us the strength to stand up to these people, and never be ashamed of doing the right thing.

Wishing one and all a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn

[1]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 21:7.

[2]. They made a feast when Yitzchok was weaned. See our Parshah, Bereishis 21:8.

[3]. See the beginning of Parshas Toldos, Bereishis 25:19.

Pearls of Rashi – Lech Lecho II

rebbeteachesrashi · October 19, 2018 · Chassidism, Jewish Thought, Lubavitcher Rebbe, Parshah, Rashi · No Comments

In this week’s Torah Portion, Lech Lecho, we are told that[1] “After these incidents, the word of the Hashem came to Avrom in a vision, saying, ‘Do not fear, Avrom; I am your Shield! Your reward is extremely great.

To which incidents was the Torah referring? Why did Hashem mention Avrom’s merit? Rashi explains that the incidents referred to were Avrom’s miraculous victory over the kings. In Rashi’s words, “After this miracle had been wrought for him, that he slew the kings, he was worried and said, ‘Perhaps I have received reward for all my righteous deeds.’ Therefore, Hashem said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Avrom, I am your Shield’ from punishment. You will not be punished for all those souls that you have slain. As far as your being worried about receiving reward, your reward is exceedingly great.”

Avrom’s reward was indeed exceedingly great. Yet we need to understand why that made a difference to him. The Rambam writes that[2] “one who serves Hashem out of love … he is occupied with Torah and Mitzvos … neither due to any ulterior motive … nor to inherit that which is good. He performs that which is good simply because it is good. This is an extremely lofty level. It is the level of our forefather Avrohom, who served G-d purely out of love.” This being the case, why would he worry about having used up his merit? We see that merit, or reward meant nothing to him.

The explanation is, that in fact the reward in and of itself was not a consideration for Avrom. He was fully prepared to do whatever it took to serve Hashem, with or without reward. In his mind the reward served only one purpose. It would be a great sanctification of G-d’s name for all to see the incredible reward which Hashem showered upon him.

We inherit our abilities from our forefathers. They are the source of our Jewish DNA. We are all the recipients of great rewards. May we all use our ability to serve G-d under any and all circumstances. Through this we will certainly merit the complete and true redemption now. May all of our actions be for the sake of Hashem’s honor, bringing the complete and true redemption.

Wishing one and all a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn

[1]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 15:1.

[2]. Rambam, Laws of Teshuvah, Chapter 10 Section 2. See also his Commentary to the Mishnah, Tractate Sanhedrin, Chapter Chelek in the introduction. See as well his Book of Commandments, Positive Commandment Number 3.

Pearls of Rashi – Lech Lecho

rebbeteachesrashi · October 16, 2018 · Chassidism, Jewish Thought, Lubavitcher Rebbe, Parshah, Rashi · No Comments

In this week’s Torah Portion, Lech Lecho, we are told that Avrom built an altar to Hashem. The Torah says that[1] “Avrom pitched his tents, and came and lived in the plain of Mamre, which is in Chevron. There he built an altar to G-d.”

Earlier in the Parshah we are told of two other altars which Avrom built. First the Torah tells us that[2] “Hashem appeared to Avrom, and He said, ‘To your descendants I will give this land.’ There he built an altar to the Lord Who had appeared to him.” Rashi explains that his reason for constructing this altar was “for the good tidings (which he heard from Hashem) concerning his descendants, and the good tidings concerning the Land of Israel (which he heard from Hashem).” We then find that[3] “Avrom moved from there to the mountain, east of Bais el, and he pitched his tent. Bais el was to the west and Ai was to the east. There he built an altar to the Lord, and he called in the name of the Lord.” Rashi also explains the reason for his constructing this altar. “He prophesied that his progeny would sin there because of Achan’s sin, and he prayed for them there[4].”

We find that Rashi finds a need to explain why Avrom built these two altars. However, he offers no explanation whatsoever as to why Avrom built the first altar we discussed. We know that Rashi explains everything which the beginning student needs to know in order to understand “Peshat,” the simple meaning of the Torah. Therefore, just as we need to understand what Rashi writes, we need to understand that which he does not write. Rashi found it necessary to explain the reason for building the first to altars. Why did he not find a need to explain the third?

One explanation is as follows. Avrom built the first altar for personal reasons; Hashem promised him progeny and the Holy Land. He built the second for a greater purpose; as atonement for sins. The third, and greatest altar was built with no motive in mind. It did not have any benefit whatsoever for any individual; it was built solely for G-d’s honor. Therefore, Rashi does not write any reason for its building. It served no “earthly” purpose.

May we merit to learn from our forefather Avrom; that all of our actions should be for the sake of Hashem’s honor. May this lead to the complete and true redemption.

Wishing one and all a good Shabbos!

Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn

[1]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 13:18.

[2]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 12:7.

[3]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 12:7.

[4]. For the details of Achan’s sin and its repercussions, see the Book of Yehoshua, Chapter 7.

Pearls of Rashi – Noach II

rebbeteachesrashi · October 11, 2018 · Chassidism, Jewish Thought, Lubavitcher Rebbe, Parshah, Rashi · No Comments

This week’s Torah portion, Noach, tells us of the devastating flood which destroyed most of the world. How was the world repopulated? Hashem commanded Noach to build an Ark. This served as a sanctuary for himself, his family and at least two of each type of animal.

Quite a bit changed in the aftermath of the Flood. Until that point, we were all commanded to be vegans. All of the inhabitants of the earth, people as well as animals, were only permitted to eat of that which grew from the ground. After the Flood, permission was granted to eat meat.

There were several conditions that went along with the permission to slaughter and eat meat. There was a prohibition to eat from an animal who was still alive. Additionally, the Torah tell us[1] “But your blood, (the blood) of your souls, I will demand. From the hand of every beast I will demand it. From the hand of man, from the hand of each man, his brother, I will demand the soul of man.” Rashi cites the words “but your blood,” and explains them as follows. “Even though I permitted you to take the life of animals, your blood I will demand of one who sheds his own blood, (meaning one who commits suicide). According to Peshat, which is the simple explanation of the Torah, this prohibition includes shedding one’s blood even if it causes no damage whatsoever.

This provides us with an answer to a very famous question. We are taught that our patriarchs fulfilled all of the Mitzvos before they were commanded. Yet there is one Mitzvah which Avrohom did not perform until Hashem told him to do so; the commandment of circumcision. Many of the commentaries struggle with this question.

Based on the above we have a simple explanation. The commandments which were given to Noach apply to all of mankind. They are obligatory for each and every human. The fact that the patriarchs kept the Torah was a stringency which they accepted upon themselves. Because of the prohibition of shedding one’s own blood, Avrohom was not allowed to circumcise himself until he was explicitly told to do so.

May we all be careful to observe everything which G-d demands of us. In this manner we will certainly merit the complete and true redemption through Moshiach Now!

Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn

Adapted from Likkutei Sichos Volume 10, Beginning with Page 138

[1]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 9:5.

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