Vayechi 5779

Vayechi

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THE ANATOMY OF TRUST

In this week’s Parsha, Vayechi, our father Yaakov lies on his deathbed giving blessings to each of his sons. To Dan he references the great leader, Shimshon, who singlehandedly brought down the Plishtim when they rose up against our people. Immediately after referencing Shimshon, Yaakov adds a prayer that he trusts in Ha-Shem for His salvation. One of the commentaries points out that Yaakov is clarifying to his children that although there will be an extremely powerful leader who will be able to bring down the enemy, nevertheless, the one in whom they must place their trust is HaShem and in nobody else.

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Vayechi 5778

Vayechi

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A PEOPLE, ETERNAL

This week’s Parsha, Vayechi, concludes the first Book of Torah, the Book of Breishis. Breishis is also referred to as the Book of the Straight, which is a reference to our fathers who set the straight path upon which we walk.

I would like share a perspective on our relationship to our fathers using an insight that someone gave me many years ago.

People ask how do we know that we are the chosen people, after all, there are many cultures and societies who believe in a god and each of them claim that they are the chosen people of that god. To answer this question I ask them for their reaction to the following two people.

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Vayigash 5783

Vayigosh

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SHEMA; IT’S ALL HIS WILL

Gleaned from the thoughts of Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky

Our Sages tell us that when Yaakov met his beloved son Yosef, the one on whom rested the destiny of his people, the one whom he thought had perished years earlier, he recited the Shema. Yosef, on the other hand, did not recite the Shema. If their first encounter generates inspiration for Shema, why does Yosef not recite the Shema?

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Vayigash 5779

Vayigosh

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HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

In this week’s Parsha, Vayigash, we find for the first time since the end of Vayishlach, that HaShem speaks to Yaakov and that Yaakov speaks to HaShem. It is striking that once Yaakov returns to the Land of his fathers, to the home of his father and establishes the monument which he promised, HaShem goes into hiding and does not reappear until Yaakov leaves the Land on his way to Egypt.

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Chanukah 5783

Chanukah

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When one stands on the same location where a miracle happened to him or his parents there is a special bracha to recite. The same is true on Chanukah when lighting the menorah we recite a bracha commemorating the miracle HaShem performed for our ancestors.

Remembering the miracles HaShem performs for us draws us closer to Him and that closeness opens up yet more channels of salvation.

Reb Shlomo’s presentation is a most magnificent pirsumi nesa. Enjoy and become inspired!

Paysach Diskind

Vayeishev 5783

Vayeishev

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THEY JUST DON’T MIX

Our Sages teach us that the rise of Antiochus and his evil decrees occurred because there was an overwhelming hisrashlus (lack of passion and alacrity) in our performance of mitzvos. It is noteworthy that Chazal do not say that there was diminished observance, only a diminished passion. As long as the mitzvos are being performed why is passion so critical? Also, how did it diminish?

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Vayeishev 5780

Vayeishev

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IT HAS NEVER BEEN MORE EXCITING

I am often asked how we can trust HaShem will support us if we may not de-serve His support? Can we anticipate His support if we do not deserve it? I think the answer lies in the first statement a Jew makes upon waking up every morning.

In this week’s Parsha, Vayeishev, Yehuda admits to being the one who was with Tamar, his daughter in-law. Our Sages point out that Yehuda was the first to admit in public, in spite of the embarrassment it brought. It is noteworthy that his name derives from the word “l’hodos’ to admit.

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Vayeishev 5779

Vayeishev

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EVERY SPOKE IS NEEDED

This week’s Parsha, Vayeishev, presents us with the tragic story of Yosef and the brothers. When Yaakov ‘realizes’ that Yosef was killed by a wild animal he refuses to accept consolation. He continues to mourn with no end. The question is; the To-rah sets a limit how much mourning one may do. Excessive mourning is actually prohibited. Why, then, does Yaakov refuse to accept consolation over Yosef death?

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