Parshas Nitzavim- Special Rosh Hashana Edition

You Can Do It! There is Nothing Stopping You!

“The thing [Torah] is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to observe it”. (Devorim 30:14)

In 1977, Laura Schultz, 63, was in the kitchen of her home in Tallahassee, Florida, when she heard her 6-year-old grandson screaming from the driveway outside. Schultz ran to the door to find her grandson pinned beneath the rear tire of a full-size Buick. Giving no consideration to limitations or barriers, Schultz ran to the car, used one hand to lift the rear of the vehicle and used the other hand to drag her grandson to safety.

With a little coaching from Garfield, Schultz returned to college, earned her degree and went on, at nearly 70 years of age, to fulfill her long-held dream of becoming a college professor.

Whatever you may now be telling yourself that you can’t do, do it! It’s never too late to summon forth the full extents of your G-D-given potential. (Goodreads.com)

The Midrash Tanchuma (Parshas Vayelech) brings a story involving the prophet Eliyahu. Eliyahu was once traveling on a road where he met a man who mocked and scorned him. Eliyahu asked the man what he would respond on Judgement Day, when he would be asked why he didn’t learn Torah. The man had a quick response. He would say that Hashem did not give him the necessary wisdom or understanding to be able to learn Torah. Clearly if he didn’t have the ability, he couldn’t be blamed for not learning.  Eliyahu asked the man what he did for a living. The man said that he was a fisherman and hunter of birds. Eliyahu then asked the man how he learned to take flax and weave it into nets for his fishing and hunting. And, who taught him how to hunt effectively and how to successfully sell his catch. To that the man responded that Hashem gave him the wisdom to do those things. Eliyahu said, “For … [all this] Hashem gave you wisdom and understanding, but to acquire Torah Hashem did not give you understanding?!” The Torah says, “The thing [Torah] is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to observe it”. (Devorim 30:14) Immediately, after hearing these words, the fisherman reflected for a moment and started crying bitterly. He realized that Eliyahu was correct. He had lived life fooling himself that he was not capable of learning Torah. Eliyahu told him not to get depressed (see the commentary of the Eitz Yosef). Everyone will be faced with the same question of why they didn’t learn Torah (or why didn’t they do certain mitzvos) when they truly had the ability to do so.

The yetzer hara tricks us into thinking we are incapable of learning Torah (or to learn more Torah) or doing certain mitzvos, when, truthfully, we do have the ability to do so. Each one of us has many G-D given abilities. As Rosh Hashana approaches, we should stop for a moment to think. Then we will realize that we all can apply ourselves to reach greater spiritual heights. We can all improve our actions, in some way, and come closer to Hashem. If we haven’t yet started, we should not become discouraged. Hashem eagerly awaits our sincere improvements (and repentance) as a loving father waits for a child.

We all have latent abilities that we can harness. All we need to do is stop for a moment and think. We can use those capabilities to come closer to Hashem by learning Torah, doing mitzvos, and improving our middos.

Parshas Ki Savo

How to Focus to be Happy

“And you shall rejoice with all the goodness that Hashem your G-d has given to you and your household” (Devarim 26:11)

A man once asked the Maggid of Mezeritch to explain the Talmudic saying, “A person is supposed to bless Hashem for the bad just as he blesses Him for the good”. The Maggid told the man to ask Reb Zusha of Hanipoli. The man went and found Reb Zusha, who received him warmly and invited him into his home. When the guest came in, he saw that the family barely had anything to eat and were beset with afflictions and illnesses. Nevertheless, Reb Zusha was happy and cheerful. The guest was astonished. He questioned Reb Zusha as to how it is possible for a person to bless Hashem for the “bad” as well as for the good. Reb Zusha expressed surprise that the Maggid sent this man to see him. Reb Zusha felt that the Maggid should have sent him to someone who has experienced suffering.  (From Once Upon A Chassid by Yanki Tauber) Reb Zusha’s answer showed that it is possible for a person to see only good and be happy even in “bad” circumstances.  Reb Zusha lived his whole life in dire poverty. Yet, Reb Zusha only experienced joy.

In olden times, a farmer had to work exceedingly hard. He woke up before dawn and worked on his field until dark. He would clear the field of rocks and debris, plough, plant, water, weed, & harvest. After a successful harvest in the Land of Israel, he brought the first of his fruits (bikurim) to the Beis Hamikdash in Jerusalem. It would be natural for the farmer to feel exuberant. His hard work had produced a successful crop. Now he could thank Hashem. Yet, the Torah specifically gives this farmer a directive, a mitzvah, to be happy for all the good that Hashem has given him. Rabbi Modechai Gifter zt”l, the late Rosh Hayeshiva of Telz, asks why the Torah gave the farmer a commandment to be happy at a time that he naturally would be happy. Rabbi Gifter answers that by nature, man is always looking for more. If he has one hundred, he wants two hundred. If a person focuses on what he doesn’t have rather than what he does have, he will feel unhappy. There are those who are very wealthy and have nachas in their lives. Yet, they feel unhappy because they focus on what they don’t have.  Others who may be poor and have many difficulties in life are happy because they focus on the good that they do have. Therefore, the Torah instructs this person to focus on the good that he has and be happy. (based on Rabbi Frand on the Parsha and Rabbi Pliskin in Growth through Torah)

At times, one may feel that if I can get more of something, then I will be happy. If that is his focus, then he will never be happy. When he finally gets what he wanted, he will once again focus on what he doesn’t yet have.  He will say that if I just get that, THEN I will be happy. One can only be happy if his focus is on appreciating what he DOES have.  Can he see? Then he should appreciate that. Can he hear? Can he walk? Does he have food? Does he have a house, a job, or friends? Then he should appreciate that. Again, the trick is to focus on that which he does have.

Focus on the good that you do have! That is a key to being happy.

Parshas Ki Teitze

Did You See What I See? Why Not?

“If you see your friend’s ox or sheep gone astray, do not ignore it; you must take it back to your friend” (Devarim 22:1)

Max had a fight with his boss. He left work very angry. To make matters worse, it was pouring rain. As he was driving home, he sped through a huge puddle, not even noticing that he had drenched a man standing on the corner.

The Talmud (Shabbos 156b) tells a fascinating story. Shmuel, an outstanding Torah Scholar was talking to Avlet, a wise non-Jew who knew how to predict the future by looking at the stars. A group of workers passed them. Avlet pointed to one of the workers, telling Shmuel that according to the stars this worker will be in an accident and will not return alive. Shmuel told Avlet, if the worker was Jewish, he would return alive. He will pray to Hashem or do another mitzvah that will protect him. [Jews are not bound by astrology or laws of nature. A Jew can change a Heavenly decree with repentance, prayer, and tzedakah.] Many hours later Avlet was shocked to see the worker whom he had said would die. Avlet asked the worker to open the bundle on his back where he carried the reeds that he had cut that day. Inside the bundle was a poisonous snake which the worker must have killed unknowingly. Avlet couldn’t understand why the worker was spared from death. Shmuel turned to the worker, who was clearly Jewish and asked him if he had done anything special during the day. The worker said that his fellow workers had the custom to share all the bread that they had brought. They all placed their bread into a basket and divided it evenly. He noticed one of his friends looking sad. Then he noticed that his friend’s lunch bag was empty. Obviously, he was embarrassed that he had no money to buy bread. To save his friend from embarrassment, he took the basket and announced that today he was collecting and dividing the bread. He went around collecting the bread. When he came to his friend (who hadn’t brought any) he put his own bread in the basket, pretending to have taken it from his friend. When he divided the bread, he took a very small portion for himself so that there was enough for everyone. No one else realized that one worker had not given any bread. Shmuel told him that he fulfilled the mitzvah of tzedakah. Doing that mitzvah saved his life.

The Torah gives us a mitzvah to return a lost item. “If you see your friend’s

 ox or sheep gone astray, do not ignore it; you must take it back to your friend”. The Ramban points out that this mitzvah had been mentioned previously in Sefer Shmos (23:4) “When you encounter your enemy’s ox or ass wandering, you must take it back to him”. The Ramban points out a few differences in the psukim. One difference is that in Shmos it says Toeh, wandering, which infers that the animal merely wandered off from its path and it is possible to return it to its owner without much effort. Whereas the current pasuk says nidachim, cast off, inferring that the animal ran far away from its owner. Returning such an animal would require great effort.

The Ibn Ezra and the Chizkuni both explain that this mitzvah of returning a lost animal even applies if you are on the way to war! Rabbi Henach Leibowiz zt”l explains that you should imagine that there is a war and you are called to the front lines. You are in a state of emotional duress. You are leaving your family and friends, not knowing if you will ever see them again. You are focused on your objective. You must make it to the front lines. At this time the Torah expects you to do the mitzvah of returning a lost object? You are so distracted, are you expected to even notice the wandering sheep? The answer to both questions is yes. You are always expected to have the presence of mind to notice how you can help others.
Rav Yisroel Salanter once passed a man right before Yom Kippur. He asked the man for the time, but the man was so engrossed in his thoughts of repentance that he didn’t even notice Rav Yisroel. Rav Yisroel felt that this was wrong. Whatever the circumstances, a person should always be conscious if anyone has a need. It could be as simple as noticing a person who needs change, needs a pen, needs a door held open when they are carrying heavy packages, or giving directions to a person who is noticeably unsure of where to go. It could also mean not speaking about a topic in front of someone who may feel bad or sad about that topic.

We must always be sensitive to the needs of others and notice those needs
even at times when we are totally distracted.

Parshas Eikev

Thank You Hashem for Making Me Get Thirsty!

“Hear, O Israel! You are about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and more populous than you: great cities with walls sky-high a people great and tall….” (Devorim 9:1-2)

Talya was distressed by her son’s exceptionally huge ears. Although she was not religious, she sent him to a religious school where the boys had long peyos. She wanted him to grow peyos to hide his ears. Talya’s need to cover her son’s ears led to his living a Torah-lifestyle and raising a family who serve Hashem. (Rabbi D.Ashear, Living Emunah for Children, vol. 2)

Moshe told the Jewish People that they were about to enter the Land of Israel. They would have to dispossess many powerful nations whose cities were protected by strong and immense walls. According to the laws of nature, this conquest was impossible!

Rabbi Moshe Sofer was the Chief Rabbi of Pressburg in the early 1800’s. He was known as the Chasam Sofer. He states that the Land of Israel was designated for the Jewish People from the very beginning of time since the Creation of the World. Other nations were permitted to live there temporarily until the Jews were ready to possess it.

If so, the Chasam Sofer questions why Hashem allowed these nations to build such fortified cities, that were impossible to conquer? Why did Hashem permit such strong and powerful nations to inhabit Eretz Yisroel rather than weak ones whom the Jews could have easily conquered?

The Chasam Sofer says that the answer to this question can be found in the Midrash Rabba on this pasuk. The Midrash says that before you drink water to quench your thirst, you say the blessing … Shehakol nihiye bidvaro; that everything should be according to the words of Hashem. Rabbi Tarfon says that before drinking you say the blessing … Borei nefashos rabbos vechesronan…; Blessed be You, Hashem, our G-D, King of the Universe, Who creates many living things with their deficiencies…. Hashem is exceptionally kind to His creations, enabling them to quench their thirst.

Why is this such a kindness from Hashem? Hashem is the One who created us with a need to be thirsty. Why didn’t Hashem create us in a more “perfect” manner so that we would not become thirsty in the first place? Why then are we considering it an act of kindness that Hashem allows us to quench our thirst if He was the One who created us to become thirsty?

The Chasam Sofer says that the answer to both questions is inferred in the Midrash. Hashem created us as people who get thirsty to enable us to appreciate how much we need Hashem. Once we appreciate how much we need Hashem, we will come to appreciate all that Hashem does for us. Then we will thank Hashem and become closer to Him. This is the reason for our creation, to come close to Hashem through learning Torah and performing mitzvos. Thus, creating us with needs is actually a great kindness of Hashem.

This explains why entering Eretz Yisroel was such a formidable challenge. It was to help us realize that our success in conquering such powerful foes was only due to Hashem’s aid. It was to help us appreciate Hashem’s kindness. (based on the Chasam Sofer in his sefer Torah Moshe and elaborated on in Sefer Yalkut Lekech Tov).

Creating us with deficiencies and needs is one of Hashem’s greatest kindnesses to us!
It brings us closer to Hashem as we realize how much we need Hashem and how much Hashem does for us.

Parshas Devarim – Special Tisha B’av Issue

What Can You and I Do to Bring the Ultimate Redemption?

“These are the words that Moses addressed to all Israel…” (Devorim 1:1)

Tisha Ba’Av (the 9^th day of the Hebrew month of Av) is the saddest day in Jewish history.  Many tragedies occurred including the destruction of both Batei Mikdash (the Holy Temples). When the Temple is rebuilt, may it occur speedily in our days, many of our personal and collective challenges and difficulties will vanish. The second Bais HaMikdash was destroyed because there was too much baseless hatred. We didn’t feel enough love for one another. 

We can’t force change on others. We can’t force others to act or react in a certain way. However, we can change ourselves! We can change how we act and react in various situations. We can hasten the rebuilding of the Bais HaMikdash by improving ourselves.

Before Moshe Rabbeinu died, he rebuked the Jewish People for their past sins from the time of their exodus from Egypt. Amazingly, Moshe did not spell out their sins explicitly. He just alluded to them. Why? Rashi (Devorim 1:1) says that Moshe wanted to show respect for them. He did not want to offend or embarrass them. HaRav Chaim Shmulevitz, the late Rosh Yeshiva of Mir, notes (Sichas HaMussar page 133), that we learn from Moshe’s actions how careful we must be to show proper respect to all people and not to embarrass anyone. Even evil people should not be embarrassed without a good reason. Even someone like Bilaam, who went to curse the Jewish People did not deserve to be embarrassed. Even though he was severely punished, Hashem killed his donkey to prevent his being embarrassed by it.

Harav Yitzchok Zev Soloveitchik, the late Rav and Rosh Yeshiva in Brisk had a problem to resolve. As a result of World War I, there arose a serious problem regarding the local shochtim, those who ritually slaughtered the animals. A meeting was called in the Rav’s home to plan how to re-establish proper standards. Before the meeting started, a few people noticed that one of the shochtim had come to the meeting, uninvited. Clearly, his presence would interfere with the meeting. Although he was politely asked to leave, he refused. He said that he was in the Rav’s house and would only leave if the Rav himself would tell him to leave. The people turned to Rabbi Soloveitchik, imploring him to demand that the fellow leave his home.  The Rav did nothing.  He sat quietly, not even hinting to the fellow to leave. Finally, someone tricked him to leave. The people turned to the Rav for an explanation for his silence. He explained to them how serious it is to embarrass a fellow Jew. Hashem even “helped” bar Kamtza and allowed the Beis HaMikdash to be destroyed because of the public embarrassment that bar Kamtza had to endure.  Rabbi Soloveitchik continued, that if they would have embarrassed this shochet their entire plan to strengthen the standards of shechita. would have failed. (Yalkut Lekech Tov on the Parsha)

We must treat everyone with respect and be careful not to embarrass anyone.

The Chofetz Chaim (Shaar Hatvuna, Chapter 11) says a beautiful parable.

There was a man who provided food for his children. Every day he gave a portion of food to each child. One day, one of his children approached him. He told his father that another child grabbed his portion. “My father, I asked my brother to return my portion, but he refused. I know that you don’t want me to hit my brother or fight with him. Please give me another portion”.  The father was so happy with his son’s good behavior. He kissed him and gave him another portion that was even larger than his original one. He told his son that the brother who stole his portion will not benefit because he won’t be given a portion the following day.

What if the son would have responded differently? What if he would have argued and fought with his brother? What if they had argued and had a physical fight in front of their father? Even though this son had been wronged, his father would have been upset at both sons.

This story is analogous to our relationship with Hashem, our loving Father. Hashem provides food for all of us. Hashem wants us to be at peace and not argue with each other. Hashem wants us to love our fellow Jew, treat him with respect and not steal from him. Like the example with the two sons, what if one person harms another person’s business (inappropriately) and ignores a request to stop? What if the person whose business has been harmed does not start a fight with the one who wronged him and remains quiet? What if, instead, he davens to Hashem to “give him another portion”? Then Hashem will be happy with him and will certainly give him another and even better portion.

We can fortify our belief that Hashem provides us with our needs.  One way of doing so is to keep a journal of all the kindnesses that Hashem does for us. Then if another person wrongs us, we can find the inner strength not to respond by insulting, slandering, or fighting. We can feel confident that Hashem will take care of us and provide for us.  [Of course, when necessary, if someone stole from us, etc…, we may address the matter in a Beis Din, a Jewish court of law].

Rabbi Dovid Ashear tells the story of a Rabbi who was very upset because he had been publicly humiliated. When he discussed it with his mentor, he was told something unexpected. His mentor said that he should dance and be happy that he was given the opportunity to be embarrassed. The embarrassment was a gift from Hashem to wipe out many of his sins.

The Chofetz Chaim (Shaar Hatvuna Chapter 8) shares a famous story when King David was running away and was cursed by Shimi ben Geira. David’s soldiers wanted to kill Shimi for this act of disrespect. David remained silent and did not respond to the curses. He did not even allow his soldiers to punish Shimi. David said that the curses were from Hashem. In other words, Hashem wanted someone to curse him. The purpose was to atone for his sins. David accepted Hashem’s decree with love. Since he remained silent and accepted that it was a decree from Hashem, David merited a tremendous spiritual reward. The Talmud (Rosh Hashana 17a) quotes a story of a Rabbi who remained silent in the face of being disgraced. This Rabbi had been near death. His silence merited him extra years of life.

Although it is difficult, we CAN remain silent when someone disgraces or embarrasses us. Our silence helps maintain peace and is ultimately very beneficial to us. We must realize that the one who disgraced us is only a messenger from Hashem. Hashem has a good reason for causing it to happen.

These are lofty goals to attain. However, if we work hard, we can succeed, at least some of the times. We can show respect to everyone, even people who are not so nice to us. We can avoid embarrassing others. We can choose not to respond to insults. We can choose not to slander or fight with others, even if we are “in the right”! Ultimately, our successes will benefit us and the entire Jewish People.