Michael Zaroovabeli February 14 at 11:24am Reply
Chodesh Tov!! Here are a few words on the joyous month of Adar, which we have just entered, the month of PURIM!!
This is a joyous month for various reasons; it wasn’t just the Purim story that marks this month as glorious.
The 3rd of Adar was the anniversary of the completion of the second temple, which was built by the Torah Scribe, Ezra and the Davidic leader at the time, Zerubavel. The second temple took four years to build. The second temple was finished only few years after the end of the Purim Story took place.
The 7th Adar is the date of birth, of arguably the greatest Jewish leader of all time, Moshe. His circumcision took place on the 14th of Adar.
The 14th of Adar is also famous for the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot to destroy the Jewish nation, something I will elaborate on more in due coarse in my Purim Dvar Torah. The 15th Adar is the day after Purim, know as Shushan Purim. Actually two days prior, 13th Adar is the ‘Fast of Esther,’ commemorating Esther’s fast, when she was going to request something off Achashvairosh, risking her own life.
It is customary on Purim to give presents to fellow friends, comprising of a minimum of two foods, the gift is named ‘Mishloach Manot.’ The gift is meant to ensure that everyone has enough food for the Purim feast held later in the day, and to promote an increase in love and friendship among Jews as a counter force against Haman's assertion that the Jewish people are characterized by strife and disunity.
The 23rd of Adar is famous as the day the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was inaugurated, it’s no coincident, how the coming parshah’s actually are going to detail what the features of the tabernacle are, as we are entering Parshat Terumah. The inauguration process lasted between 23 – 29th Adar. It was Moshe who had the role as High priest and Aaron and his four sons took the priesthood roles. Aaron’s four sons were, Eliezer, Ithamar, Nadav and Abihu. We will see later on in Parshat Shemini, how Nadav and Avihu die. The Mishkan was especially joyous as Hashem’s divine presence rested in the tabernacle.
On an unhappy note, the date 27th Adar is the anniversary of the death of the last great Jewish King, Zedekiah. He was the last king of the royal house of David to reign in the Holy Land. He ascended the throne in the year 434 BCE, after King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia (to whom the Kingdom of Judah was then subject) exiled King Jeconiah (Zedekiah's nephew) to Babylonia. In 425 BCE Zedekiah rebelled against the Babylonian rule, and Nebuchadnezzar went to attack Jerusalem (in Tevet 10 of that year); two years later the walls of Jerusalem were penetrated, the city conquered, the Beit Hamikdash was destroyed, and the people of Yehudah exiled to Babylonia. Zedekiah tried escaping through a tunnel leading out of the city, however he was captured; his sons were killed in front of him, and then he was blinded. Zedekiah was stuck in the royal dungeon in Babylonia until Nebuchadnezzar's death in 398 BCE (25 years later). Evil Meroduch, Nebuchadnezzar's son and successor, freed him (and his nephew Jeconiah) on the 27th of Adar; however Zedikiah died that same day. He was a great Jewish King.
Zedikiah was obviously not the only Jew to die, sanctifying G-d’ name, many famous stories throughout Jewish history, include, Hanna and her 7 sons (Chanukah story), mass Jews during the first and second world wars, the Jews in Beitar over 50 years after destruction of 2nd Temple, the 10 Martyrs and many more.
During the Talmudic era, Adar 28th used to be a joyous day and celebrated to commemorate the rescinding of a Roman decree against Brit Mila, Torah study and keeping the Shabbat. These decrees were initially formulated, as the Roman’s knew if the Jews would be unable to practice and observe these, it would lead to assimilation. The decree was annihilated through the efforts of the great Rabbi Yehudah ben Shamua and his fellow rabbis.
Hope you all have a fantastic week and enjoy this fantastic month! Watch this space for a Dvar Torah on Parshat Terumah. By Michael Zaroovabeli.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
ACT! National Conference in June
Visit our News page
Save This Date!
Announcing the ACT! for America
National Conference and Legislative Briefing
by Brigitte Gabriel
Dear David,
I am delighted and excited to announce a new ACT! for America event:
The ACT! for America National Conference and Legislative Briefing!
This event will take place June 27th–29th in beautiful, historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, (just across the Potomac River from our nation’s capital) and in Washington, DC.
Last year we conducted a “pilot program,” a legislative briefing in Washington, DC attended by a group of 45 ACT! members. A dozen members of the House and Senate met with and conducted briefings with our participants, and by all accounts the event was a smashing success!
In fact, if you click here you can view a video entitled “This is ACT! for America,” which includes footage from that legislative briefing last June. We will be doing a national announcement of the video on Monday.
This year we are going to expand the event to include activities such as a one-day conference and a gala banquet. You don’t want to miss this!
So mark your calendar—we will be emailing you details soon!
Once you receive the information about the conference, I urge you to register and make your reservations sooner rather than later, because space is limited to the first 200 people who register.
I so look forward to seeing you in our nation’s capital on June 27th.
Always devoted,
Brigitte Gabriel
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Save This Date!
Announcing the ACT! for America
National Conference and Legislative Briefing
by Brigitte Gabriel
Dear David,
I am delighted and excited to announce a new ACT! for America event:
The ACT! for America National Conference and Legislative Briefing!
This event will take place June 27th–29th in beautiful, historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, (just across the Potomac River from our nation’s capital) and in Washington, DC.
Last year we conducted a “pilot program,” a legislative briefing in Washington, DC attended by a group of 45 ACT! members. A dozen members of the House and Senate met with and conducted briefings with our participants, and by all accounts the event was a smashing success!
In fact, if you click here you can view a video entitled “This is ACT! for America,” which includes footage from that legislative briefing last June. We will be doing a national announcement of the video on Monday.
This year we are going to expand the event to include activities such as a one-day conference and a gala banquet. You don’t want to miss this!
So mark your calendar—we will be emailing you details soon!
Once you receive the information about the conference, I urge you to register and make your reservations sooner rather than later, because space is limited to the first 200 people who register.
I so look forward to seeing you in our nation’s capital on June 27th.
Always devoted,
Brigitte Gabriel
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ACT for America
P.O. Box 12765
Pensacola, FL 32591
www.actforamerica.org
ACT for America is an issues advocacy organization dedicated to effectively organizing and mobilizing the most powerful grassroots citizen action network in America, a grassroots network committed to informed and coordinated civic action that will lead to public policies that promote America’s national security and the defense of American democratic values against the assault of radical Islam. We are only as strong as our supporters, and your volunteer and financial support is essential to our success. Thank you for helping us make America safer and more secure.
The news items, blogs, educational materials and other information in our emails and on our website are only intended to provide information, news and commentary on events and issues related to the threat of radical Islam. Much of this information is based upon media sources, such as the AP wire services, newspapers, magazines, books, online news blog and news services, and radio and television, which we deem to be reliable. However, we have undertaken no independent investigation to verify the accuracy of the information reported by these media sources. We therefore disclaim all liability for false or inaccurate information from these media sources. We also disclaim all liability for the third-party information that may be accessed through the material referenced in our emails or posted on our website.
Do not respond to this e-mail for any reason. To discontinue your membership automatically please, follow the link below. You are registered to receive email as David Rothschild at the following e-mail address: mrdovid@aol.com. You must use the correct e-mail address to discontinue your membership.
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Lubavitch Francophone 2/7/2010
Lubavitch Francophone February 7 at 2:16 pm Reply
By the grace of God,
the 23 Shevat (1)
Brooklyn, New York
I greet you and bless you,
... Near Mount Sinai, each vowed to practice the Torah and its mitzvot. And that oath is also a force imparted by God to bring these commandments into practice, as explained in the beginning of the treaty Nedarim, that someone who vowed to perform the mitzvah acquires in this way The eagerness. A fortiori is this so when the oath is made to the One Who gives the Torah and who creates man. Certainly, one might ask: if he who gave an oath to the Mount Sinai did not draw the strength to wage war against the evil inclination and overcome, that will bring his own oath, to the practice the mitzvah?
We can answer this question based on about our Sages, at the end of this treaty.If someone violates a prohibited because it was unable to overcome his evil inclination and it ignored the will of the Creator, he must still hiding, so that his infamy n ' not appear clearly, because sometimes fear of a man of flesh and blood has more effect than the fear of Gd. It is therefore even those who vowed to practice the mitzvah, Oath of the soul is inserted into a body of flesh and blood. How much is it and when the oath is revealed and it is clearly expressed by the mouth, tongue, lips by physical!
The story that concluded the treaty, speaking of a woman, her husband and one with whom she committed adultery, is also linked to what is the subject of our discussion and we find an allusion appropriate since the revelation of Mount Sinai sealed the marriage of the Holy One, blessed be He and His people, Israel. However, it is said, about the mitzvot of the Torah:"You do and you do not turn away ... because where you pervert", which warns against all sins, all sins, all the transgressions, which take their origin in systematically the first fault, the serpent , which had a relationship with 'Hava and stained, as explained in various texts, both so allusive and detail. In front of the Mount Sinai that the stain disappeared.
May God make everyone, in all Israel is increasing and intensifying its study of the Torah, which leads to action, the practice of mitzvot, which also allows to distinguish what is unclean and which is pure, even within this latter category, which is holy and unholy, the will and needs of the soul of the will and needs of the body.
The Torah was given when an association was made between them (between soul and body).And those partners who are, thus, clearly defined, must agree to build a wall, "with all your heart," with both your inclinations. In contrast, the thickness of the wall depends on the custom and the nature of the country where you are. Indeed, one will be less exposed than the other to his evil inclination, because he is naturally inclined to study and, without special effort on his part, he does not look pleased. A doctor will not invest in the needs of his body, for which he has a natural attraction more important. To achieve this, he remembered the order received on Mount Sinai. At one stage below, is one whose evil inclination is burning, which requires a moral encouragement which must be sworn.
But this year, he also stated that "none of us will be rejected. Ultimately, it is certain he will succeed, too, to Teshuva, according to the Halachah is determined at the conclusion of this treaty, saying:"This woman is permitted. ...
With my blessing,
M. Schneerson
(Extract from letter No. 8768)
(1) of the Year 5724
By the grace of God,
the 23 Shevat (1)
Brooklyn, New York
I greet you and bless you,
... Near Mount Sinai, each vowed to practice the Torah and its mitzvot. And that oath is also a force imparted by God to bring these commandments into practice, as explained in the beginning of the treaty Nedarim, that someone who vowed to perform the mitzvah acquires in this way The eagerness. A fortiori is this so when the oath is made to the One Who gives the Torah and who creates man. Certainly, one might ask: if he who gave an oath to the Mount Sinai did not draw the strength to wage war against the evil inclination and overcome, that will bring his own oath, to the practice the mitzvah?
We can answer this question based on about our Sages, at the end of this treaty.If someone violates a prohibited because it was unable to overcome his evil inclination and it ignored the will of the Creator, he must still hiding, so that his infamy n ' not appear clearly, because sometimes fear of a man of flesh and blood has more effect than the fear of Gd. It is therefore even those who vowed to practice the mitzvah, Oath of the soul is inserted into a body of flesh and blood. How much is it and when the oath is revealed and it is clearly expressed by the mouth, tongue, lips by physical!
The story that concluded the treaty, speaking of a woman, her husband and one with whom she committed adultery, is also linked to what is the subject of our discussion and we find an allusion appropriate since the revelation of Mount Sinai sealed the marriage of the Holy One, blessed be He and His people, Israel. However, it is said, about the mitzvot of the Torah:"You do and you do not turn away ... because where you pervert", which warns against all sins, all sins, all the transgressions, which take their origin in systematically the first fault, the serpent , which had a relationship with 'Hava and stained, as explained in various texts, both so allusive and detail. In front of the Mount Sinai that the stain disappeared.
May God make everyone, in all Israel is increasing and intensifying its study of the Torah, which leads to action, the practice of mitzvot, which also allows to distinguish what is unclean and which is pure, even within this latter category, which is holy and unholy, the will and needs of the soul of the will and needs of the body.
The Torah was given when an association was made between them (between soul and body).And those partners who are, thus, clearly defined, must agree to build a wall, "with all your heart," with both your inclinations. In contrast, the thickness of the wall depends on the custom and the nature of the country where you are. Indeed, one will be less exposed than the other to his evil inclination, because he is naturally inclined to study and, without special effort on his part, he does not look pleased. A doctor will not invest in the needs of his body, for which he has a natural attraction more important. To achieve this, he remembered the order received on Mount Sinai. At one stage below, is one whose evil inclination is burning, which requires a moral encouragement which must be sworn.
But this year, he also stated that "none of us will be rejected. Ultimately, it is certain he will succeed, too, to Teshuva, according to the Halachah is determined at the conclusion of this treaty, saying:"This woman is permitted. ...
With my blessing,
M. Schneerson
(Extract from letter No. 8768)
(1) of the Year 5724
Money Rabbi Dov Berl Wein
Additional Shiurim
24. The Significance of the World to Come
Parashat Behukotai
Trees That Were Planted in a Public Area
An Individual Who is a Community
Two names
This Shabat is parshat shekalim. Shekalim deals with money, with coins and with the obligation to donate a half-shekel annually for the upkeep and maintenance of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Talmud teaches us that Moshe our teacher was shown on Sinai a coin made of fire. I always felt that the symbolism in these words of the rabbis lies in the fact that fire destroys and heals, burns and warms. Fire when it is controlled is the basic ingredient for the furtherance of comfort in human life and civilization. However when it is left unchecked and uncontrolled, as recent events in Australia and California currently proved, it is a destroyer of human life and property in a most vicious fashion. So too does the money have this quality. Used wisely it is the basis for good in this world. However when it is viewed as an end in itself and not as the means to better ends it is a very destructive force. It becomes an all encompassing and consuming passion that eventually justifies all sorts of immoral behavior, stealing, cheating and even killing. Money, like fire, is an essential ingredient for human life and prosperity. But again like fire it requires control, focus and a deep appreciation of the destructive forces that lurk within it if it is not properly harnessed and checked. The coin of fire that Moshe observed on Sinai represented this clear warning and lesson and that is why even today when the commandment of donating the half-shekel to the Temple is still not pertinent, the moral lesson lying behind this commandment certainly speaks to us and our current financial woes.
The ways of the Lord are inscrutable but somehow they are altogether just. I have no answer as to why so many wonderful Jews who were the mainstays of Jewish charity throughout the world should suddenly face varying degrees of financial reversal and ruin. There is no logical answer that I am aware of why the equity markets of the world should lose half of their value in such a short period of time. There is also no logical answer as to how Madoff could have swindled fifty billion dollars out of smart, astute, successful people and under the alleged scrutiny of regulatory agencies that supposedly checked him out and found nothing amiss. Again we are witness as to how Heaven disposes no matter whatever man proposes. Money has now taken on a more subdued role in our lives. It is no longer an end in itself - the accumulation of wealth for the sake of wealth itself; it is reduced now to be a necessary commodity to enable us to have food, shelter, medical care and other true necessities of life. The coin of fire has returned to haunt us and even to taunt us. What we felt was secure in our future is now exposed as being unstable and impossible to rely upon. Apparently the coin of fire should be held gingerly, with protective gloves and with holy purpose.
And even then there are no guarantees.
The rabbis of the Talmud also taught us that when there is general misfortune, the "angel of destruction" no longer differentiates between the righteous and the evil. This truism is certainly present in the present debacle. Righteous people who devoted their financial resources to help people in need, Torah institutions and the Jewish people generally have nevertheless suffered horrendous losses. Their ability to support others has been crippled. This is part of the great unknown that is being played out before our very eyes. The fire of the coin rages in all of its intensity and fire consumes everything in its path, good, bad or indifferent. Nevertheless, parshat shekalim is always bound together to the month of Adar. The Mishna teaches us that on the first of Adar the proclamation to pay the half-shekel was publicized. The month of Adar as we know from the story of Purim which highlights this month, is a month of unforeseen and unexpected reversals of fortune and circumstance. Even though it is highly unlikely that a dramatic turn for the better is in the near future we should recall that in life everything is possible, even if it is unlikely. But perhaps it will take us some time to internalize the message of the coin of fire so there will not be any sudden dramatic improvements forthcoming. In any event we should realize that the eternal message of parshat shekalim - of the coin of fire - remains valid and relevant to us in good and better times as well.
* Written by the rabbi
24. The Significance of the World to Come
Parashat Behukotai
Trees That Were Planted in a Public Area
An Individual Who is a Community
Two names
This Shabat is parshat shekalim. Shekalim deals with money, with coins and with the obligation to donate a half-shekel annually for the upkeep and maintenance of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Talmud teaches us that Moshe our teacher was shown on Sinai a coin made of fire. I always felt that the symbolism in these words of the rabbis lies in the fact that fire destroys and heals, burns and warms. Fire when it is controlled is the basic ingredient for the furtherance of comfort in human life and civilization. However when it is left unchecked and uncontrolled, as recent events in Australia and California currently proved, it is a destroyer of human life and property in a most vicious fashion. So too does the money have this quality. Used wisely it is the basis for good in this world. However when it is viewed as an end in itself and not as the means to better ends it is a very destructive force. It becomes an all encompassing and consuming passion that eventually justifies all sorts of immoral behavior, stealing, cheating and even killing. Money, like fire, is an essential ingredient for human life and prosperity. But again like fire it requires control, focus and a deep appreciation of the destructive forces that lurk within it if it is not properly harnessed and checked. The coin of fire that Moshe observed on Sinai represented this clear warning and lesson and that is why even today when the commandment of donating the half-shekel to the Temple is still not pertinent, the moral lesson lying behind this commandment certainly speaks to us and our current financial woes.
The ways of the Lord are inscrutable but somehow they are altogether just. I have no answer as to why so many wonderful Jews who were the mainstays of Jewish charity throughout the world should suddenly face varying degrees of financial reversal and ruin. There is no logical answer that I am aware of why the equity markets of the world should lose half of their value in such a short period of time. There is also no logical answer as to how Madoff could have swindled fifty billion dollars out of smart, astute, successful people and under the alleged scrutiny of regulatory agencies that supposedly checked him out and found nothing amiss. Again we are witness as to how Heaven disposes no matter whatever man proposes. Money has now taken on a more subdued role in our lives. It is no longer an end in itself - the accumulation of wealth for the sake of wealth itself; it is reduced now to be a necessary commodity to enable us to have food, shelter, medical care and other true necessities of life. The coin of fire has returned to haunt us and even to taunt us. What we felt was secure in our future is now exposed as being unstable and impossible to rely upon. Apparently the coin of fire should be held gingerly, with protective gloves and with holy purpose.
And even then there are no guarantees.
The rabbis of the Talmud also taught us that when there is general misfortune, the "angel of destruction" no longer differentiates between the righteous and the evil. This truism is certainly present in the present debacle. Righteous people who devoted their financial resources to help people in need, Torah institutions and the Jewish people generally have nevertheless suffered horrendous losses. Their ability to support others has been crippled. This is part of the great unknown that is being played out before our very eyes. The fire of the coin rages in all of its intensity and fire consumes everything in its path, good, bad or indifferent. Nevertheless, parshat shekalim is always bound together to the month of Adar. The Mishna teaches us that on the first of Adar the proclamation to pay the half-shekel was publicized. The month of Adar as we know from the story of Purim which highlights this month, is a month of unforeseen and unexpected reversals of fortune and circumstance. Even though it is highly unlikely that a dramatic turn for the better is in the near future we should recall that in life everything is possible, even if it is unlikely. But perhaps it will take us some time to internalize the message of the coin of fire so there will not be any sudden dramatic improvements forthcoming. In any event we should realize that the eternal message of parshat shekalim - of the coin of fire - remains valid and relevant to us in good and better times as well.
* Written by the rabbi
Weekly Dvar Torah – Parshah Yisro
Michael Zaroovabeli February 7 at 4:14am Reply
This week’s reading introduces us to the Ten commandments and a man whom we haven’t heard about since parshat Shemot, Yisro.
The Parshah actually starts off relating Moshe’s father in law, Yisro, how he left the land of Midiyan and joined the Jewish nation, converting by circumcising himself and the immersion in the Mikveh (Ritual bath).
In fact, due to his choice, choosing Judaism, despite his neighbours, the Amalakites went into war against the Jews at the end of last weeks reading, proved how much faith Yisro had in the Jewish religion and his total belief in Hashem.
Yisro brought with him, his daughter Tzipporah and his grand children (Moshe’s children) Eliezer and Gershon.
Yisro converted for the sake of Heaven and became a G-d fearing Jew, unlike the ‘Eiruv Rav’ who had converted deceitfully and went on to encourage the making of the Golden Calf. There were many great converts throughout biblical history, including, Batya the daughter of Pharaoh (who merited to go to Gan Eden alive), Rachav who was a cannanite harlot who converted and assisted the Jewish people into entering the land of Canaan which is related in the book of Joshua, the prophet Obadiah descended from Eisav, also one of the most famous converts is a man of the name Onkelas, who was from Roman origin.
The convert is regarded very highly in Jewish law, Hashem states that he has four children, they are, the orphan, poor person, Levite and also a convert! We should all respect anyone that has converted to Judaism.
Yisro, despite being brought up in a life of idolatry, worshipping many idols in his past, gave it all up. After converting and going through the circumcision process, he made a feast celebrating his conversion. Despite him going through the pain of the Brit Mila and it being his feast, he stood up and ran around serving all the guests like a proper righteous man, this reminds me of my cousin in London, after his baby son’s circumcision, despite it being his party and event, he was the man serving all the guests, taking care of everybody. These people teach us a lesson, one should always seek to do kindness all the time, even if it may be during there own events, as these are the truly reighous people. We also see Joshua, who was Moshe’s prime student, became the leader of the Jewish nation later on, not because he was the most learned of all Moshe’s students, it was because he treated all mitzvahs importantly and was always doing the tasks such as serving everyone food, stacking up tables and chairs at the end of services and always honouring his Rebbe, Moshe.
Yisro then gave crucial advice to Moshe, advising him on how to institute court systems, thus saving Moshe and the Jews a lot of time later on and giving them a proper court structure.
Yisro was so great an entire parshah was named after him!!
The reading then continues to the event of the ’10 commandments.’ After spending more than a month in the wilderness, the Jews encamped around Mount Sinai and accepted the Torah! Mount Sinai was chosen as the mountain for the Torah to be put on as it was the most ‘humblest’ of all mountains, teaching that Hashem loves humility!!
The first commandment related how to believe in Hashem’s existence and providence. The second commandment, tells us not to have ‘other G-d’s.’ The third teaches us not to pronounce Hashems name in vain.
The forth commandment, orders us to observe Shabbat, specifically by not doing any of the 39 Melachot which the Jews did in the Tabernacle. Also sanctifying the Shabbat and remembering it tremendously!! In modern day, desecration of Shabbat, includes, driving the car, switching off/on lights directly and doing any form of creative activity.
The fifth, commands us to honour our parents, in this commandment it relates how we should also honour older siblings and always do what is requested of our parents and to not do anything that upsets them.
The sixth commandment, states how one should not murder, included in this category is not to embarrass someone in public as that is a form of murder.
The seventh commandment is not to commit adultery; the eighth is that one should not steal. The ninth commandment is not to bear false witness against a fellow man. The tenth commandment is not to be jealous of what others have. We all have to realize, Hashem awards an individual with what he should have in this world, and it isn’t our job to covet others possessions.
In the Tanach we see, a pure desecration of the last 2 commandments by King Achav, who coveted a man of the name Nabot’s field, in order to gain possession of the field, he had him put on trial for something he didn’t do, and Nabot was put to death as a penalty for a crime he didn’t commit. Both jealousy and bearing false witness led to his murder!
The parshah finishes off relating the mitzvah of not building an alter of stones touched by iron, as iron is used usually for destructive purposes, for example, sharp knives (which could be used to kill), however the alter in general, is there to promote peace!!
The Haftorah for this weeks reading comes from chapter 6 in the book of Isaiah, relating the prophet’s vision of the heavenly chariot.
I would like to dedicate this weeks Dvar Torah in memory of the Yahrzeit of my late uncle, Menashe Ben Shimon.
Hope you all have a great week, written by Michael Zaroovabeli.
This week’s reading introduces us to the Ten commandments and a man whom we haven’t heard about since parshat Shemot, Yisro.
The Parshah actually starts off relating Moshe’s father in law, Yisro, how he left the land of Midiyan and joined the Jewish nation, converting by circumcising himself and the immersion in the Mikveh (Ritual bath).
In fact, due to his choice, choosing Judaism, despite his neighbours, the Amalakites went into war against the Jews at the end of last weeks reading, proved how much faith Yisro had in the Jewish religion and his total belief in Hashem.
Yisro brought with him, his daughter Tzipporah and his grand children (Moshe’s children) Eliezer and Gershon.
Yisro converted for the sake of Heaven and became a G-d fearing Jew, unlike the ‘Eiruv Rav’ who had converted deceitfully and went on to encourage the making of the Golden Calf. There were many great converts throughout biblical history, including, Batya the daughter of Pharaoh (who merited to go to Gan Eden alive), Rachav who was a cannanite harlot who converted and assisted the Jewish people into entering the land of Canaan which is related in the book of Joshua, the prophet Obadiah descended from Eisav, also one of the most famous converts is a man of the name Onkelas, who was from Roman origin.
The convert is regarded very highly in Jewish law, Hashem states that he has four children, they are, the orphan, poor person, Levite and also a convert! We should all respect anyone that has converted to Judaism.
Yisro, despite being brought up in a life of idolatry, worshipping many idols in his past, gave it all up. After converting and going through the circumcision process, he made a feast celebrating his conversion. Despite him going through the pain of the Brit Mila and it being his feast, he stood up and ran around serving all the guests like a proper righteous man, this reminds me of my cousin in London, after his baby son’s circumcision, despite it being his party and event, he was the man serving all the guests, taking care of everybody. These people teach us a lesson, one should always seek to do kindness all the time, even if it may be during there own events, as these are the truly reighous people. We also see Joshua, who was Moshe’s prime student, became the leader of the Jewish nation later on, not because he was the most learned of all Moshe’s students, it was because he treated all mitzvahs importantly and was always doing the tasks such as serving everyone food, stacking up tables and chairs at the end of services and always honouring his Rebbe, Moshe.
Yisro then gave crucial advice to Moshe, advising him on how to institute court systems, thus saving Moshe and the Jews a lot of time later on and giving them a proper court structure.
Yisro was so great an entire parshah was named after him!!
The reading then continues to the event of the ’10 commandments.’ After spending more than a month in the wilderness, the Jews encamped around Mount Sinai and accepted the Torah! Mount Sinai was chosen as the mountain for the Torah to be put on as it was the most ‘humblest’ of all mountains, teaching that Hashem loves humility!!
The first commandment related how to believe in Hashem’s existence and providence. The second commandment, tells us not to have ‘other G-d’s.’ The third teaches us not to pronounce Hashems name in vain.
The forth commandment, orders us to observe Shabbat, specifically by not doing any of the 39 Melachot which the Jews did in the Tabernacle. Also sanctifying the Shabbat and remembering it tremendously!! In modern day, desecration of Shabbat, includes, driving the car, switching off/on lights directly and doing any form of creative activity.
The fifth, commands us to honour our parents, in this commandment it relates how we should also honour older siblings and always do what is requested of our parents and to not do anything that upsets them.
The sixth commandment, states how one should not murder, included in this category is not to embarrass someone in public as that is a form of murder.
The seventh commandment is not to commit adultery; the eighth is that one should not steal. The ninth commandment is not to bear false witness against a fellow man. The tenth commandment is not to be jealous of what others have. We all have to realize, Hashem awards an individual with what he should have in this world, and it isn’t our job to covet others possessions.
In the Tanach we see, a pure desecration of the last 2 commandments by King Achav, who coveted a man of the name Nabot’s field, in order to gain possession of the field, he had him put on trial for something he didn’t do, and Nabot was put to death as a penalty for a crime he didn’t commit. Both jealousy and bearing false witness led to his murder!
The parshah finishes off relating the mitzvah of not building an alter of stones touched by iron, as iron is used usually for destructive purposes, for example, sharp knives (which could be used to kill), however the alter in general, is there to promote peace!!
The Haftorah for this weeks reading comes from chapter 6 in the book of Isaiah, relating the prophet’s vision of the heavenly chariot.
I would like to dedicate this weeks Dvar Torah in memory of the Yahrzeit of my late uncle, Menashe Ben Shimon.
Hope you all have a great week, written by Michael Zaroovabeli.
Sicha from the Rebbi 22nd Shevat
By the grace of God,
the 22 Shevat (1)
Brooklyn, New York
I greet you and bless you,
... People ask me how to believe in divine providence? How can we imagine that God is the Master of the world and leads?
Imagine a man who has never known civilization which grew up alone in a desert.
Suddenly, he is led into the office of a dentist or a surgeon. There he sees a child sitting on the chair, bound and gagged him and the dentist pulls a tooth, then he cries. It is the same surgeon. He sees a man attached to the operating table, unable to move, to defend themselves or flee, undergoing an operation and losing blood.It is clear that one who escapes the idea that doctors are upright and righteous, who, of course, has no concept of medicine will reach the conclusion that the man attacking the child or the patient is a criminal, inflicting terrible pain to those who fall into his hands.
It will not be the same if the guest from the desert, has ideas on how to heal the physical body, he knows it is sometimes necessary to have an operation or to pull a tooth. At the time, the pain is great, but that is how man can be preserved for a long and terrible suffering that his body will remain healthy for decades.
Even if this man knows nothing of medicine, it can verify that the dentist or surgeon is a good man, regretting the pain of the child or the patient, but believes that it is necessary, at least transiently, to exert its effect thereafter for decades.
The same goes for what is the subject of our discussion. Each of us is the spectator of transient events, occurring over several days, months or years and you forget completely that his soul was already several thousands of years before that. Moreover, this soul is immutable. It will be the same tomorrow and forever. In imposing a passing pain, mild considering the life of the soul before the event and after it, he can be an advantage to be eternal, for the past and the future. In such cases, not only we will not call into question the principle of such suffering, but much more, in the words of the prophet Ichai (12, 1), we say:"I praise You, Lord, for giving me reprimanded. ...
With my blessing,
M. Schneerson
the 22 Shevat (1)
Brooklyn, New York
I greet you and bless you,
... People ask me how to believe in divine providence? How can we imagine that God is the Master of the world and leads?
Imagine a man who has never known civilization which grew up alone in a desert.
Suddenly, he is led into the office of a dentist or a surgeon. There he sees a child sitting on the chair, bound and gagged him and the dentist pulls a tooth, then he cries. It is the same surgeon. He sees a man attached to the operating table, unable to move, to defend themselves or flee, undergoing an operation and losing blood.It is clear that one who escapes the idea that doctors are upright and righteous, who, of course, has no concept of medicine will reach the conclusion that the man attacking the child or the patient is a criminal, inflicting terrible pain to those who fall into his hands.
It will not be the same if the guest from the desert, has ideas on how to heal the physical body, he knows it is sometimes necessary to have an operation or to pull a tooth. At the time, the pain is great, but that is how man can be preserved for a long and terrible suffering that his body will remain healthy for decades.
Even if this man knows nothing of medicine, it can verify that the dentist or surgeon is a good man, regretting the pain of the child or the patient, but believes that it is necessary, at least transiently, to exert its effect thereafter for decades.
The same goes for what is the subject of our discussion. Each of us is the spectator of transient events, occurring over several days, months or years and you forget completely that his soul was already several thousands of years before that. Moreover, this soul is immutable. It will be the same tomorrow and forever. In imposing a passing pain, mild considering the life of the soul before the event and after it, he can be an advantage to be eternal, for the past and the future. In such cases, not only we will not call into question the principle of such suffering, but much more, in the words of the prophet Ichai (12, 1), we say:"I praise You, Lord, for giving me reprimanded. ...
With my blessing,
M. Schneerson
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