Parshat Shemot

This Dvar Torah was taken from the www.ulpanor.com

Enjoy 

This Shabbat we will read the first Torah Portion "Shemot"  

in the book of Exodus.  The Torah tells us how the children of Israel multiply in Egypt.

Threatened by their growing numbers, Pharaoh enslaves them and orders the Hebrew midwives to kill all male babies at birth.They do not comply, and he commands his people to cast the Hebrew babies into the Nile.

A child is born to Yocheved, and placed in a basket on the river, while the boy's sister, Miriam, stands watching from afar. Pharaoh's daughter discovers the boy, raises him as her son, and names him Moshe. (Taken from water).

 As a young man, Moshe leaves the palace and discovers the hardship of his brethren. He sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, and kills the Egyptian.

The next day he sees two Jews fighting; when he admonishes them, they reveal his deed of the previous day, and Moses is forced to flee to Midian.

There he rescues Jethro's daughters, marries one of them - Tzipporah, and becomes a shepherd of his father-in-law's flocks.

G?d appears to Moshe in a burning bush at the foot of Mount Sinai, and instructs him to go to Pharaoh and demand: "Let My people go, so that they may serve Me."

Moshe claims he is not worthy of this mission. 

And Moses said unto God: 'Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?' (Exodus 3, 14)

Then G-d tells Moshe to tell a certain phrase to the People of Israel:

Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them: The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, hath appeared unto me, saying:

I have surely remembered you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt.

It appears that there was a tradition among the People of Israel that whoever would come with the words "PAKOD PAKAD'TI ETTKHEM..." - "I have surely remembered you", will be indeed the savior of the People of Israel from the Egyptian slavery.

However, nobody understood what was the big deal in telling that phrase. Anybody could do that!!!

How could it be a sign of the SAVIOR? 

But now, when Moshe came with the above phrase to the People of Israel, it changed the entire perspective and the understanding of its significance.

We need to remember that Moshe had a speech problem.

As he describes himself in the next Torah portion:

But Moshe said to the Lord, "If the Israelites will not listen to me, why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I speak with faltering lips?" (Exodus 6, 12).

Actually Moshe was not able to close his lips and pronounce those consonants that require lip closure.

These consonants are: 

B, P, V, M, W

Thus, normally Moshe would not be able to say: PAKODPAKAD'TI ...

But now People of Israel witnessed a miracle of Moshe being able to pronounce perfectly the above phrase.

Therefore they came to believe that Moshe indeed was the messenger of G-d and their savior. 

Shabbat Shalom, 

Yoel & Orly

www.ulpanor.com

Parshat Veyechi

It is widely known that Yaakov Avinu switched his hands when giving a bracha to Efraim and Menashe. In Judaism, the right hand generally comes first, but in this case, Yaakov placed his right hand on Efraim and left on Menashe even though Menashe was older. This is not the only switch from younger to older in this week's Parsha. Yaakov also switches the order of the brachot that he gives his sons. In Bereishit 49:13-15 he gives Zevulun a bracha before Yissachar even though Yissachar is older. Why does he make this switch? The Chizkuni provides an explanation. According to him, Yaakov blesses Zevulun, who was involved in business matters, first because he supported Yissachar, who learned Torah all day. Zevulun’s hard work allowed his brother, Yissachar, to study Torah. Chazal teaches us that “Greater is the enabler than the doer” (Bava Basra 9a), meaning that one who enables another to do a mitzvah is greater than the one who actually performs the mitzvah. By facilitating the learning of Torah, one not only displays great honor for Torah, but also merits tremendous Zechut. Zevulun deserved to go before Yissachar in the brachot because he made it possible for Yissachar to live his life the way that he wanted, engrossed in Torah study. Yaakov Avinu, in changing the order of the Brachot, is teaching us the importance of facilitating Torah study in Jewish life. The enabling of performing mitzvot is an essential Jewish value that gets rewarded just as much, if not more, than the actual completion of the mitzvah.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Steven Penn

PS  - This week we completed a Siyum HaTanach in Memory of Ezra Schwartz. As a school we said 

חזק חזק ונתחזק for the siyum and for the ending of Sefer Berehsit 

Dvar Torah - Parshat Vayigash

Dvar Torah - Parshat Vayigash

In this week’s Parsha, Yosef finally reveals himself to his family. He tells his brothers “It’s me, I'm Yosef.” His brothers don't know what to say - they're scared. They know that it is because of them that Yosef has been in Mitzrayim all of this time, and they are nervous that he will still be upset that they sold him. Yosef tells them not to worry, that this is all part of Hashem’s plan.

The brothers go back to Yaakov and they tell him with excitement that Yosef is alive and in Mitzrayim. Innitially, Yaakov does not believe this is real. In the Psukim we see that there is something he sees that convinces him that Yosef, in fact, is alive. It was not a picture, nor was it a video. He sees agalot, wagons, and all of a sudden he connects that Yosef must be alive. The wagons reminded Yaakov of some learning of Torah that he had been learning with Yosef before he left. Yaakov picked up on this secret message which Yosef knew that he was guaranteed to understand. 

The power of learning together - with a parent, a son, a teacher, or a friend. It had been numerous years, but it still was a connection for Yaakov and Yosef.  

On Monday, as a school, we are finishing the 929 chapters of Tanach. Students, parents, and grandparents have signed up to finish this learning together.  As a school we will mark this tremendous learning with "chazak chazak" to be proud of our accomplishment. 

I have started building many model cars with my son, we have only finished one - but we're very proud of it because it is finished. It is great to start something, but it is a different feeling when you have finished it. We will all feel that feeling of fulfillment on Monday when we finish the Sifrei Hatanach. 

Ezra Schwartz was a boy who planned to spend his year in Israel. He had made an amazing goal for himself - to finished the Sifrei Hatanach by the end of his year. He was not able to complete his dream of finishing Tanach, so as a school, in his memory, we are helping him complete that goal. Please feel proud that you're part of a community that is finishing this together. 

Learning Torah with your family, friends, and teachers is something that will last a lifetime. The connection of learning Torah was something that lasted for Yaakov and Yosef for many years. If you have not signed up already, there are more slots available. Please choose and family member or a friend to learn with, so that we can finish Tanach, as a community, in the memory of Ezra Schwartz. Click here for link to siyum

דבר תורה - פרשת וישב

דבר תורה - פרשת וישב

Are we all messengers from Hashem? Put here on earth for a specific purpose? 

When Yosef was sent to check in on his brothers in Shechem, he meets a man. The man asks Yosef what he is looking for and offers guidance in finding his brothers. 

 וַיִּמְצָאֵהוּ אִישׁ וְהִנֵּה תֹעֶה בַּשָּׂדֶה וַיִּשְׁאָלֵהוּ הָאִישׁ לֵאמֹר מַה-תְּבַקֵּשׁ.

Who was this man?

Rashi explains that this was גבריאל, an angel sent from Hashem to direct Yosef to his brothers. Hashem needed Yosef to reach his brothers in order that events of Yosef going to Mizrayim could unfold. To that end, Hashem sent גבריאל down to the field to make this happen. 

The Ibn Ezra explains this pasuk in a different way. That Yosef found a passer by, a regular person like the word implies, איש.   This man helped Yosef find his way and started the course of events that led to Bnai Yisrael going to miztrayim.  What lesson can we learn from this man? 

For one, we can learn that Hashem is guiding the events in our lives. We might not always understand the reason, but Hashem has a plan and an overall purpose for each one of us. Lesson number two, that we can learn from the explanation of the Ibn Ezra, is that all of us can be and are agents of, or messengers from, Hahsem.  This " Man " was an example for all of us. We are here for a purpose and every interaction could alter future events.  We need to step up and be the "man" in each situation - perhaps that is why Hashem put us in that situation.

Chanukah is coming up very soon, and we see that there is a connection from that story to this week's parsha.The chashmoniam recognized that they were placed in a situation that could alter history, and they took the opportunity that was presented to them. Had no one stood up and said "מי לה' אלי", the story, and our history would have unfolded completely differently.

We should all look at the situations and opportunities awe are put in, and  choose to be the man. Do the right thing, say the right thing, and help that person because maybe that is why Hahem put us here. 

Dvar Torah - Parshat Vayeitzei

וְהִנֵּ֤ה סֻלָּם֙ מֻצָּ֣ב אַ֔רְצָה וְרֹאשׁ֖וֹ מַגִּ֣יעַ הַשָּׁמָ֑יְמָה וְהִנֵּה֙ מַלְאֲכֵ֣י אֱלֹקים עֹלִ֥ים וְיֹרְדִ֖ים בּֽוֹ׃

And Yaakov dreamed of a ladder planted in the ground and its top reached the heavens. And there were angels of G-d going up and down the ladder. (28:12)

This pasuk is very difficult to comprehend. When speaking of Angels that live in the heavens it should typically say that they are coming “down” the ladder first, and then going back “up.”  Many meforshim try to explain the wording of this pasuk.

Rashi explains that there were certain Angels that always stayed with Yaakov when he was in Eretz Yisrael. Now that he was exiting the land, they needed to leave him and go back up. Once the Angels that protected him in Eretz Yisrael went back up, the ones needed to protect him in Chutz La’aretz came down.

The Midrash interprets the ladder dream as a picture of the descendants of Yaakov. Moshe on the one side going up the ladder, and Korach on the other side descending the ladder. This makes sense since Moshe ascended to heaven at Har Sinai, and Korach was swallowed up by the earth as a punishment for his sin. But why this picture for Yaakov?

Rav Mordechai Ilan the former dayan of Tel Aviv explains this Midrash as a metaphor for the Jewish people. When we are doing the right thing we rise to the heights of the stars in Heaven, but when we do wrong, we descend to the level of dust. We can never be still. We are always moving on the ladder of good and bad, progressing and regressing. The ladder symbolizes the range for the Jewish People from the top of ladder, like Moshe, to the bottom of the ladder planted in the earth, like Korach. We know that we are not perfect, but we hope that we are closer to the top of ladder, near Moshe, than the bottom, near Korach.

So, why does the Torah start with the angels going up the ladder?  The Torah is encouraging us and telling us to be positive and self confident so we can achieve the heights of the ladder. Therefore, the torah starts at the top of the ladder, at greatness. The Torah then warns us about what happens when the correct path is not taken,  ultimately it leads to descent on the ladder.

Each of us should live our lives trying to make it to the top. Take the hint from the Torah and stay positive that we can make it there!

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Steven Penn

Dvar Torah - Parshat Toldot

Dvar Torah Parshat Toldot

There are two different kinds of runners. Those who can run for miles, and those who excel in sprinting. Many people who chose to sprint, do so because they do not have the stamina to keep themselves running for longer than a 100 yard dash. Stamina is something which could be built up. Someone who has only been able to sprint can train himself to be able to run an entire marathon.  As an athlete it is important to constantly be working on yourself and building up what you are able to do.

The premise of this week's Parsha, which we all know very well, is that Yaakov and Esav are born to Rivkah Imeinu."וַיִּתְרֹֽצֲצ֤וּ הַבָּנִים֙ בְּקִרְבָּ֔הּ"    Before these twins are even born, there is an internal struggle that is felt by Rivkah. While trying to understand this conflict, she turns to Hashem to get words of comfort. Hashem explains that there are two different nations that are inside of her, and that one will become stronger than the other.

The twins are born as very different people, each with his own strengths and weaknesses. Both Yaakov and Esav were born with assets and shortcomings. Esav was born as a very strong person, and he spends his life using that strength in many things he does. Yaakov was a very sweet and calm person, who was not born with the same strength that Esav is born with.

Over the course of their lives, Yaakov recognizes that he has some shortcomings, and builds on those areas. By the end of the Parsha, Yaakov has learned how to fight for himself and be brave. Esav was born with many good and bad qualities but he never attempts to change the weaknesses in his life.

Each of us are born with our own strengths and weaknesses. It is a great thing to embellish on our strengths, as they were given to us for a reason. But it is also important for us to look at ourselves and realize that we have some weaknesses as well. Each of these weaknesses is something we could work on and make better.

Yaakov and Esav were twins - they had equal potential. One went on the be a father of the Jewish people, someone who our nation, Bnei Yisrael, is name for. The other went on to be something completely different. Each with their strengths and weaknesses, but it was how they managed their weaknesses which made them who they ended up becoming. 

Being Nice and having Patience

Dear PA (Parsha Advisor),

 

I am trying to be nice the new kid in the class, but he is really trying my patience. He always asks me to hang out with him at lunch, recess, bus, school and shabbat!! It’s too much.  I am starting to lose my cool and get angry about it. What should I do? 

HELP !!! :(

Sincerely,

Kid trying to be easygoing

Dear Kid trying to be easygoing,

Let’s look at this week’s Parsha and see if we can find any answers or direction from the actions of Rivkah. In the story - Eliezer, the head of Avraham's household, is in search of a wife for Yitzchak. He makes a deal with Hashem at the well saying, “The girl that gives me water and also offers water to my camels - she is the one for Yitzchak.”

Rav Soloveitchik asks, "Why did Eliezer need to ask a young girl to draw water for the camels, couldn't one of his servants have taken a pitcher down the well and brought up water for the camels?"

The Rav answers that Eliezer was testing Rivkah's patience. She displayed great manners and did not get angry when a newcomer/guest asked from her something that would normally be too much. This trait was very unique, and showed Eliezer that she was fit to be the mother of the nation of Yisrael.

Patience is a trait that is in our genes. We are supposed to be slow to anger and have patience. Good things come to those who practice these characteristics. I think that your best bet is to be patient and go the extra mile for your new friend. It will pay off in the end.

Shabbat Shalom,

PA

Impact the World with your Actions

 iPad, iHome, selfies etc. We live in a world and a generation where our whole world revolves

around what we want and what we’re doing.

In this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayeira, we are reminded time and time again about Avraham’s selflessness.Avraham is tested over and over, but each time he puts aside the human instinct to think about himself. In those moments he chooses to think about the greater good and the impact that his actions can have on the world.

At the end of last week’s parsha, Avraham, at the age of 99, is commanded to give all the members of his household a  Brit Milah. He does this to everyone and to himself. In that moment, Hashem gave him every opportunity to take care of himself. Avraham was sick and Hashem made it hot outside, so that Avraham would be inclined to remain in his tent and relax. Avraham does the exact opposite. He sits outside in the scolding hot weather and waits for people to pass by. He longed to do Hachnasat Orchim, the mitzvah that he so famous for doing. Hashem, seeing how eager Avraham is to do this mitzvah, sends three angels to come visit Avraham. Each angel comes with his own message. The first one comes to heal Avraham. The second comes to bring the great news that in a year’s  time, Sarah will give birth to a son. And the last was a messenger to tell Avraham that Sodom was going to be destroyed.Each comes with an important message, but which one does Avraham spend the most energy thinking about? He is thinking about the one who said that Sodom was going to be destroyed. He was just told that he was going to have a son, after waiting all this time, and he is concerned for the possible Tzaddikim in Sodom. He even begins bargaining with Hashem, trying to make deals to save the people that live there. Again, Avraham puts his own happiness aside to think about the plight of others. Lastly, Hashem asks Avraham to bring his precious son as a Korban. We all know how the story goes, he does this without hesitating. He gets up early and quickly goes to fulfil the word of Hashem. Again, the natural instinct to think about himself in this moment is not even a thought for him.

Avraham designated his life to serving Hashem and helping the people around him. If we could take one message from this week’s Parsha, it should be to think about our lives and see if we can find appropriate opportunities to do this. Is  there anyone that we could help even if we have something of our own to do? Can we put our own agendas on the side for a couple of minutes and do something which could have an impact on others?

Parshat Lech Lecha - All our actions count

In this weeks Parsha we read about an escapee that reports to Avram that his nephew Lot was taken captive. After hearing this, Avram quickly gathers his forces to liberate Lot and save Sodom. He ends up successful on both accounts. 

Who was this reporter? What ever happened to him? And is there a message that we can learn from his story?

According the Midrash, this person was Og, the King of Bahsan. He lived for many years after surviving the flood. This was the same King Og that Moshe was afraid of when the Jewish People were preparing to conquer Canaan. The Gemera explains that Moshe was afraid that the merit of saving Lot's life would protect Og when the Jewish People came to attack. 

Interestingly, the Midrash elaborates on the reason why Og reported to Avram about Lot. His plan was for Avram to hear his report, and then to go to war and die in the battle. This would leave Sarah without a husband and Og would marry her. We see that even though Og did it for a different reason there still was a reward. 

We can not understand how rewards are given out by Hashem. Things that we might see as small and minor might be really remarkable and great. Things that we might think deserve no reward or recognition might really deserve a great reward and high praise.  There is no way to know how Hashem works with reward and punishment. We can only choose to do the right thing  - big or small.