Category Archives: Breishis

Chayei Sara 5778

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THE GREAT BANQUET

This week the Baltimore community lost a great man. Rabbi Mendel Freedman, the principal of the Bais Yaakov Elementary School for 36 years passed away last Shabbos. How appropriate it is that this week’s Parsha, Chayei Sara, offers us the record of the life of our mother Sara. I was fortunate to have been Rabbi Freedman’s brother in-law as he was married to my dear sister.

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Vayeira 5778

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THE PAINTER’S SOUL IN HIS BRUSH

In this week’s Parsha, Vayeira, we find the degree of love that Avraham had for HaKadosh baruch Hu. When instructed by HaShem to bring his son as an offering, Avraham woke up early and saddled his donkey by himself. This is equivalent to the President of the United States going out to fill his limousine with gas. Avraham was a world class statesman who won the respect of all dignitaries in the world. He was the greatest warrior on Planet Earth. He was among the richest people living in his time. Why did he do it himself? Our Sages teach us that his love for HaKadosh baruch Hu was so great that he wanted to be involved in every step of the journey. It is no wonder that Avraham is called by HaShem Avraham, My beloved.

How does one come to love HaKadosh baruch Hu? Rambam gives us simple directions as follows.

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