http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/tags/torah YWN Coffee Room » Tag: torah - Recent Posts en-US Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:53:34 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/search.php http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/35#post-353188 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:25:08 +0000 longarekel 353188@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>BaalSechel: Great vort! BaalHabooze: Beautiful! </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/35#post-353093 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:09:02 +0000 BaalHabooze 353093@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>BaalSechel- absolutely fabulous!!! Typical Gerrer vort, yasher koach, I really enjoy your contributions to this thread! </p> <p>YISRO</p> <p>After Mattan Torah, there are 3 mitzvos mentioned which seemingly have no shaychis to the story of Parshas Yisro. One is to build a ramp for the mizbayach as opposed to a staircase. Secondly, the stones for the Mizbayach should not be hewn with iron implements, and thirdly the issur against creating idolatrous graven images.<br /> The obvious question is what do these mizvos have to do with the parsha of Mattan Torah more than the other 610 mitzvos, and why are they necessary to be mentioned right NOW? The answer is, because one can ask on Mattan Torah “what’s all these fireworks about? לֹא-יִהְיֶה לְךָ אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים, לֹא תִגְנֹב, לא תִרְצָח ?? These were already commanded since the 7 mitzvos of Noach??! What chiddush is there in Mattan Torah that deserved such a spectacle? And also, how could the other nations turn down Hashem’s offer to keep the torah? Eisav and Yishmoel have to still keep the 7 mitzvos – so what teretz did they have ‘we live to kill, or ‘we live to rob’??<br /> The answer is that it is now much broader. The original לֹא תִגְנֹב is ONE-dimensional. But being the Am Mamleches Kohanim, being G-D’s chosen Nation, comes with expectations that are much, much greater. Now ‘robbery’ also includes copying CDs, waking someone up from their sleep and gezeilas daas, etc. It is a much broader issue! The commandments by Har Sinai transformed the shiva mitzvos d’bnei Noach into MULTI-dimensional mitzvos! The end of the Parsha of Yisro is an EXPLANATION of Mattan Torah. The לא תִרְצָח of mattan torah is one that means even bringing a metal knife to carve out stone for a mizbayach! The mizbatach represents Life, the knife represents Killing! That, to a yid, is “murder’! To make steps going to the top of the mizbayach is a form of לֹא תִנְאָף ! And creating idolatrous graven images is a transgression of SERVING avoda zora! The end of the parsha is an elucidation of the responsibilities and mitzvos of the newly formed Am HaNivchar. These specific 3 mitzvos, represents the 3 Cardinal Mitzvos, and are examples the torah gave for all the other mitzvos. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/35#post-353024 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:35:48 +0000 BaalSechel 353024@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Brilliant insight from the Gerer rebbe, the Imrei Emes:<br /> Rashi: Yisro is Yeser, with the letter vav added. The reason it was added is because Yisro added a Parsha to the Torah, the Parsh of "And you shall see.." (the advice about appointing judges).<br /> Asks the Imrei Emes: the begining of the Parsh that Yisro added is "it is not good..you will surly become exhausted..." (Yisro started by pointing out the existing problem).<br /> Answers the Imrei Emes: Anyone can point out that there is a problem. The gadlus is to advise a workable solution! </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/35#post-350601 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:55:27 +0000 BaalSechel 350601@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Short thought on Parshas BeShalach, heard from Rav Elya Svei, Zatzal.<br /> Rashi describes the impassioned prayers that Klal Yisroel davened at the Yam Suf, as "they held on to the craftsmanship of their (fore)fathers"<br /> The Yidden were surrounded on all sides; the Mitzrim hot on their trail, the depths of the sea before them. We can only imagine the desparate recognition that they had of being solely in Hashem's hand.<br /> That was the recognition that the Avos always had when they davened. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/35#post-350290 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:46:19 +0000 BaalHabooze 350290@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>My Rav said a 'moiradigeh' vort in shul last night, b'shem the Gerrer Rebbe.<br /> The Sfas Emes says something incredible about our recitation of the daily "Oz Yashir" that we say by shacharis every morning.<br /> Can we even imagine what chashivus, what kedushah, the preciousness of the Song of the Sea was in Heaven when the Bnei Yisroel first sang that prophetic shira? Now contrast that to OUR recitation of oz yashir each morning (the kavana, the early morning rush, our glances around the shul to see who made it to the minyan and who slept in, the scrutiny of our analysis of the chazzan's speed, etc) Says the heilige Sfas Emes, that OUR recitation of Oz Yashir is MORE CHOSHUV in HaKodosh Boruch HU's Eyes than the Yidden's at the time of Krias Yam Suf!!<br /> Why? How?<br /> Because , says the Gerrer Rebbe, when the yidden sang it, it was merely an expression of their awe and happiness of their ecstacy over their yeshuah. But that was all kodem Mattan Torah! But OUR words are intrinsically more Holy because being achar Mattan Torah, Oz Yashir became part of Torah! And so therefore that tefilla we say every day, inherently, carries more weight and is more dear to Hashem then the originators of the Shiras HaYom!<br /> Haflah VaFelah! </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/35#post-348743 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:26:29 +0000 BaalSechel 348743@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Beautiful Dvar torah, Baal Habooze.<br /> Thought on Parshas Bo.<br /> Paroh: Who is going out [to serve Hashem?]<br /> Moshe: With our children and elders we will go!<br /> Paroh: Only the men can go, for that is what you seek.<br /> Rashi explains that Moshe's words always implied that only the men were going, as Paroh said.<br /> Why did Moshe change the terms in middle.<br /> The answer is that a Yid's avoda is a link in an eternal chain. It is always flanked by both the previous generation, their exalted level of avoda, and the next generation, whose young eyes carefully observe the parents and rabbeim, giving them a sense of what true avoda means. Moshe was not changing his position, he merely clarified it. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/35#post-348696 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:46:03 +0000 BaalHabooze 348696@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Hashem told Avrohom that his children would be enslaved in Mitzrayim for 400 years. Yet they left after 210. Many Meforshim offer explanations justifying how Bnei Yisrael were able to leave before their time. However, the Ben Ish Chai has a problem with this whole approach. When they left Mitzrayim the Pasuk says (Bo 12:42), "Leil Shimurim Hu Lashem L'Hotzium MeiEretz Mitzrayim; This was the night that Hashem waited for as they were destined to leave Mitzrayim." This implies that they were always scheduled to leave Mitzrayim on this night even though it was not yet 400 years. </p> <p>The Ben Ish Chai explains with a Mashal. A father tells his son he must empty out an entire warehouse from the junk that has been accruing there. He tells him he has the whole night and it must be done by daybreak. The father knows that this is an impossible task to accomplish so in the dark of the night as the son is working with all his effort, the father goes in and helps him. The son comes to the father proudly in the morning, telling him the job is done. He has no idea that his father did most of the heavy lifting for him. </p> <p>The four hundred years in Mitzrayim was the workload Hashem gave Bnei Yisrael to be Misaken what needed to be fixed and to be mivarer the nitzotzos that were trapped in the galus of Mitzrayim. Although there was 400 years of work there, Hashem set a deadline to take them out on the night of Pesach. How did they manage? They did their best, and Hashem in His compassion did the rest for us by shining His Shechina. </p> <p>This is a lesson for all generations as the end of the pasuk says, "Shimurim L'Chol Bnei Yisrael L'Dorosam; In every generation Hashem gives us a job." We struggle to survive each Galus and be Mikadesh Shem Shamayim. If we give 100% effort and try to accomplish the impossible, Hashem will do the rest, just like He did in Mitzrayim. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/35#post-347113 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:28:51 +0000 BaalSechel 347113@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Short thought on Parshas V'Eira: The medrash says that Paroh's reaction to the first two makos was one of derision, as his magicians were able to replicate the makoh. Only by kinnim did he discover that they were unable to replicate the makoh.<br /> The question is, why not start with kinnim? Why bother with the other two?<br /> The answer lies in human phsychology. Had Paroh been exposed to makas kinnim initially, he would have been unable to deride the makos. Once he already derided the original makkos, even the discovery of kinnim did not cause him to change his position.<br /> Many people today pride themselves on being "rationalists"; people who only beleive what they see with their eyes. Once such a person has staked out their position,even when confronted with evidence that runs contrary to their position, they will develop outlandish theories, and be impervious to common sense, since their initial position has already been formed. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-346017 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:41:23 +0000 BaalHabooze 346017@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>What was Egypt’s goal in enslaving Israel? If they valued our work: Why have us build cities that fall down (as the Midrash says on Exodus 1:11)? Why twice try to kill newborn boys? Why would they be upset when we increased in number? The more slaves, the better!</p> <p>On the flip side, if they were Nazis, if they just hated us and wanted to be rid of us: Why try to stop us from leaving? Why enslave us at all; why not just kill us?</p> <p>Amazingly, Rashi’s Commentary presents both sides of the issue on the verse in Exodus 1:10: Pharaoh says to his people, “Maybe there will be a war, and Israel will fight against us, and go up from the land.” Rashi says there are two explanations: 1) Israel will be able to escape, and we won’t be able to stop them. 2) A commonly used idiom in Hebrew is being invoked, fastening your troubles on your enemy. It really means, “We (the Egyptians) will lose everything; we’ll have to go up from the land.”</p> <p>So, whenever we see Rashi give two explanations that seem to be polar opposites – we can assume that they can fit together. They must represent a shared, common thread.</p> <p>Here’s the idea, with a little background: G-d’s purpose in creating the world is to shower kindness and love upon us. He searched and waited for a receptacle. Eventually, he found our father Abraham, the man who was capable of receiving all the kindness that G-d wants to bestow. From then till the end of time, G-d is shaping a world built around Abraham, fashioning his descendants into a nation, and that nation into one that can fully receive his kindness.</p> <p>Other nations can receive blessing also; it will be through Abraham and his nation. Israel is the central source of blessing in the world.</p> <p>No one understood this better than Pharaoh and Egypt. When Joseph came down to Egypt, followed by his family, it inaugurated an unprecedented period of Egyptian glory. All the wealth in the entire region flowed to Egypt, which alone had prosperity during the great famine. It became the greatest power of the time. And Pharaoh knew why: “Where can we find such a person, upon which the spirit of G-d rests! (Genesis 41:38)”. He put Joseph in charge right away. He, like Potiphar (Genesis 39:3), like the head of the jail (Genesis 39:21), immediately recognized that success came from drawing close to Israel, in the person of Joseph. Deep down Egypt knew “This is all because Israel is here. If Israel should leave, if we should lose our connection to G-d’s kindness, all the wealth would leave as well.” It was really there in the first place because of them. Of course, Egypt was absolutely right. When they left, Israel took the wealth of Egypt with them.</p> <p>This is the common thread of the two explanations in the Rashi that was mentioned earlier. If Israel would leave, all of “Egypt” would go with them.</p> <p>What could Egypt do about it? The right thing or the wrong thing. At first, Egypt tried to draw close to Israel, to do as much kindness for them as possible. Eventually, however, they decided to try to take what they wanted without earning it; to get the blessing by controlling its source.</p> <p>(from R' Michoel Reach, jewishanswers.org) </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-344896 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:13:08 +0000 sam4321 344896@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Parshas Shemos: There is a Prisha(YD:264) which brings a fascinating medrash on why we use a metal knife for bris milah as opposed to a stone which was used previously(Tzipporah used a stone,sefer Yehoshua).</p> <p>He explains when Dovid Hamelech threw the stone at Goliath a conversation between the stone and Goliath's armor was transpiring. The stone said let me penetrate your armor, but the armor said my job is to protect. The stone said if you give me this honor then I will give you a honor that will last in every generation and that is bris milah. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-344628 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:55:35 +0000 BaalSechel 344628@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Short thought on Parshas Shemos: When Shifra and Pu'ah feared the Almighty, He made for them houses.<br /> Rashi brings from the medrash that He built them houses of Priesthood, and houses of Monarchy.<br /> Priesthood from Shifra, Monarchy from Pu'ah. The question is if they both acted similarly, why did they establish different types of houses?<br /> The Medrash describes Shifra as one whose deeds were upright (Shifra from Leshaper)and she would straighten the child. Pu'ah would fight Paroh, and awaken the child when people considered him dead.<br /> The function of a Kohen is to guide klal Yisroel when things are happening properly; it is the function of the king to fight their enemies, and awaken and compel people to accept Divine sovereignity, even when they don't feel like doing so.<br /> Therefore, they each got rewarded based on their deeds and personality traits. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-342099 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:39:23 +0000 BaalSechel 342099@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Short, beautiful thought on Vayechi, heard from Rav Yitzchok Gleizel, Rosh Yeshivas Yagdil Torah of Yerushalayim.<br /> Why is Parshas VaYechi a closed Parsha [No break between itself and Parshas Vayegash]? To say that when Yakov passed on,the eyes and heart of the Yidden became closed from the difficulty of the servitude (Rashi).</p> <p>The nature of difficulty is that it causes one to become completely self absorbed in his own difficulty, to the point that he is oblivious to what happens to his neighbor. That is what is meant by "the closing of the heart and the mind".<br /> Geula, slavation, is the opposite. By Moshe it says, "he gave his eye and his heart to see the difficulty of his friend". That is the harbinger to true freedom from Golus. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-341411 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:24:18 +0000 sam4321 341411@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Parshas V'yechiei: Yaakov says to Yosef " וַיֹּאמֶר יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶל יוֹסֵף רְאֹה .פָנֶיךָ לֹא פִלָּלְתִּי וְהִנֵּה הֶרְאָה אֹתִי אֱ־לֹהִים גַּם אֶת זַרְעֶך" what does this expression mean: "I had not expected to see [even] your face, and behold, God has shown me your children too."</p> <p>There is a Gemara in Yevomas(60b) which says when one has immoral relations his face will have a greenish tinge(a sign of sin).So Yaakov was happy to see Yosef's face was clear.However,that was not enough because there is a gemara in Shabbas(110) that brings down a concoction that if one drinks it his face will be clear of the greenish tinge. The gemara goes on to say that if one drinks it the side effect is sterility.</p> <p>Now we can fully appreciate Yaakov's words.It was a double reaction,one that your face is clear,and I see you have children(didn't drink potion).This means that Yosef was pure of sin.(Chanukas HaTorah) </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-339760 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:02:59 +0000 realist4u 339760@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>BaalSechel, thank you for your Dvar Torah, it is very pertaining to the kiruv situation nowadays and I agree with your insight very much. Thank you. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-339717 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:35:42 +0000 sam4321 339717@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>The Torah says that Yosef gave Binyamin 300 pieces of silver. The question is why davka 300?</p> <p>The Tosfos Hashalem answers that in mesches gittin(44a) it is brought down if someone sells his slave to a goy he has to pay back 10 times the value of the slave. In parshas Mishpatim it says if one's animal kills someones slave they owe the owner 30 pieces of silver(worth of a slave is 30).We see from here that the brothers owe 300 pieces of silver (30*10),and Yosef hinted to them that this was a kenas(fine). </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-339506 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:38:19 +0000 BaalSechel 339506@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Thought on Parshas Vayegash: "And Yakov sent Yehuda before him to Goshen, Lehoros". Rashi explains that means to establish a yeshiva. The question is why Yehuda and not Levi, who represents the bearers of Torah, Yoru Mishpatecha L'Yakov?<br /> Answer: There ae two types of talmidei chachomim. One is someone who stands above the yetzer hora (i.e. his yetzer is of limited strength), immersed in learning to the extent that there is little for the yetzer to do. The other is one who needs to vanquish his powerful yetzer, and does so successfuly. Levi represents the former, Yehuda the latter (see dvar torah about parshas Toldos).<br /> One who has experienced, and overcome, the enticements of the yetzer can much more easily relate to the next generation, and help them overcome their difficulties. It is he who should become the next generations Rosh Yeshiva, helping others to accomplish what he has accomplished himself. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-339140 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:21:48 +0000 BaalHabooze 339140@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>VAYEEGASH</p> <p>And our father said, 'Go back - buy for us a little food'" (Bereshis 44:25). Apart from the obvious meaning, there is a deeper one. When it says, 'our father said go back', we can understand that our Father in Heaven said to us, 'Repent - come back to me'. 'Buy us some' (Shivru Lanu in Hebrew), can be broken down as follows:</p> <p>'Lanu' (for us) in Gematria equals G-d's Name of judgement, 'Elo-kim'. 'Shivru' (buy) can also be read as 'break'. We can thus read this as: 'through repentance you can break all the decrees of harsh judgements'.</p> <p>Part of repentance is depriving oneself. When a person holds himself back from eating something he desires, it is considered like a Korban (offering). In the Tana Debei Eliyahu it says that bad occurrences come on account of eating and drinking. If so, a person should not be obsessed with eating and drinking, but should be satisfied with 'a little food' (Me'at Ochel). </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-336804 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:53:42 +0000 BaalSechel 336804@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Short thought on Miketz/ Shabbos Chanuka:<br /> Both Chanuka and Purim are alluded to in the seuda that Yosef ate with his brothers. וטבוח טבח והכן contains the word Chanuka. Yosef gives five changes of attire to Binyamin, signifying Purim. The question is, what is the connection of this seuda with Chanuka and Purim?<br /> The Seforim (see Pri Tzaddik) explain that Yosef represented the Shechina, and the Shevatim represented Klal Yisroel.<br /> Let us conjure up an image of this Seuda. The Shevatim are still separated from Yosef, not fathoming who he really is.<br /> Yet within the state of separation a bond takes place - they enjoy a seuda together, even drinking to the point of getting drunk, something they refrained from doing since the start of their separation.<br /> That is Chanuka and Purim. Still in Golus, still distant from the Shechina, yet able to celebrate some sort of bond within the shackles of Golus itself.<br /> This really speaks to us, in today's generation. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-336803 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:45:45 +0000 BaalSechel 336803@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Thanks Ba'al HaBooze </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-336292 Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:03:55 +0000 BaalHabooze 336292@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Chanuka is said to be the 'festival' of the Oral Torah, so why is there no Gemora about Chanuka? We have by Purim, Pesach, Succos, but why not by Chanuka?</p> <p>Rav Nissan Kaplan shlit"a suggests a beautiful answer:</p> <p>The Greeks did not try to destroy us physically, they tried to destroy our Torah - our identity. So, when it was time for Rebbe to write down the Mishnayos due to fear that the Jewish People would start to forget the Oral Torah, to some extent, the Greeks had succeeded. They had taken our Oral Torah and to a degree, reduced it. So, when it came to Chanuka, the time when we celebrate our success over the Greeks and their values, Rebbe could not let Chanuka be written down into Mishnayos, Chanuka had to remain as the Oral Torah in its unchanged form. So even though the Greeks succeeded in a way, by causing our Oral Torah to be written down, at least when it came to Chanuka, the 'festival of the Oral Torah', that would have to be learned totally orally without any Mishnayos. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-334459 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:26:23 +0000 BaalSechel 334459@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Thought on Parshas Vayeshev:<br /> Yosef holds sinners liable, as he establishes that human nature is indeed stronger than his baser inclination.<br /> The question is that Yosef experienced the apperation of his father who showed him the potential he has of being on the efod. How can this possibly apply to other people.<br /> The answer is that every person has the ability to be a unique being, unlike anyone who ever lived. In his/her specific area, all people have the ability, if they live their life correctly (which few do), to be truly unique.<br /> In the context of one- of - a - kind there is no difference between Yosef's potential, or anyone else's potential. They are both priceless (something that has no parallel has no limit on its value).<br /> This is enough to encourage all of mankind to overcome their smallness, precisely the way it did for Yosef. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-332587 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:06:18 +0000 BaalSechel 332587@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Short thought on Parshas Vayishlach. Yakov says, "Kotonti MiKol HaChasadim etc." the simple meaning is that I am unworthy of the good that you have dealt me. Rashi refuses to explain it like that, saying instead that "I have become small because of all the kindness etc. that you have performed on my behalf". The question is that kotonti literally means I have become small. According to Rashi's explanation it should say niskatnu zechuyosai, or something to that effect.<br /> The answer is that ultimately a person is nothing more than his zechuyos. Only they have true significance, and in the ultimate sense only they define the true essence of a person's being.<br /> I once heard from Rav Moshe Shapiro shlit"a that people have a mistaken notion of Olam Habba. They think that resembles Olam Hazeh, only they they will be a bit frummer. Actually, Olam Habbah is a place where a person has no existance beyond what they managed to create while in Olam Hazeh.<br /> This is actually quite a sobering thought as to how we view the pursuit of mitzvos. We are doing nothing less than defining our eternal existence.<br /> Getting back to the Parsha, this is what Yakov was saying I have become smaller because of my zechsim having been consumed. Yakov, the Av who represented the ultimate, eternal truth, viewed his existence as nothing more than his zechusim. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-330496 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:36:37 +0000 BaalSechel 330496@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>She would not have been Rochel Imeunu had she witheld the simanim from Leah. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-330331 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:20:52 +0000 BaalHabooze 330331@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Goq- yw, I'm so glad you enjoyed!</p> <p>BaalSechel: great ha'ara! but can you really say Rochel wouldn't have had any children if she was the only wife of Yaakov? How would we have the shevotim? (Through Bilhah, i guess....? I guess.) In any case, I liked that shtikel, as I 'tahkeh' always felt bad for Rochel and felt she had given up the most dearest thing to her heart, and 'sacrificed' it for her sister's sake. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-330204 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:37:50 +0000 BaalSechel 330204@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Short and beautiful thought on Veyeitzei tht I heard from Rav Yitzchok Gleizel shlit"a, Rosh Yeshivas Yagdil Torah in Yerushalayim.<br /> We are accustomed to thinking that Rochel lost out by sharing the simanim that Yaakov gave her, with her sister. She could have been the sole progenitor of klal Yisroel, yet her sister took the lion's share.<br /> In reality the opposite is true. Rochel was an akkara. She would not have had any of the Shevatim. The children that she did have was only Vayizkor Elokim... He remembered that she shared the simanim, as Rashi explains.<br /> Furthermore, Rashi brings Admon k'vot ki lo choloh etc., that she would have wound up by Esav.<br /> Ultimately, giving the simanim, far from being detrimental to her, was the source of everything she had. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-330174 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 21:57:28 +0000 The Goq 330174@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Really great piece BH thanks. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-329537 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:18:51 +0000 BaalHabooze 329537@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>PARSHAS VAYEIZEI</p> <p>When Leah had her fourth child she named him Yehuda saying, הפּעם אודה את ה׳. then the פּסוק continues ותעמד מלדת she stopped giving birth.<br /> I heard a beautiful vort once on a R’ Paysach Krohn tape, a long time ago on this פּסוק.<br /> Leah has a fourth child. She is ecstatic, and gives a name to her child expressing her gratitude and thanks. So why did she stop giving birth?? Did she do wrong in giving such a name, in showing that she was grateful? How do we explain the next words of ותעמד מלדת? So R’ Krohn relates how one time he sat down with his daughter to do her homework which happened to be on שׁמונה עשׂרי, when his daughter asked a terrific question. We know that שׁמונה עשׂרי is divided into 3 sections. שׁבח בּקשׁה הודאה. If so, how is it that the בּרכה of שׁים שׁלום appears in the last section of בּרכּת הודאה, but that’s a בּקשׁה - it should be in the middle section of שׁמונה עשׂרי?! R’ Krohn was stumped. He couldn’t believe that after all these years of saying שׁמונה עשׂרי this baffling question never occurred to him. So he called up his rov, R’ Dovid Cohn, who answered an amazing pshat. When someone does you a favor, our response is thank you. If it’s, y’know, a really big favor so you write a thank you card, send over flowers for Shabbos, etc. Then, after a while, you both forget about it and continue on about your merry ways. That’s vis-à-vis people. But with the Ribboinoy Shel Oilam, it’s not enough to JUST say thank you and walk away. By the RBS”O we have to thank him for all His kindness and goodness, but we have to continue to ask and beg for Him to CONTINUE! We need the connection with the RBS”O to be constant. You can’t just say thank you and walk away, we have to say "thank you, but, please, I still NEED you, I still DEPEND on you! That’s why by שׁים שׁלום , it comes at the end, because very good we give הודאה to Hashem, but it still must be accompanied with a בּקשׁה. That’s the way we are supposed to thank Hashem!<br /> Now we can understand why Leah stopped giving birth after naming her son Yehuda. Because all she did was say thank you! She didn’t add any בּקשׁה! That was the problem with her הודאה, it wasn’t accompanied with any additional בּקשׁה, and that is, as we said, not the appropriate way how one must gives thanks to the RBS”O, and therefore ותעמד מלדת. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-329525 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:00:15 +0000 originial thinker 329525@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Rashi asks why does this parsha start with Yakov leaving Beer Sheva? The answer according to Rashi is that “when a righteous person leaves a place the place loses its splendor”. After the Jews had left Israel for 1900 years the beloved garden of G-d had become malaria infested with nothing growing in it except scorpions and snakes. Now that the Jews have come back, the land is once more green with new communities growing up everywhere. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-329370 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:19:24 +0000 BaalHabooze 329370@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>BaalSechal - VERY nice!! That was a deep thought! The truth is that Malchus, rulership, is a middah that anyone can be koyneh. As Chazal tell us, that for a period of time, all that Shlomo HaMelech ruled over was his own walking stick. He was left with nothing but a cane, yet we are told he reigned over this cane. How do you 'rule' over a cane?! We see that Malchus is a Middah, not something dependent on having a palace, wealth or an army. And as you pointed out, Eisav could have been koyneh this middah to the highest level, even more than Yaakov, yet he failed. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/good-jewish-torah-links#post-328436 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:10:03 +0000 BTGuy 328436@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Awesome!! Thank you for all the contributors. Like many, I have saved the links given here.</p> <p>This link posts a daily simple lesson on Shmiras HaLoshon. It automatically changes. I think it's a great way to start off early in the day:</p> <p><a href="http://chofetzchaim.shemayisrael.com/lesson/lesson2.htm" rel="nofollow">http://chofetzchaim.shemayisrael.com/lesson/lesson2.htm</a> </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/good-jewish-torah-links#post-328292 Sun, 27 Nov 2011 23:04:18 +0000 WIY 328292@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>BaalHabooze<br /> Maskim they have amazing divrei Torah articles. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/good-jewish-torah-links#post-328286 Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:54:35 +0000 BaalHabooze 328286@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>My favorite torah site is<br /> <a href="http://www.torah.org/" rel="nofollow">http://www.torah.org/</a><br /> mostly for the divrei torah </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/good-jewish-torah-links#post-328195 Sun, 27 Nov 2011 17:42:16 +0000 WIY 328195@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Hashkafah.com also doesnt belong here. Theres some seriously questionable material that passes moderation on that website. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-327594 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 20:37:03 +0000 BaalSechel 327594@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>A short but extremely deep thought on Parshas Toldos.<br /> Obvious question: Why did Yitzchok intend to give the Brochos to Esav and not to Yakov.<br /> Answer: There were two Brochos. One of Rulership, intended for Esav. One of the Mesorah, the Birchas Avrohom, given to Yakov before he left to Choron.<br /> True rulership begins at home. Only someone with a powerful Yetzer Hora can experience true rulership. In a deeper sense, the term melech refers to a king that is chosen, as opposed to a Moshel, a dictator. It is the Yetzer Hora, who forces us to choose our relationship with G-d, as opposed to naturaly following Him.<br /> The stronger the Yetzer Hora, the greater of a choice we have, the greater meaning we give to G-d's rulership upon his being vanquished.<br /> The point of a Jewish king is to reflect the Divine rulership in this world.<br /> Dovid Hamelech ultimately accomplished what Esav was supposed to have done. He was endowed with a mighty Yetzer Hora, which he overcame with unparalleled effort.<br /> Yitzchok knew that only Esav had in his lot this necessary prerequisite to rulership. He was right. However, by receiving Esav's Brocha in his stead, Yakov absorbed Esav's lot in addition to his own. His subsequent sojourn to Charan, to face the unprecedented exposure to the house of Lavan, forced him to combat evil in a manner previously unknown to him.<br /> When people said the big (Leah) for the big (Esav) they were correct. The Medrash Rabbah says that she, who containes the seeds of Davidic rulership, was predestined for Esav. Yakov, with his newfound role ultimately took even her.<br /> Bottom line. Every urge of the Yetzer Hora that we experience is an opportunity for true expression of Divine Rulership. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-327592 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 20:16:43 +0000 BaalSechel 327592@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Actually, I heard it once from Rav Shmuel Kamenetzki many years ago. He may have said that it was a Pirkei D'Rabi Elozor, but he was definitely quoting a Medrashic source. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-327518 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:32:08 +0000 sam4321 327518@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Sam2: He could be referring to the Gemara in Bava Basra 58 with the story with R' Bana'ah. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-327485 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:23:50 +0000 Sam2 327485@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Where do Chazal say that Eliezer never died? </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-325138 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:34:47 +0000 BaalSechel 325138@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>BaalHabooze, It was precisely the mesiras nefesh of forgoing the shidduch that got him there. In a deeper sense, this act merited him eternal life (he never died, as chazal tell us). Eternity has no bounds; his Brocha was limitless. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-325089 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:34:28 +0000 BaalHabooze 325089@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>sam4321 , that was a nice pshat! Yasher Koach!</p> <p>BaalSechel, that was beautiful! Unfortunately for Eliezer, he became a ben boruch and no longer a ben orur, exactly when the shidduch was made. So now it was too late to propose HIS daughter to Yitzchok, something which he wished to do. I guess it was bashert!</p> <p>Let's keep these divrei torah flowing!! </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-324738 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:13:17 +0000 BaalSechel 324738@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Parshas Chayei Sarah<br /> A beautiful vort heard from Rav Yitzchok Gleizel Shlit"a, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Yagdil Torah in Yerushalayim:<br /> Lavan says to Eliezer, "Come, Blessed one of Hashem". Chazal say at that point Eliezer no longer bore the curse of Canaan.<br /> The question is, why then.<br /> The reason for Canaan's curse of slavery is because he was self centred. The entire world was split into only three portions, and he worried about a fourth.<br /> The eitza can only be slavery, toiling completely for another person.<br /> When Eliezer gave all to Avraham, he was no longer under the curse of Canaan. "Come, the blessed one of Hashem" </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-324649 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:22:07 +0000 sam4321 324649@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>The pesukim(23:17-20) which discuss the selling of machpelah states twice that the land of efhfron belongs to Avraham,why the redundancy?</p> <p>The Ramabam Holds like Rav Hai Gaon that land is not acquired by a Jew until he digs or makes a change to the property.If a Jew pays money to a non Jew the property leaves the non Jews reshus but does not enter the Jews until he does something to the land.</p> <p>Now we can reconcile the redundancy. The fist time the Torah mentions that Avraham acquired the land it says in the eyes of the children of chet(they thought he wasn't a Jew). Since he paid they thought he owned it. When the Torah mentions Avraham's ownership the second time it mentions that Avraham buried Sarah his wife (he worked the land) and in this instance the Torah considered the land to be his. (meshech Chachma) </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-324547 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:35:25 +0000 BaalHabooze 324547@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>TRUE STORY</p> <p>There was this woman, pregnant in her 9th, and it was getting close to shabbos, when she felt something. The husband says go to the hospital she says no, not yet, and a whole long dispute ensues. Time creeps by and she suddenly feels a painful contraction. It was so close to shabbos, but the husband had already made arrangements, so he quickly brought the kids to the babysitter's house and then rushed his wife to the hospital.<br /> Anyway, she goes into labor, and before you know it the baby pops out, healthy and happily -mazel tov- and all is well! Shortly after, the husband goes back to check up on the kids and arrives late Friday night at his home where he collapses in his bed into a deep sleep.<br /> The next morning in shul he gets an aliyah of course and, because it was Parshas Chayei Sara, he names his new baby, "Rivka". B"H he had bought food before Shabbos, just in case, and he even gave a little kiddush/L'chaim after davening. Later that day he goes up to visit his wife+baby in the hospital, and she asks him how the Shalom Zachor was. "Shalom Zachor??"<br /> Apparently, the whole ordeal on erev shabbos was in such a rush and so fartumult, he had mistakenly thought the baby was a girl!<br /> So the shaila was brought to R'Elyashiv Shli"ta, what to name the baby boy. He paskened, that since אשׁתו כּגופו, and they had originally "named" the baby 'Rivka', they should name the boy Yitzchok. ע״כּ.<br /> It's brought down in seforim, that when the father names his baby, it is with Ryach Hakodesh, that this name 'taiches' up the metziyus and essence of the child. And every father names the child with precisely that name which was ultimately destined for that baby. The couple in the story did not plan to call their baby Yizchok. Originally they had a differnt name. Hashem had to orchestrate this whole rush, bilbul, etc. in order for this baby to end up with its proper name, Yizchok. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-324430 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:51:29 +0000 BaalHabooze 324430@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Here's another beauty.<br /> The gemorah learns out you can marry a woman with money from the gezeira shova from our parsha:" כּסף מנלן? ....קיחה קיחה משׂדה עפרון."<br /> The troubling aspect with this is, why not say it straight out! Why send us to the story of Efroin, where Avrohom bought land from him, why does the torah make us read about this greedy conceited man Efroin, I mean, my gosh, do we really have to come on to HIM to learn out money can be used for marriage?? Say it out:ויקח אישׁ אשׁה בּכּסף (ובּשׁוה כּסף)!<br /> The answer is that we see something interesting by that meeting, from BOTH parties involved. Efroin thought he's getting the deal of the century by selling this dark old cave for a clearly overpriced cost. Avrohom was more than delighted to pay for this burial plot which Odom and Chava were buried in. Each one beleived HE got the better end of the deal! AND THAT'S HOW PEOPLE SHOULD ENTER A MARRIAGE!!! Both the chosson and the kalla should look each other in the eye and think to themself, Wow I can't beleive my fortune! I won the lottery! My bashert is the greatest thing ever, I can't beleive how lucky I am!<br /> Now, go use this vort by your next sheva brochos :) </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-323677 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:59:25 +0000 sam4321 323677@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Very chassidish ,like it! </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-323413 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:59:58 +0000 BaalHabooze 323413@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>PARSHAS CHAYEI SARAH</p> <p>There's a vort from the Belzer Rebbe ZT"L on this week' parshah which is fantastic! He asks a very strong question. Before Eliezer found Rivkah, he had no idea who will marry Yitzchok. Yet it says when the marriage proposal was finalized with the family, Eliezer brought gifts for the family. He brought fruits from E"Y-(that's a thoughtful gift! Everyone enjoys a good delicious refreshing food) He brought jewlery for Rivka (smart gift! Any woman would accept those!) and also clothes. Asks the Belzer Rebbe, what SIZE clothes did he bring?? Yitzchok's bashert could be ANYONE! so maybe she'll be small, maybe she'll be heavy, or maybe thin....???<br /> The question is a beauty, but the answer is even BETTER:<br /> He says he didn't bring clothes for Rivka to WEAR, he brought a sample of tzniusdig' clothes to SHOW her that THIS is the FASHION and STYLE clothes that one wears in an Avrohom Ovinu's house!<br /> In Lovon's house, I don't know what you wear, low cut, mini skirts, whatever,...well, that may fly over around HERE, but if you want to marry Yitzchok, the Living Korbon, and wish to become a Matriarch for Klal Yisroel...THIS is the dress code and type of clothes worn by Imohos HaKedoshim! </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-321511 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:52:51 +0000 BaalSechel 321511@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Short, very deep thought on Vayeira.<br /> The Medrash says the Malachim, since they revealed the secrets of Hashem (they told Lot of His plan to destroy Sedom) were expelled from the inner sanctum of Hashem. They only returned when Yakov saw them on the Ladder.<br /> Questions : How do Malachim sin? What is the middah k'neged middah here? Why return by the ladder?<br /> Answer:<br /> Malachim can sin if they are exposed to human behaviour.<br /> The Gr"a says that we can't have malachim like the Bais Yosef did, because our world these days can corrupt Malachim. The Arizal says that is why Hashem had to smite the Mitzrim by Himself. It was too dangerous for a Malach.</p> <p>A person is supposed to be strong with himself, and soft with others. See first Gaon in Rus for elaberation.</p> <p>The Sdomim got it reversed. They were cruel to others, yet they were Chatoim, sinners for themselves. What was supposed to be inside (self control) was revealed to others, and vice versa.<br /> A Malach exposed to this can reveal what is inside. His punishment is that the malach who should be inside, is expelled outward.</p> <p>Yakov epitomized truth, which is putting everything in its right place. In his days, the malachim can return.</p> <p>The Sdomim got their ultimate punishment, when they got<br /> overturned. What was revealed of them was now buried. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-321502 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:38:03 +0000 BaalSechel 321502@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Yasher Koach BaalHabooze. I heard a similar thought from my Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Elya Svei Zatzal. He said that Avrahm Avinu's Tfila remains in effect to help in future situations throughout the Doros. He said that the same is true of the heartfelt tefillos poured out in the holocaust. They may not have helped for that generation, but they help for future Doros. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-321064 Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:50:41 +0000 BaalHabooze 321064@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>PARSHAS VAYEIRA</p> <p>Rav Tzodok HaKohen explains that it might appear to us that the tefillos of Avroham Avinu on behalf of the cities of Sedom and Amora were not answered. However Chaza"l say that no tefilla goes unanswered. Avrohom's tefillos created the sparks from which Moshiach would one day come to the world and bring a true geula for all mankind. And, in fact, Lot, who was the forebear of Rus and eventually Moshiach ben Dovid, was rescued from the destruction of Sedom! But there is no such thing as a wasted tefilla. Every time we daven it affects and changes things. We might not see the result immediately, but we have to know that our tefillos are effective.<br /> I once read (can't remember where) about a man who gave a speech about the power of tefilla. It was about a month after R' Shlomo Zalman Auerbach passed away and Klal Yisroel still felt its loss. "There are those of you who davened for R' Auerbach's recovery for many weeks. And some may think that perhaps it was a waste of time and nothing ever came of those tefillos. Afterall, he died. But for those of you who know me, know that I have been sick for many months and not until recently was I released from my regular hospital visits, and daily medications. Now I have a clean bill of health. How? Because my name is Shlomo Zalman ben Tzivia. The exact same name as R'Auerbach zt"l's name. Now, it's only a theory, and I cannot be conclusive, but PERHAPS many of your tefillos took an alternate route and ended up landing in MY lap, and saved Me."<br /> All tefillos are heard. All tefillos have results. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-320164 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 15:58:30 +0000 MichaelC 320164@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>והגדת לבנך ביום ההוא למור בעבור זה עשה יהוה לי בצאתי ממצרים........ ושמרת את החקה הזאת למועדה מימים ימימה<br /> and you shall tell your son on that day saying, 'it is because of this that Hashem removed you from Egypt......you shall observe this decree at its designated time from year to year, (Exodus 13:8)</p> <p>רמז תשובה לבן רשע לומר עשה ה' לי ולא לך שאלו<br /> היית שם לא היית כדאי ליגאל<br /> there is a allusion of the answer to the wicked son, say to him, Hashem did (miracles) for me (when I left Egypt), (the Torah says, it is because of these Mitzvos that Hashem did) for me , (but not for people) like him, and if (the wicked son had been in Egypt) he would have not been worthy to be redeemed. (Rashi) </p> <p>The wicked son asks מה עבודה הזאת לכם?-what is this service to you?</p> <p>This service (עבודה) refers to the Korban Pesach. </p> <p>The purpose of the Korban Pesach was to repudiate the prime deity of the Egyptians the 'lamb', by slaughtering it in front of the Egyptian populace, it horrified them, by roasting it in front of the Egyptians eyes, it made them become disgusted, and the commandment not to break the Pascal lambs bones, which even after the Jews left Egypt, would serve as a rememberence to the Egyptians who after seeing whole lamb bones strewn around, that their is only One God, and their idol's power was negated. </p> <p>However the wicked son asks, this was in the 'aincent' times, a time of paganism and foolishness and their was a necessity to destroy this 'sacrilege, but now when the whole world engages in monotheism,which is proven by our enlightned world, full of wisdom, and knowledge, surely this law (עבודה) is not relevant, the 'bible' must fit in with the changing times and places', מה עבודה הזאת לכם????<br /> The wicked son's question is a apt description for Reform Judiasm. </p> <p>The answer to the wicked son is as follows עשה יהוה לי -Hashem did this for me, the person must then relate that the miracles were done for him, lest he be influenced by this heretical thinking of the wicked son, He says בעבור זה עשה יהוה לי בצאתי ממצרים-, it doesn't say, 'with this Hashem removed you from Egypt, but it says because of this (the Korban Pesach) that Hashem removed you from Egypt. In other words it was the Mitzvas of the Pascal lamb, that was kept before the Exodous, before Creation, the Patriarchs kept the whole Torah (Talmud Yoma 28b ) so therefore God did all the miracles so this Mitzva would be kept. Then it says ושמרת את החקה הזאת למועדה מימים ימימה, you shall observe this decree at its designated time from year to year, it is a חוק 'decree', we cannot understand its reasons, and it applies to all generations, to remember this Mitzva. </p> <p>(Beis Halevi) </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/34#post-319912 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:53:31 +0000 BaalHabooze 319912@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>As they approached Mitzrayim, Avraham asked Sarah to claim that she was his sister. This was to protect him from the Egyptians who might lust after Sarah, and kill him if they were to know that he was her husband.<br /> Why is it necessary for us to know that this discussion transpired as Avraham and Sarah drew close to their destination? Why, in fact, was an issue of such gravity not discussed prior to their departure from Eretz Canaan? The Midrash explains that as they neared their destination, Avraham became aware of Sarah's exceptional beauty. Why is this the juncture where Avraham becomes aware of his wife's beauty? </p> <p>Mitzrayim was a country notorious for the immoral and lascivious behavior of its inhabitants. Generally, an individual living in such a society would be affected, even if he himself would not indulge in any perverse behavior. Perhaps the Torah is teaching us that although a tzaddik of Avraham's caliber would not be dragged down by the immorality of the society where he lives, the influence of the society does have a subtle effect on him. In Avraham's case, this manifested itself in his becoming aware of his wife's beauty.<br /> From Rabbi Zweig on the Parsha. </p>