Parshas Bereishis

Men (& Women) Working??

“Hashem saw that the light was good.” (Bereishis 1:4).

There are many people who have remarkable abilities that never come to fruition because of their laziness, bad behavior, or poor decision-making. Over the years, we have all heard of various sports figures who had the potential to become stars but never did. It is very sad when we hear about such people, who could have excelled in some area had they not wasted their potential.

Naftali was not doing well in cheder, elementary school. One night he overheard his parents talking about him. His parents were crying because he was not putting in effort and, therefore, not successful in his Torah learning. It seemed that he would have to leave school to learn a trade. As soon as Naftali heard this, he burst into the room and assured his parents that he would begin to work very hard in school. His parents agreed to beg the principal to give him one last chance. True to his word, Naftali became a very diligent student and became very knowledgeable in his Torah learning. Years later, he was known as the Netziv, Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Yehudah Berlin. He became one of the greatest Torah leaders of his time! He headed the Volozhin yeshiva and authored many Torah books. Later in his life, the Netziv bemoaned what might have been, had he not heard his father’s pain and begged for one more chance. He would have grown up as a good Jew. He would have davened daily and would have been an honest worker in some trade. He probably would have learned some Torah, such as Mishnayos. However, after his passing, the Heavenly Court would have held him accountable for what he could have accomplished but did not. He imagined what the Heavenly Court would have said to him. “You had the abilities to become very learned in Torah and you were supposed to author books of Torah learning. You were also supposed to be a Rosh Yeshiva and teach Torah to many students. Why didn’t you fulfill your potential? Why weren’t you as good as you could have been?” (based on a story from Rabbi Paysach Krohn)

Hashem created an amazing world around us. The beauty is magnificent. The symbiotic relationship between species and organisms illustrates the brilliance of the Creator.

Hashem created “light”. Hashem saw that the light “was good” (Beraishis 1:4). Hashem created “dry land”, and “gathered the waters into one place”.  Hashem saw that this “was good” (Beraishis 1:10).  Hashem created vegetation and trees. Hashem saw that this “was good” (Beraishis 1:12). … Hashem created animals and the creeping creatures of the earth. Hashem saw that this “was good” (Beraishis 1:25). Hashem viewed the entire Creation with satisfaction, as a successful accomplishment, and proclaimed that it was “very good” (Sforno 1:25). Then Hashem created “Man”, the aim of Creation. Man was created in the “image of Hashem”. Man was created to rule over all of creation and everything was created for Man’s benefit.

If we look at the psukim carefully, we notice a glaring omission. All of Creation received Hashem’s stamp of approval, “and Hashem saw that it was good”.  However, after creating “Man”, Hashem did NOT say, “and this was good”. Man was the most important part of Creation. Why did Hashem omit saying “and it was good” after creating him?

HaRav Yosef Albo zt”l in his Sefer Ha’ikrim gives a beautiful answer that teaches us a powerful lesson for life. Everything that Hashem created was a finished product. Therefore, Hashem was able to say, “and it was good”. Man, however, was not created as a finished product. Man is “a work in progress” whose final form is not yet known. For that reason, Hashem did not declare, “and it was good”. (based on a dvar Torah by Rabbi Yissocher Frand in Rabbi Frand on the Parashah)

We all have great potential, but what will we become? Often, the potential is latent, and we must work bring it to the fore. We may not even know what we are capable of!  Life presents many challenges.  How will we react to them? Will we follow our impulses to do wrong or will we overcome them? Will we use our capabilities to the maximum or be too lazy to use them fully? Will we rise to spiritual heights or not?

After 120 years, we won’t be asked, “Why didn’t you reach the level of Moshe Rabbeinu?” Each of us will be asked, “Did you fulfill the potential that YOU were capable of?”  This our challenge in life; for each of us to become the best that we are capable of. Then Hashem will be able to say about each of us, “and it was good”.

Parshas Vayechi

Strict Justice or Monumental Kindness?

“There are many thoughts in a man’s heart, but [only] Hashem’s plan will endure”. (Mishlei 19:21)

I read the following amazing story in a few places. One was in the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation Shabbos Menu Newsletter:

Rabbi Avraham Yona Scheinberg is the the nephew of Rabbi Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg zt”l and is a Rosh Yeshiva in Eretz Yisroel. Due to Corona virus restrictions, he wanted to make sure that the police would not stop his daughter’s wedding. Before making the wedding, he discussed the arrangements and received the okay from the police. In the middle of the wedding, a different group of police came and stopped the wedding. As they were taking Rabbi Scheinberg and his wife to the police station, he told the crying kallah not to worry, that this was all from Hashem. Months later, a young man called Rabbi Scheinberg saying that he was the one who had called the police to stop the wedding. He had been fearful of the gathering crowd, not realizing that the police had already okayed it. The young man asked for forgiveness for ruining the wedding. The Rav said that he forgave the fellow, however he still had to get forgiveness from the chassan and kallah. It was very difficult for him to approach the couple, but he did go and ask for forgiveness. The kallah knew that the proper thing was to forgive but she did not feel it in her heart. She told the fellow to come back in a few days. When he did return, the kallah forgave him totally. A few days later, the kallah was in a terrible car accident. She had to be freed from her car by the “Jaws of Life”, used when an accident victim is trapped in their car. Miraculously, the kallah emerged without a scratch. When he heard what had happened, her father told her that there had been a Heavenly decree against her. Instead of allowing her to be seriously hurt, Hashem had ruined her wedding instead! “When you granted forgiveness to the boy, the heavenly decree was annulled”.

Would we consider the ruined wedding to have been strict justice or monumental kindness?

Our forefather, Yaakov, felt that his life was almost over. He called for his son, Yosef, who was the second-in-command in Egypt. Yaakov made two requests. He asked not to be buried in Egypt, not even for a short while (Malo Haomer). He also wanted to be buried with his forefathers in the Cave of Machpelah, in the Land of Israel. Yosef, the loving son, agreed to both requests. At Yaakov’s request, Yosef also swore that he would fulfill both requests. Sometime later, Yaakov became ill. Yosef returned to see him. Rashi says, at that time Yaakov said to Yosef, “I know that you harbor resentment in your heart against me”. Yaakov had asked Yosef to bring Yaakov’s body to the Cave of Machpelah. Yet, Yaakov did not do so for his wife Rochel, Yosef’s mother. He did not even bury Rochel in a nearby city. Rather, he buried her on the side of the road.

Yaakov and Yosef were exceedingly close, yet Yaakov sensed that Yosef had some minimal feelings of resentment that his mother, Rochel, had not been accorded the proper respect for her burial. Yaakov told Yosef that he acted on the directive of Hashem.  It was Hashem who wanted Rochel to be buried on the side of the road. Why? After the destruction of the first Beis HaMikdash, the Jewish exiles were going to pass the place where Rochel was buried. At that time, Rochel was going to come out to weep and plead for mercy for them. Our forefathers and mothers came out of their graves and pleaded with Hashem to eventually bring the Jews back from exile. Hashem did not listen to their prayers. Hashem only listened to Rochel’s prayers (Rochel said to Hashem that she had permitted a rival into her home by enabling Leah to marry Yaakov. If she, who was only flesh and blood, was not jealous, certainly Hashem should not be jealous that an idol was erected in the Beis HaMikdash). Thus, it was imperative that Rochel be buried in that exact location. When the Jews would pass by, she could pray to Hashem to have mercy on them (Rashi).

On some, small level, Yosef could not understand why Yaakov did not give Rochel more respect when he buried her. Yosef was exceedingly wise and had strong faith and trust in Hashem. Ultimately, since Hashem orchestrates all events, why did Hashem allow this to happen?  Was this strict justice or monumental kindness? It seemed wrong. Over a thousand years later, it became clear that Rochel’s burial on the road was NOT a slight to her honor. Rather it was a great kindness by Hashem, enabling Rochel to successfully plead to Hashem on behalf of her children.

Interestingly, Yosef’s own bones were buried in Egypt temporarily (until the Jews were redeemed). If his children would have been able to bring them to Eretz Yisroel right away, and would not have, someone could have said that this was disrespectful to Yosef. Yet, that would have been incorrect. It was not strict justice, but monumental kindness. Yosef’s bone had to have remained in Egypt! When the Jewish people came to the Red Sea, it only split in the merit of Yosef!  Since Yosef did not sin and fled from Potifar’s wife, similarly, the Sea “ran” when it saw Yosef’s coffin (Da’as Zekanim Bereishis 39:15 referring to Tehillim 114:3)!

Whatever Hashem does is for the best!

What appears to us to be strict justice may be a monumental kindness done for us by Hashem.

At the time, we may not even realize it, as the kindness may not even manifest itself until many years later.

Parshas Vayigash

Meet the Master Puppeteer!

“I am Yosef….”. (Bereishis 45:3)
“There are many thoughts in a man’s heart, but [only] Hashem’s plan will endure”. (Mishlei 19:21)

I just heard an interesting story from Rabbi Dovid Ashear. There were two neighbors. One was a gracious host, always welcoming people into his home for a good meal. The other neighbor was a miser and did not give to anyone. A traveler came to the city looking for a hot meal. He was given directions to the gracious host. By mistake he went to the miser’s house. He knocked on the door, asking for a hot meal. The miser asked, “You want a hot meal? Come in. First do a few chores for me. The miser instructed the visitor to do heavy work.  He worked for a few hours. Afterwards, the miser asked, “You want a hot meal? Go across the street”.  The traveler was greeted warmly and was served a delicious, hot meal. He was very upset at what the miser did to him and complained to the gracious host. The host told him. There you did work for free and here you received a hot meal for free. In the house of the miser, you put in a lot of effort and received nothing. In my house, you did not put in any effort yet received a great meal. That is how it is in life. Sometimes you put in a lot of effort but Hashem does not give you what you want. Hashem has other thoughts in mind about what is best for you. Sometimes, you put in no effort and Hashem gives you what you desire. We see that it is not the effort that produces results. Rather it is all from Hashem.

King Solomon said in Mishlei (Proverbs) that there is nothing a person can do if it is against Hashem’s will. If Hashem has a decree, neither a person’s wisdom nor military might can change that decree (Metzudat David, Ibn Nachmiash). Even if a person prepares horses to escape a battle, he will not be able to save himself if it was not decreed by Hashem that he be saved (Ibn Ezra). [Obviously, many times, in response to sincere prayer, Hashem will over-turn a decree, but that is not always the case.]

There is a fascinating story in the Talmud (Succah 53A). King Solomon once met the Angel of Death who looked very sad. When King Solomon asked him why he was so sad, he replied that he was supposed to take the souls of two of King Solomon’s secretaries but was unable to because they never left the king’s palace.  When King Solomon heard this, he wanted to save the lives of his secretaries. He enlisted the help of demons to rush his two officials to the city of Luz (where the Angel of Death had no jurisdiction). The next day, King Solomon again met the Angel of Death who looked very happy. King Solomon asked him why looked so happy. he Angel of Death replied, Hashem had decreed that he could only take the two souls of King Solomon’s officials if they were at the entrance to the city of Luz, but he had no way of getting them there. “You [King Solomon] sent them to the place [Luz] where I could take them.” King Solomon had attempted to save his officials. That was not Hashem’s plan. Hashem had decreed that it was time for these two officials to die. Not only did King Solomon not save them, but he was instrumental in bringing them to the one place where they were destined to die.

Something similar occurred with Yosef and his brothers. Yosef’s dreams inferred that his brothers would bow down to him at some future point in time. Yosef had also erroneously told their father, Yaakov, that he saw the brothers do some sins. The brothers convened a court, and the verdict was that Yosef was to be sentenced to death for attempting to get Yaakov to curse the brothers. This would have removed them from being part of Klal Yisroel. The brothers had said,” Come let us kill him…. Then we shall see what will be of his dreams.” (Bereishis 37:20) According to the Midrash Rabbah (84:14), Hashem was the One who said, “Then we shall see what will be of his dreams.” Hashem was saying that the brothers’ intent was to kill him. However, that intent would not succeed because Hashem’s intent was that the dreams be fulfilled. Not only was the brothers’ plan unsuccessful, but they were instrumental in helping Hashem’s plan happen by selling Yosef as a slave to a caravan headed to Egypt. When Yosef eventually revealed his identity to his brothers, he said, “I am Yosef”. When Yosef’s brothers heard these three words, the events of the past 22 years became clear to them. They realized that Yosef’s dreams were prophecy, and that Hashem was manipulating events towards His ultimate goal of Yaakov and his family going to Egypt.

Rav Avraham Pam zt”l (in Rav Pam on the Chumash by Rabbi Sholom Smith) gives a very powerful illustration of this idea. Imagine an elderly parent who became seriously ill. The children had to decide the best course of treatment. They discussed the options with medical professionals as well as among themselves. They decided on a treatment, but it failed, and the parent died. The children felt bad. They may have thought they should have chosen the other treatment or should have used a different doctor. Rav Pam says that this response is totally understandable but is incorrect. Hashem had decided that it was the time for the parent to pass on and NOTHING THEY WOULD HAVE DONE WOULD HAVE PREVENTED IT! They should not feel guilty at all because Hashem had a plan that could not be overturned.

In the middle of a challenging situation, one must try ones best to remove the challenge. After the fact, if one is not successful, one must realize that Hashem, in His loving-kindness, had a different plan.

There are times that one’s prayers and extra mitzvos can overturn Hashem’s decree. There are other times, when one can not change Hashem’s plan, no matter what one does. In fact, sometimes one’s actions may even have the opposite result of what one had intended. One’s actions may even be the means through which Hashem brings about His plan, contrary to what was hoped for.One should feel calm, without any guilt or frustration, even if the results are not what was hoped for. Ultimately, Hashem will ensure that whatever He knows to be truly best, in the bigger picture, is what happens.

Parshas Mikeitz

Together We Can!

“We are all one man’s sons…” (Bereishis 42:11)

Once, there was a flock of doves that flew in search of food. After flying for a long time, they found some rice scattered beneath a tree. All the doves landed and began to eat. Suddenly a net fell over them. They were all trapped. The doves desperately fluttered their wings trying to get out, but to no avail. The leader of the doves had an idea. He advised all the doves to fly up together.  He said that there was strength in unity. Each dove picked up a portion of the net and together they flew off carrying the net with them. The hunter looked up in astonishment but could not catch them. The doves were saved.

A man was on his deathbed. He wanted to teach his sons a very important lesson before he died.  He called his sons together and gave each of them a stick. He asked them to break the stick in half which they did easily. Then he gave each of them a bundle of sticks that was tied together. He asked his sons to break the sticks, but they could not. He told his sons, if they go their independent ways, as symbolized by the solitary twig, then they won’t be as strong. However, if they are unified, as symbolized by the bundle of sticks, then they would be strong. There was strength in unity.

There was a world-wide famine. Yaakov sent his sons to Egypt, the only country that had plentiful food. The Egyptian government had so much that they even sold it to others. Yosef, who was now second in command to Pharaoh, accused his brothers of being spies. Yosef’s brothers did not recognize him. They said that they were not spies and they had only come to buy food for their family. They said, “We are all one man’s sons…”. The Ramban explains what they told Yosef. They said that we are all brothers. Our father did not want us to separate from each other. Therefore, he sent us all, together to buy food rather than sending just one of us with some servants.

Rav Alter Henach Leibowitz zt”l questions Yaakov’s actions. Each brother was so strong that he could have brought back all the needed food by himself. It wasn’t necessary for Yaakov to send all ten brothers. Furthermore, it was a bad idea to send all the brothers. Had only brother gone to Egypt, the remaining brothers would have been able to remain with Yaakov, learning Torah from him. They would have continued to grow spiritually. Why did Yaakov sacrifice all that Torah learning? Rav Leibowitz zt”l says we see from here the importance of achdus, of unity. Yaakov felt that the unity of the brothers would be strengthened if they would all go on this mission together. Yaakov felt that this unity was more important (at this time) than the growth in spirituality and the Torah learning that would have been gained by the brothers who remained behind.

Klal Yisroel has strength in unity. Regardless of what part of the world we come from, regardless of our different customs, and regardless of how observant we are, we are all am echad, one nation! We have strength in unity! Our combined prayers, our combined mitzvos, our feelings of love and peace for each other, make us so strong

Parshas Vayeshev – Special Chanukah Issue

Do You Approve? I Hope So!

“I pity you, o king! You are afraid of flesh and blood people like yourself.” (Midrash Eichah 1:50)

Batsheva was a second grader. She had just gotten a new pair of glasses. A few girls made fun of the glasses. Batsheva never wore them again. She felt uncomfortable because she needed the approval of her peers.

Nebuchadnezzar was the fierce Babylonian King who destroyed our first Bais Hamikdash. The Talmud (Shabbos 149B) quotes Rabbi Yochanan who said, “All of the days of the life of that wicked man, laughter could not be found in the mouth of any creature”.  Apparently, Nebuchadnezzar was a midget. As powerful and fierce as he was, he needed the approval of his subjects. If anyone dared to smile, he was suspected of making fun of the king’s height and was killed.

There are many poignant stories of Jews giving up their lives, dying al kiddush Hashem, for the sanctification of Hashem’s name. One of the most poignant, took place in the Chanukah story.

During the period of the Second Temple, the Syrian Greek King Antiochus removed the vessels from the Beis Hamikdash and made it into a pagan temple. He issued decrees against the Jews, prohibiting the observance of Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh, bris mila, kashrus, and Torah learning. Many Jews clung to their religion and were killed. Chana and her 7 sons were captured. (The Maharzu quoting Yossipon in Midrash Eichah) Antiochus tried to convince the children to abandon the Torah. When they refused, he demanded from the oldest to the youngest, that they bow down to an idol. Each child remained faithful to Hashem. Each child quoted a different pasuk, declaring his belief in Hashem. Each child was horribly tortured and killed, giving up his life rather than forsake Hashem and the Torah. Even watching the terrible mutilation and torture of the older brothers did not cause the younger brothers to weaken in their faith. All the while, Chana maintained her composure, while reciting tehillim. King Antiochus was crestfallen that a woman had bested him by inspiring her sons to die al kiddush Hashem. The remaining boy was only two and a half years old. Antiochus tried to persuade him to bow to an idol, by promising him a high position in his government, as well as riches of gold and silver. The boy refused. The king asked the boy’s mother to try to convince him to bow to the idol, to save him from death. Chana took her son aside, infusing him with courage to stay faithful to Hashem. When the king called the boy and he again refused to bow, he was tortured and killed. According to the version in the Talmud, Antiochus told the young child that he would throw his signet ring on the floor. When the youngster would bend down to pick it up, he would not actually be bowing to the idol, but the onlookers would think that he was. The youngster responded, “I pity you, o king! You are afraid of flesh and blood people like yourself. Shouldn’t I fear the Holy One, Blessed is He, the G-D of the world?!” Before the youngster was taken to be tortured and killed, his mother kissed him and gave him a message to deliver to our forefather Avraham. “You [Avraham] bound one son [on an alter]. I bound 7 sons who were all killed on one day!” The heroism of Chana and her sons inspired many Jews to remain faithful to Hashem.

(Based on Talmud (Gittin 57B), Midrash Eichah (1:50), and Yossipon (chapters 18-19) as well as Chanukah, Its History, Observance, and Significance by Rabbi Hersh Goldwurm and Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz)

Rabbi Alter Henach Leibowitz zt”l points out that we see a key insight in human behavior from the words of the youngest child. Antiochus was a powerful king who could have anyone killed whenever he wanted. He had already shown to all the onlookers his absolute power when he had these children tortured and killed. The onlookers were probably terrified of Antiochus. Then why was Antiochus afraid of them? Why did he try to encourage the youngest child to follow his ruse, making it appear as if he was bowing when in reality, he was only picking up the king’s ring?

Rabbi Alter Henach Leibowitz zt”l explains, even the most powerful person still has the need for the approval of others. He cares about, and is even afraid of, what other people think of him.

We have the need for the approval and respect of others. That can present a problem if that need causes us to act in a manner contrary to the Torah. Throughout history, there have been some Jews who felt the need to gain the approval and respect of their non-Jewish neighbors. That need led them to forsake the Torah. It also had the opposite effect of what they intended. Initially, they may have gained their neighbor’s approval.  However, it eventually led to their being disrespected and targeted by anti-semitism.

If we can feel the priceless value that we each have, as a tzelem Elokim, as one made in the image of Hashem, we will not feel the need to get the approval or praise of others. We will have confidence in ourselves and will not feel the need to copy the negative actions of others. We will only fear Hashem and do what is proper in the eyes of Hashem.

Parshas Vayishlach

To Bow or Not to Bow. That is the Question!

“And he [Yaakov] passed before them [his family] and bowed to the ground seven times until he reached his brother.” (Bereishis 33:3)

My friend was thrown into the kings’ dungeon for a crime that he did not commit. As a punishment, he was going to be hung in the morning. I am a wealthy man. I own much land and have many servants. My servants always do my bidding. When they come to me, they bow down and as they leave me, they also bow down. I have never bowed to anyone in my life. Yet, I had to try to save my friend’s life. Through my business contacts, I was able to arrange an immediate audience with the king. When I entered the throne room, my eyes met the king’s eyes. I could see he realized that I was a rich and influential person. Yet, as I approached the king, I bowed to him and started crying. Each step I took, I bowed, cried, got up, and bowed again. The king was so moved by my actions that he immediately freed my friend. I felt so happy that I was able to humble myself and save my friend’s life!

Yaakov left Lavan’s house and was on the way home, to Eretz Yisroel. He heard that his brother, Esav, was coming to meet him with a large army. Yaakov prepared for the worst. He prepared for the confrontation by readying for battle, davening to Hashem, and preparing a large gift to appease Esav’s anger. When Yaakov saw Esav approach, he walked in front of his wives and children, and bowed to the ground seven times, until he came close to Esav. Rashi says that Esav was moved by Yaakov’s prostrations. Esav’s compassion was aroused by seeing Yaakov bow to him so many times. A battle was averted, and no one was killed.

Rav Levi ben Gershon zt”l, the Ralbag, as well as Rabbeinu Bahya ben Asher question Yaakov’s actions. When a tzadik humbles himself before a rasha, the tzadik diminishes some of his righteousness. If so, how could Yaakov degrade himself so much by bowing down to Esav seven times?!

The Ralbag (Bereishis 32:4 Toeles Vav) answers that Yaakov did not bow down to show subservience to Esav.  Rather, he did so “ba’avur atzmo”. Yaakov did it “for himself”, for his own sake. Yaakov bowed down in the hope that the act of bowing would save either his life or the lives of others. Therefore, it was not considered any degradation to himself. It was actually fulfilling a Torah obligation.

The Ralbag explains that one should overlook his needs and humble himself before his enemy to make peace. That is the proper action to follow according to the dictates of the Torah. If Yaakov would not have bowed, that would have been improper.

Making peace is important, even if we must swallow our pride to do so. When we do so, we are not lowering ourselves. On the contrary, we are fulfilling our obligation from the Torah to make peace.

Parshas Vayetzei

Follow The Leader!

“And Yaakov departed from Be’ersheva and went towards Charan” (Bereishis 28:10)

Every morning we say the bracha, “hameichin mitz’adei gaver “. Hashem prepares and guides the steps that we take; the places that we go. I can recount numerous times and many different situations where I saw Hashem guiding my steps. Many times, I “coincidentally” met the very person that I needed to speak to at a location that neither of us expected to be at. Or the times that Hashem “delayed” me for a half hour or so, making me late enough to just miss a car accident that had occurred a half an hour earlier, in the place that I would have been. I am sure that we can all think of our own personal instances where we have seen the “hand” of Hashem guide our actions.

A prominent rav was on a TWA flight to Eretz Yisroel with a stopover in Athens, Greece where he would be boarding a connecting flight. It was two days before Rosh Hashana and the rav was exhausted. He fell into a deep sleep. When the plane landed in Athens, he was still sleeping, and the stewardess forgot to wake him up. The plane took off a few hours later. When the rav awoke, he found out that he was going to Bangkok, Thailand and would not make it to Eretz Yisroel for Rosh Hashana. With only hours before the start of Rosh Hashana, the rav found out about a nearby shul. Most of the congregants were in Thailand on business and spoke English. The president of the shul invited the rav to stay in his home. Over the course of Yom Tov, the rav gave a sermon in the shul and spoke at length to the two college-aged sons of his host. When Yom Tov ended, one of the president’s sons decided to interrupt his studies at Oxford University in England to go to Yeshiva Ohr Somayach in Israel, a yeshiva with a program for students with little Jewish background. The plan was to go for one semester. The youngster stayed in yeshiva for 3 years, becoming a true ben Torah. He eventually influenced his brother to join him. Years later the rav reflected on what had happened. “I could not be with my family for Yom Tov. Yet, because of my unscheduled trip, a chain of events was put into motion that led me to returning two Jews to authentic Judaism”. (based on a story from the book The Maggid Speaks by Rabbi Paysach Krohn)

Esav was enraged that Yaakov received the brachos from Yitzchak. Esav had murder on his mind. He said in his heart, ”When my father dies, I will kill my brother Yaakov!” (Bereishis 27:41). Rashi says that Hashem told Rivka what was in Esav’s heart. Fearful for Yaakov’s life, she told him to run away to her brother Lavan’s house. She said that when Esav’s wrath would calm down, she would send Yaakov a message to return. Rivka felt it would be more appropriate for Yitzchak to send Yaakov away. She hinted to Yitzchak that Yaakov needed a wife, and she was concerned about the suitability of the local women. Yitzchak told Yaakov to go to Lavan’s house to find a wife.

Yaakov was running away to save his life. He was going to his uncle Lavan’s house, the same uncle who had tried to poison Avraham’s servant Eliezer.  Rav Mattisyahu Salomon (as quoted in Rabbi Frand on the Parsha 3) asked why the Torah uses the word “Vayetze” , indicating that Yaakov calmly left his home, as opposed to using the word “Vayivrach”, indicating that Yaakov had fled for his life. The first word of the Haftaroh, which is supposed to be parallel to the first pasuk of the parsha, actually uses the word “Vayivrach”.

Rav Mattisyahu Salomon learns a beautiful lesson from this. Truthfully, Yaakov was running away to save his life. However, he did not view it that way. Yaakov did not feel any anxiety. He realized that this was all part of Hashem’s “Master Plan” for him. Therefore, Yaakov was able to leave calmly.

Rabbi Frand said that Yaakov Avinu teaches us a very important lesson: In every journey that we take, Hashem is leading the way. Hashem has a purpose in each challenge that we experience. The challenges allow us to accomplish our overall mission in life.

This realization, that Hashem is guiding our lives for a specific purpose,
should give us the encouragement and strength we need to approach our challenges calmly and confidently.

Parshas Toldos

The Strength to Overcome the Challenges of Life!

“And bring it to your father and he will eat it, so that he will bless you before he dies” (Bereishis 27:10)

Asher & Rochel lived in a small town in Poland. They were exceedingly poor. One day, Asher decided to save a few pennies at a time to be able to buy material to make a suit for himself and a dress for his wife. A few weeks before Pesach, Asher had saved enough money. He traveled to the big city to buy the material. When he arrived in the city, he saw that many people were excited by the first volumes of a newly printed Shas. He knew that his son would be thrilled to receive and learn from these brand new volumes. After much soul-searching, he bought these volumes of Gemora instead of the material for the suit and dress. Clearly, Asher knew his wife well, for she was very excited at the choice that he had made. They ran to their son’s yeshiva to present him with the new Gemoras. As they presented it to their son, they said, “This is my suit” and “This is my new dress”. “Your Torah learning is the most important thing in the world to us”. They inspired their son who became a talmid chacham and the Rav of a city. Their grandson, Rabbi Avrohom Kalmanowitz became the Rosh Yeshivah of the Mirrer Yeshivah in Brooklyn. (from Magid Stories for children by Chaviva Krohn Pfeiffer)

Yitzchak was aging and wanted to give a special bracha to his first-born son, Esav. Yitzchak asked Esav to hunt an animal and prepare a meal for him, after which he would bless him. Rivka overheard Yitzchak and knew that Yaakov was the one who truly deserved the blessings. Rivka knew that Yaakov was a tzadik and that Esav was a rasha. Therefore, Rivka set into motion a chain of events to ensure that the blessings would go to Yaakov, instead. She told Yaakov to take two goats from the flock so that she could prepare a meal for Yitzchak. She took Esav’s special garments and clothed Yaakov in them.  She also took the goatskin and placed it on Yaakov’s hands and neck so that he would feel hairy, just like Esav, in case Yitzchak would touch him. This was done to allay Yaakov’s fears lest Yitzchak realize what was happening and curse Yaakov instead of blessing him. Rivka told a nervous Yaakov not to worry. She said that if Yitzchak would curse Yaakov, the curse would be on her and not on Yaakov. [Hashem clearly wanted Yaakov to receive the blessings and not Esav. Yitzchak eventually also came to that realization that the blessings should go to Yaakov. The commentators explain why Yaakov had to receive the blessings in the unusual manner that he did.] The Midrash Rabbah (Bereishis 65:15) says that Yaakov listened to his mother’s directions, even though he was exceedingly uncomfortable and tearful. The Midrash Rabbah continues (Bereishis 65:17) that Rivka even escorted Yaakov up to Yitzchak’s doorway. She said that up until this point I did what a loving mother should do for her child. From this point on, after you pass through Yitzchak’s doorway, Hashem will protect you.  The Yefei Toar says that Rivka went even one step further! She told Yaakov that she would have liked to help him even more by walking into to Yitzchak’s room with him, but she felt that was too much to do. Rav Henach Leibowitz zt”l pointed out that Rivka helped Yaakov with the plan and even escorted him to Yitzchak’s doorway to infuse Yaakov with additional courage and to show her love for Yaakov. Rav Henach Leibowitz zt”l asked, why was it necessary for Rivka to add that she would have even gone into Yitzchak’s room with Yaakov, if she could? Rav Leibowitz explained that Rivka’s extra words were vital to Yaakov’s success or failure. She realized that every bit of help, every added encouragement, could mean the difference between Yaakov’s success or failure.

Many tzadikim have experienced multiple challenges in their lives. Yaakov’s life was full of numerous challenges. He had to run away from home to escape being killed by his brother, Esav. Shortly after Yaakov left, Eliphaz, Esav’s grandson followed him, with instructions from Esav to kill him. Although he did not kill Yaakov, he took all the money and gifts that Yitzchak had given Yaakov. When Yaakov arrived in Charan, he had to deal with the constant deceit of Lavan. Lavan kept trying to cheat Yaakov financially. He also tricked him into first marrying Leah instead of Rochel. When Yaakov finally left Lavan to return home, he was confronted by Esav and his army who wanted to kill him. Later, Yaakov’s daughter, Dina, was abducted and shortly after, his wife Rochel died in childbirth. He also had to deal with the sorrow of Yosef’s disappearance.

How was Yaakov able to overcome the terrible and almost constant tzaros? Rav Avraham Pam zt”l (in Rav Pam on Chumash by Rabbi Sholom Smith) answers this question based on the Midrash Rabbah (Bereishis 68:7).

Yaakov was able to keep going during these difficult times because he felt that “if I give up, I will forfeit all the energies that my mother invested in me to help me obtain the brachos”. This thought gave Yaakov the inspiration and strength to overcome any feelings of despair that he may have had.

We all have numerous challenges in life. One method to overcome our challenges is to visualize the efforts and energy that our parents, teachers, or mentors put forth on our behalf. That will infuse us with strength since we want their efforts to have been worthwhile.

Parshas Chayei Sarah

Do Not Stop Until the Car Runs Out of Gas!

“I am a stranger and a resident among you; grant me an estate for a burial site with you….” (Bereishis 23:4)

Marc and Steve both dreamed of representing the United States in the upcoming Olympic Games. Running came naturally to them. They were always the fastest runners in their respective classes. To their great joy, they were both chosen to be on the USA Olympic Team. The Track & Field coach kept pushing Marc to his limits. He found the training very difficult. Often, he was so exhausted after training that he went straight to bed. Steve was a natural athlete. He was not interested in being pushed by the coach. He preferred to train at a more moderate pace. He had enough energy in the evenings to enjoy mingling with the other athletes. At the big race, both Marc and Steve quickly raced ahead of the other runners. Midway through the race, some of the other runners caught up to Steve. Marc remained in the lead, while Steve slipped to fourth place. Marc won the gold medal while Steve came in seventh place. Marc was exhilarated; it was a dream come true. All the hard work that he had put in, all his days of exhaustion were worth it! Steve was very disappointed. He realized that he would have been in better shape had he trained to the limit. Now, it was too late.

Rabbi David Ashear tells a story of a talmid chocham who had been writing chidushei Torah- novel interpretations of the Torah, for the past ten years. He was getting older and decided he had done enough. He stopped writing his chidushei Torah. Very soon after, this man started becoming blind. When he went to the doctor, the doctor was shocked.  The doctor said that the talmid chacham should have turned blind ten years earlier. Apparently, this man’s extra involvement in Torah gave him an extra merit for protection, enabling him to see even though medically he should not have been able to. Once he decided to stop, he lost that extra protection.

Hashem constantly challenges us with tests. Every test is an opportunity for spiritual growth. Each test that we pass raises us to a higher level of spirituality and holiness. It also brings us to an even greater closeness to Hashem. When we pass one test, and Hashem feels that we are ready, then He presents us with an even harder test than before. Since now we are on a higher spiritual level than we were previously, Hashem gives us the “opportunity” of this harder test to enable us to grow even closer to Him.

Our forefather, Avraham, passed the 10 extremely difficult tests that Hashem gave him. Rashi in Pirkei Avos (5:3) says that those ten tests corresponded to the 10 utterances with which Hashem had created the World. Rashi says that the world exists in the merit of Avraham passing his 10 tests.

Rashi and the Rambam both say the Avraham’s tenth and final test was Akeidas Yitzchak. There were many aspects of this test that various commentaries focus on. Avraham was willing to sacrifice Yitzchak, his beloved son of his old age. Furthermore, Akeidas Yitzchak seemed to be in contradiction to Avraham’s preaching throughout his entire life. He had constantly preached against idol worship and human sacrifice. He had always spoken about Hashem as a loving G-D. Avraham had also hoped that Yitzchak would continue his life’s work of introducing the concept of Hashem, to the world. Lastly, this action was contradictory to Hashem’s promise to Avraham. Hashem had promised Avraham that his lineage would continue through Yitzchak. If he would sacrifice Yitzchak’s life, what would happen to Hashem’s promise? Despite all this, Avraham was willing to do whatever Hashem asked, without questioning Him.

Rabbeinu Yona (Pirkei Avos 5:3) lists the Akeida as only the 9^th test! The 10^th test was when Avraham wanted to find a burial plot for Sarah. Hashem had promised Avraham that He would give him all the land that he had traversed. Yet, Avraham had difficulty finding a plot. Eventually he was able to buy one for an exorbitant sum. Despite the difficulty, Avraham did not harbor any negative feelings to Hashem. He never questioned Hashem’s actions.  Hashem tested Avraham and revealed to the world that Avraham feared Hashem and was perfect in all his middos.

Rabbi Yissachar Frand (in Rabbi Frand on the Parsha) says that is generally accepted that each of Avraham’s tests was harder than the previous one. If so, how could this last test possibly be harder than the test of Akeidas Yitzchak? How could it even come close? Rabbi Frand explains that Avraham must have used every ounce of strength and faith to withstand such a difficult test as the Akeidas Yitzchak.

I recall learning that during the Akeida, Avraham did not suppress his love for Yitzchak. At the same time that Avraham showed fortitude in following Hashem’s will, simultaneously he was crying, as a loving parent.  Avraham must have been emotionally drained afterwards. When he returned home, he found out that Sarah had died, and then he had to haggle with Efron to negotiate a burial place.

Avraham had just passed the ultimate test, the Akeida, proving to the world that he truly feared Hashem. His merit was so great that it was able to sustain the Jewish people throughout our history. Rabbi Frand says that Avraham could have justifiably complained to Hashem. “Enough already. My life was dedicated to You, Hashem. I passed all Your tests. Did I have to go through this as well? Can’t things finally go smoothly for me?” Avraham could have easily reacted instinctively, as many people would.

Avraham passed even this subtle test, modelling for us that one must constantly strive for spiritual growth. We should not rely on past accomplishments. We never remain in one spot; we are either increasing our level of spirituality or decreasing. We can and must keep growing in spirituality.

Parshas Vayera

Making the Impossible, Possible!

“And Hashem said to Avraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh’, saying, ‘Shall I in truth bear a child, though I have aged?’ “ (18:13)

On a dark and cold night in the Jankowska Road Camp, the S.S. and Ukranian guards woke up all the Jewish prisoners. The prisoners were taken to a field where there were two pits. “Each of you dogs who values his miserable life… must jump over one of the pits and land on the other side.” Whoever misses will be shot. It was clear to all the exhausted and emaciated prisoners that this was an impossible task, especially on such a freezing cold night. The pits started filling up with bodies. Rabbi Israel Spira, the Bluzhov Rebbe walked towards the pit, closed his eyes and jumped. When he opened his eyes, he was on the other side of the pit.

Hashem helped Rabbi Spira to do the ”impossible”. (from Hasidic Tales of the Holocaust by Yaffa Eliach)

A few days after having his bris mila, Avraham invited three “Arab” travelers into his home. The travelers were actually angels, disguised as Arabs. After they “ate”, one of the Arabs said that in exactly one year, Sarah will give birth to a boy. Sarah, who was at the entrance, outside the tent, heard these words and laughed. She looked at her aged body and thought that there was no way that she and her aged husband Avraham, could possibly have a child at this point in their lives. Hashem then turned to Avraham, asking why Sarah had laughed. Hashem said, ”Is anything beyond Hashem?” Apparently, Hashem was disturbed by Sarah’s slight lack of belief that she could have a child.

The Ramban questions why Hashem was upset at Sarah’s disbelief. Sarah didn’t know that the guests were angels; she thought that they were Arabs who were trying to say something nice! The Ramban answers that even though it was said by Arabs, Sarah should still have believed that it was possible. Minimally she should have said, “Amen. May it be Hashem’s will [that I have a child].”

HaRav Yechezkel Levenstein zt”l  (in his sefer Ohr Yechezkel, as quoted in Yalkut Lekach Tov by Rabbi Yaakov Yisroel Beifus) explains this Ramban. He says that one who has 1000%, total belief in Hashem is OBLIGATED to believe that Hashem can change Nature for his benefit. Therefore, Sarah should have responded, “Amen. May it be Hashem’s will [that I have a child].” That would have constituted a prayer that Hashem change Nature for her and enable her to give birth.

When we are given an unlikely blessing, we too should respond “Amen. May it be Hashem’s will”, asking Hashem to change Nature to help us.

We see from this that belief in Hashem OBLIGATES us to never give up, however hopeless our situation may seem. As the Talmud (Brachos 10A) quotes, “Even if a sharp sword rests upon a person’s neck he should NEVER despair of mercy.” Hashem can save him in an instant!