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SHABBAT SCHEDULE We would like to wish a Hearty Mazal Tov WEEKLY SCHEDULE Minha 6:30pm to Mrs. Luisa Behar on the recent SUNDAY Shir Hashirim: 6:45pm marriage of her Dear Son Maimon to Shaharit: 6:10am Followed by Kabbalat Shabbat & Avigayil Litvak in Los Angeles. They Hodu approx.: 6:25am Arvit should be Zoche to Build a Binyan Bayit Shaharit #2 Hodu 8:30am Candle Lighting: 7:49pm Neeman Beyisrael Amen! Minha 6:30pm Shaharit Netz Minyan: 5:45am Followed by Arvit. A Hearty Mazal Tov to the grandmother & Shaharit: 8:45am Zeman Keriat Shema 9:28am all their family. They should continue MONDAY TO 2nd Zeman Keriat Shema 10:06am having many more Semahot amen! FRIDAY

Shiur In Recess Shaharit 6:10am Minha: 7:35pm Rosh Hodesh Elul is next Sunday August Daf Yomi 7:25am th th Followed by Seudat Shelishit & 8 & Monday August 9 Shaharit #2 Hodu 8:00am Arvit In the near Future, everyone will start Minha 6:30pm Shabbat Ends: 8:49 pm receiving the High Holiday Packages. Followed by Arvit Rabbenu Tam 9:20pm Shiurim 7:00pm

We would like to remind our Kahal Kadosh to please Donate wholeheartedly towards our Beautiful Kehila. Please contact us if you’re interested in donating for any occasion, Avot Ubanim $120, Kiddush $350, Seudat Shelishit $275, Weekly Bulletin $150, Weekly Daf Yomi $180, Daf Yomi Masechet $2500, Yearly Daf Yomi $5000, Weekly Breakfast $150, Daily Learning $180, Weekly Learning $613, Monthly Rent $3500, Monthly Learning $2000, Children’s Shabbat Program $500 & Weekly program $613. Thanking you in advance for your generous support. Tizke Lemitzvot!

בס''ד Donors Column We Sincerely Thank you for your generous contributions this Week! We truly appreciate it! Hashem should Bless you all with Health, Happiness, Parnasah Tova, Success, & All the Berachot of the Torah Amen!

s • Mr. Alain Albergel Mr. Simon Cohen • Mr. Anthoney Azoulay Mr. Habib Mamane • Mr. Daniel Belecen Mrs. Fortuna • Mr. Moshe Elyovich Mamane • Mr. Sammy Maya • Mr. Yoel Tzvi Elyovich • Mr. S ion Chriqui

If anyone would like to contact our Synagogue, please feel free to email [email protected]

Torah Teasers (AISH) 1. The first verse in this parsha mentions ekev, literally a "heel." Where in the Torah is a heel first mentioned? 2. Which two insects are mentioned in this parsha? 3. In what context is the "the finger of G-d" mentioned in this parsha? Where else in the Torah is the "finger of G-d" mentioned? 4. In this parsha, what is described as being ground into dust? What else in the Torah is ground up? (2 answers) 5. Which set of seven items appears in a single verse in this parsha, and nowhere else in the Torah. 6. What three forms of rain are mentioned in this parsha? 7. In this parsha, which "two sets of two" appear in the same verse? 8. In this parsha, which two "quick actions" are mentioned in the same verse? 9. Which two sons of Yaakov are mentioned in this parsha? 10. In what two contexts are "garments" mentioned in this parsha?

Answers 1) In parshat Bereshit, the snake is cursed that man will step on his head, while the snake will attack the man's heel (Genesis 3:15). 2) Hashem promises to send hornets to drive out any remaining enemies from the Land of Israel (Deut. 7:20). Hashem protected the Jews from scorpions during their 40 years in the desert (Deut. 8:15). 3) This parsha states that the two tablets were written "with the finger of G-d" (Deut. 9:10). In Parshat Va'eira, the plague of lice is described by the Egyptian magicians as a product of "the finger of G-d" (Exodus 8:15). 4) In this parsha, the Golden Calf is described as being ground into dust (Deut. 9:21). Elsewhere, the manna that fell in the desert was ground before being baked (Numbers 11:8), and certain types of grain offerings (Mincha) were crumbled into pieces (Leviticus 2:6, 6:14). 5) In Deut. 8: 8, the seven species of the Land of Israel appear together: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. 6) In the second paragraph of the Shema, three forms of rain are mentioned: timely rain (matar), early rain (yoreh), and late rain (malkosh) (Deut. 11:14). 7) Moshe states that he threw down two tablets from his two hands (Deut. 9:17). 8) When the Jews fashioned the Golden Calf, turning "quickly" from the proper path, Hashem tells Moshe that he should "quickly" descend the mountain (Deut. 9:12).

9) This parsha mentions the names of Reuven (Deut. 11:6) and Levi (Deut. 10:8-9).

10) (1) Moshe commands the Jews to remember the miracles that Hashem did in the desert, including how their garments did not

wear out (Deut. 8:4). (2) The Torah describes Hashem as One who provides for a convert/stranger by giving him bread and garments

(Deut. 10:18)

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Community Announcements

(It is YOUR Community, make the most of it!)

Miscellaneous Announcements:

• This Week’s Congregational Kiddush is still available for Sponsorship!

• This Week’s Seudat Shelishit is still available for Sponsorship!

• This Week’s Breakfast has been Kindly Sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. Jean Paul Courchia in memory of her Dear rd Father Yechia Benchetrit Bar Yacout z”l the 23 of Av. Tihye Nishmato Tzerura Bitzror Hahayim Amen.

• This Week’s Breakfast has been Kindly Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Habib Harry Mamane in memory of his th Dear Father the 24 of Av. Tihye Nishmato Tzerura Bitzror Hahayim Amen. Shlomo Mamane Bar Sara z”l

• This Week’s Daf Yomi is available for Sponsorship!

• We are trying to update our Congregant’s contact information. We would like to start sending texts about different

Events and Shiurim. We would also like to start emailing the weekly bulletin. We would like to start a list of

Nahalot/Azkarot/Yahrzeits. We would also like to make a Refuah Shelema list. Please send your contact information

to the Board at [email protected]

Important Message!! !

Eruv Update: Surfside: The Eruv in Surfside now includes the walking paths along the beach. Pushing strollers and carrying is

permitted on the paths, but not beyond the path or onto the beach. Bal Harbour: The Eruv in Bal Harbour included the inner (western) walking path only. The pier at Haulover Cut is not included.

• Before hanging up anything anywhere in the Bet Hakenesset, please seek authorization from the Board. This includes flyers etc.

• Please be advised that prior to bringing any food or drinks for any occasion, you must first seek the authorization from the Board.

Special Announcements

• We are pleased to announce that Ness 26 is part of the Amazon Charity Program, which would allow our community to collect 0.5% of

all the orders made by any of you on Amazon.com. In order to register you need to log on smile.amazon.com and select Ness 26, Inc as

the Charitable Organization you want to support, and from then shop on smile.amazon.com instead of www.amazon.com. It won’t cost anything more, and is an easy way to contribute to our budget needs.

• 786-351-1573 Anyone wishing to receive the Daily Halacha please send a whatsapp message to Simon Chocron

Community Calendar:

• The program for Teenaged Boys ages 13-18 Started again with Great Succes with Shiur & Supper every Evening After Minha at around at 7:30 pm

With Supper. New Participants Welcome! Anyone wishing to sponsor this Shiur Please contact the Board. Tizke Lemitzvot!

• We have started the Mishmar Program Every Thursday evening at 7:30 pm with Chulent, Beer, & Snacks. Everyone is welcome!

Refuah Shelema List

Men Women

• Yosef Zvi Ben Sara Yosefia, • Isaac Ben Mesoda, • Simja Bat Esther, • Sara Ledicia Bat Mesoda,

• Mordechai Ben Brucha Malka • Haim Ben Marcelle, • Rachel Bat Sarah, • Alegria Simha Bat Esther,

Shmalo • Yizhak Ben Simja • Nina Bat Rachel, • Naomie Bat Rarel Adda, • Yizhak Abraham Ben Sheli, • Reuben Ben Eta, • Gitel Rina Bat Yael, • Malka Bat Joyce Simja, • Yosef Yizhak Ben Sara Hana, • Michael Ben Aliza, • Miriam Bat Sofy, • Sivan Simha Bat Yehudit, • Mordechai Ben Miriam, • Avraham Ben Leah • Rahma Bat Simha • Natalie Rachel Bat Nancy, • Meir Raymond Ben Mathilde • Ruben Leib Ben Eta • Esther Bat Fortuna • Abigael Haya Bat Esther • Yaakov Ben Simha Alegria • • • Menahem Ben Shira Malka Bat Dina Madeleine Bat Esther • Aviv Ben Luba Miriam • Moshe Ben Rahel • Raizel Bat Miriam • Nurit Jacqueline Bat Rahel • Mordechai Ben Mercedes • David Ben Freha Rina • Leah Bat Rivka • Marcelle Mesoda Bat Alegria • Yaacov Refael Ben Alegria • Sol Bat Perla • Eva Bat Yael Khayat • Shalom Gibly Ben Fortuna • Chana Bat Bilha • Camouna Bat Fortuna • Yael Bat Rut

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We would like to Wholeheartedly Thank our Dear Friends, Mr. & Mrs. Alain Albergel for generously Donating the TORAH LEARNING of Av 5781 Leiluy Nishmat his Dear Father Yaakov Albergel Bar Simha z”l & Max Maclouf Bar Gracia z”l Tihye Nishmatam Tzerura Bitzror Hahayim Amen! We truly appreciate it. In this merit may Hashem Bless you & your wonderful family with all the Berachot of the Torah. Amen.

Happy Birthday To Nahalot nd • David Bensabat – Mon. Aug. 2 , • Moshe Yaakov Ben Harav Dovid z”l the 22nd of Av • Elisheva Otsman – Mon. Aug. 2nd, (Grandfather of Mr. Bezalel Ness) • Mrs. Ety Perez – Tue. Aug. 3rd, • Yechia Benchetrit Bar Yacout z”l the 23rd of Av • Esmeralda Simja Chocron – Thurs. Aug. 5th, (Father of Mrs. Muriel Courchia) • Michal Hadasa Benhayoun – Shabb. Aug. 7th, • Yehudah Benhayoun Ben Flora z”l the 23rd of Av • Mrs. Tanya Bengio – Shabb. Aug. 7th, (Brother of Mr. Daniel & Meir Benhayoun) • Mr. Mark Aquinin – Sun. Aug. 8th, • Shlomo Mamane Bar Sarah z”l the 24th of Av • Refael Nahon – Mon. Aug. 9th, (Father of Mr. Habib Mamane) • Rivka Benhayoun – Tue. Aug. 10th, • Piedad Bat Luna z”l the 25th of Av • Eitan Tobul – Tue. Aug. 10th, (Mother of Mrs. Luna Benhayoun) • Mrs. Sally Benhayoun – Wed. Aug. 11th, • Shlomo Bar Yizchak z”l the 27th of Av • Marc Aquinin – Thurs. Aug. 12th, (Father of Mrs. Luna Benhayoun) • Shirel Bendahan – Thurs. Aug. 12th, • Eliyahu Benmergui Bar Sete z”l the 27th of Av

(Uncle of Sr. Moises Benmergui)

Next Shabbat: Happy Anniversary To th th • Alegria Freha Amsili z”l Bat Aicha the 5 of Elul • Laurent & Anais Becker Sunday August 14 , (Mother of Mrs. Renee Levine) th • Daniel & Esther Benhayoun Sun. Aug. 14 , • Machluf Max Benouaich z”l Bar Yaakov the 5th of Elul • Irving & Renee Levine the 16th of August (Father of Mrs. Arielle Albergel) • Samuel & Karine Cohen Scali the 17th of August • Shemuel Benoudiz Bar Yaakov z”l the 5th of Elul (Father of Mr. Jacky Benoudiz) • Meir Mouyal z”l Bar Clara the 6th Elul (Father of Mr. Amram Mouyal)(Shabbat)

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WEEKLY INSPIRATION large, the size of the entire city of Jerusalem, and the city of Jerusalem will be the size of the entire Land of Israel. The reason for this The Synagogue and the Bet remarkable expansion, the Maharsha explains, Ha’mikdash is because all the synagogues and study halls from around the world will be made part of the (Rabbi Eli Mansour itorah) Bet Ha’mikdash. In his understanding, the Parashat Ekeb includes the second paragraph synagogues and study halls of the Diaspora will of Shema, which ends with the promise, “…in not merely be brought to the Land of Israel, but order that your and your children’s days will be will actually be incorporated into the Bet increased on the land which G-d has promised Ha’mikdash, resulting in an unimaginably large to your forefathers…” (11:21). edifice. This verse indicates that the Land of Israel has On this basis, Rav Pinchas Friedman the special quality of “Arichut Yamim,” of (contemporary) adds further insight into Rabbi prolonging life. And thus, as the Gemara Yohanan’s remarks regarding the aged Jews of (Berachot 8) relates, Rabbi Yohanan was Babylonia. The Gemara in Masechet Sukka surprised when he heard that there are elderly (52a) teaches that at the time when Mashiah Jews living in Babylonia. If G-d promised Am comes, G-d will destroy the Yeser Ha’ra. As we Yisrael long life specifically in the Land of Israel, know from other sources, the Yeser Ha’ra, the he wondered, then how could there be Jews in Satan, and the Angel of Death are all one and Babylonia living long lives? He received his the same. Thus, at the time of the final answer when he was told that the Jews of redemption, death will be defeated, for the Babylonia would arrive early in the synagogues downfall of the Yeser Ha’ra means the downfall and remain late, rather than rushing home. It is of the Angel of Death. Hence, Rav Friedman because of this practice, Rabbi Yohanan explains, Diaspora Jews who spend time in realized, that the Jews there enjoyed longevity. synagogues and study halls are rewarded with long life. The synagogues and study halls have The question, however, remains, how did they an element of the sanctity of the third Bet enjoy long life if the Torah promises long life Ha’mikdash, which will be built at the time when only in Eretz Yisrael? The Torah does not make there will no longer be death. Therefore, they an exception for Jews who arrive early in the experience longevity and live for many years. synagogue and stay late. Why, then, did Rabbi Yohanan make this exception? Rav Friedman cites in this context a passage from the work Arbeh Nahal stating that one who The Maharsha (Rav Shmuel Eidels, 1555- donates money towards the construction or 1631), in his commentary to Masechet maintenance of a synagogue is considered to Berachot, explains by citing the Gemara’s be donating money towards the construction of comment elsewhere, in Masechet Megilla (29), the third Bet Ha’mikdash. Since today’s that in the future, when Mashiah comes, all the synagogues are endowed with the sanctity of synagogues and study halls in the Diaspora will the third Bet Ha’mikdash, supporting be miraculously transported to Eretz Yisrael. synagogues is akin to supporting the third Bet Every synagogue in the Diaspora will one day Ha’mikdash. be relocated in the Land of Israel, and thus those who spend time in synagogues outside Some people mistakenly assume that praying the Land of Israel receive the special blessing with a Minyan in somebody’s home is just as of longevity that is granted to those who live in significant and valuable as praying in a the Land of Israel. synagogue. Based on what we have seen, this is not the case at all. Synagogues have a In his commentary to Masechet Megilla, the special dimension of sanctity – similar to the Maharsha elaborates further on this concept. sanctity of the third Bet Ha’mikdash. It is an He cites a passage from the Midrash that in the especially important and precious Misva to future, the Bet Ha’mikdash will be exceptionally

בס''ד support and attend synagogues, in order to “You don’t understand – I am visiting in town for experience this unique Kedusha. We pray a short while, staying in this hotel,” the several times each day for the rebuilding of the merchant explained. “I have a precious jewel Bet Ha’mikdash, but even as we long and yearn which I need appraised.” He took off his turban for this to happen, we still have the opportunity from his head, carefully unwrapped it, and to experience, to some extent, the special showed Rabbi Shelomo an exquisite jewel. sanctity of the Bet Ha’mikdash, and the special But Rabbi Shelomo explained that he must blessings of Eretz Yisrael, by regularly keep to his schedule. He bid the man farewell, attending the prayers and classes in our and proceeded to the synagogue. synagogues. Afterward, as he made his way back, he was surprised to see an ambulance and a lot of commotion outside the hotel where that Keeping to a Torah Learning merchant was staying. After some inquiries, Rabbi Shelomo discovered that the merchant Schedule suddenly died, and as he had not paid for his (Rabbi Eli Mansour) hotel stay, the authorities were auctioning off his clothing to pay the bill. Rabbi Shlomo bid a In the opening verses of Parashat Ekeb, Moshe small amount on the turban, and he bought it. promises that we will be rewarded “Ekeb He opened it up – and, sure enough, the Tishme’un” – in exchange for obeying G-d’s precious jewel was still there. It now belonged laws. to him. While this is the plain meaning of the Pasuk, When he refused to appraise the jewel at the later scholars have uncovered for us deeper expense of his learning schedule, it appeared layers of meaning. One such interpretation as though he was losing business, but Hashem suggests that this Pasuk alludes to the vital rewarded him in full. importance of maintaining a consistent regimen A woman from Deal once called me in the of Torah learning. The letters of the word “Ekeb” wintertime and said she needed to meet with can be rearranged to spell the word “Keba” – me to speak about a certain urgent matter. I “fixed” or “consistent.” Accordingly, the verse informed her that I give a class in Deal every alludes to the famous exhortation of Shammai Tuesday during the winter at 12:45pm, and I in Pirkeh Avot, “Aseh Toratecha Keba” – “Make would be happy to meet her at 1:45pm. She told your Torah permanent.” We become worthy of me she wouldn’t be able to meet me then, the beautiful blessings described here by the because at that time she played cards. Torah if we make our Torah study “Keba” – a fixed, permanent part of our schedule which we There is a lot for us to learn from this story. If observe consistently and without fail. this woman’s card game was inviolable, and could not be missed even for an urgent matter, The story is told of Rabbi Shelomo, a wealthy then certainly, we should keep to our Torah jeweler in Halab (Aleppo) who had a successful learning schedule and not miss any classes for business appraising, buying and selling jewels. trivial matters. Each morning, he attended the Morning Prayer service, remained to study Torah, went home to “Ekeb Tishme’un.” If we ensure to make our eat something, and then opened his shop at Torah learning “Keba,” and keep to our around 11am. One morning, as he was walking schedule regardless of everything else going on to the synagogue for Shaharit, an Arab in our lives, we will then be worthy of Hashem’s merchant approached him and said, “I need to blessings and will be rewarded in full. come to your store and show you something.”

Rabbi Shelomo explained that he could not meet with him then, but he would be at the store at 11am. The Supernatural Land (Rabbi Frand from Torah.org)

בס''ד "A Land that Hashem, your G-d, seeks out; the but on Torah hashkafah (philosophy) as well. eyes of Hashem, your G-d, are always upon it, Moshe knew that they would find fortified cities from the beginning of the year to year's end" inhabited by powerful giants. But the (11:12) appropriate response to such findings should have been, "Yes, they are strong, and yes, their Not only were they punished for their report, but cities are protected, and through natural we continue to suffer as a result of it until today. means, we don't stand a chance. But Hashem The Tishah B'Av that we observe is part of the has told us that we should go into the land, so consequence of the Jews believing that report we will certainly defeat them." and crying all that night in the Wilderness. Their mission was to present the facts, along But what, exactly, did the Meraglim do wrong? with a pep talk based on deep faith in Hashem. They honestly believed that it would be They were supposed to remind the people that impossible to conquer the land. What should just as Hashem had saved them miraculously they have said? at the Yam Suf, His Presence would negate the The Baal HaAkedah answers through an military advantage of the inhabitants of Canaan. analogy. The Meraglim's mistake was to present a A person sends his friend to the tailor's shop to dispassionate, secular analysis of the military check on a garment that is for sale. His mission situation without taking Torah hashkafah into is to investigate the material, the craftsmanship, account. dimensions, and price. Rav Moshe Shapiro asks how the Shelah could The messenger does as he was told, checking suggest an approach that seems to run counter all the facts and figures. But when he returns, to the principle that one is not supposed to not only does he share the facts with his friend, place himself into a situation of temptation. Not he adds, "It's not the right color for you, and it's everyone is able to accept a report that the too expensive!" situation seems so bleak just because it comes along with a pep talk. If they were to say, "We This messenger has overstepped his mandate. can't win b'derech hateva (through natural He was supposed to deliver the raw facts, and means), but don't worry — Hashem will help," instead he shared his opinion, which no one many people would question the wisdom of asked for. The buyer is the one who has to entering a battle with such weak odds. Why put decide whether the color suits him and whether the people into such a nisayon? he can afford the garment. Rav Moshe Shapiro answers that although in all The Baal HaAkedah suggests that the other areas of life, we should avoid nisyonos as Meraglim's sin was to add editorial observations much as possible, when it came to acquiring to the facts. They should just have described Eretz Yisrael, there was a need to spell out a the situation, and left it to Moshe to interpret it precondition: There is no way to live in Eretz for the people. They should not have Yisrael under natural circumstances. Without proclaimed that there was no way for the Jews Hashem's Presence, Eretz Yisrael is not to conquer the land. inhabitable. The Shelah rejects the approach of the Akedah. This lesson is spelled out clearly in Parashat After all, he says, Moshe did ask them to share Eikev, in which Moshe informs Klal Yisrael that information regarding the strength of people Eretz Yisrael is, "A Land that Hashem, your G- living in Canaan at that point, which requires d, seeks out; the eyes of Hashem, your G-d, are subjective judgment. One cannot expect a always upon it, from the beginning of the year messenger to deliver only the facts on a matter to year's end" (11:12). that is so subjective without adding an editorial comment. Eretz Yisrael has a supernatural existence. The Shelah suggests that Moshe was Moshe knew that if the Jews did not enter the interested in hearing the Meraglim's opinion, Land with that attitude, they wouldn't last there. but not one based solely on military projections, Rather than try to sweep this unique quality

בס''ד under the rug, Moshe sent the Meraglim to find had some message for the future were out for themselves just how unnatural the battle recorded. In that case, he said, the prophecy in to conquer the Land would have to be. which Hashem told Yirmiyahu to buy land when Unfortunately, they didn't complete their task the destruction of the country is imminent holds properly, but delivered an analysis, not just the true throughout the generations. raw facts that they were meant to deliver. As we all know, the Ponovezher was proven Over the centuries, this message was delivered correct. In an absolutely shocking campaign, again and again to the Jewish people. British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery defeated Rommel at El Alamein, a town on As Eretz Yisrael was being destroyed by Egypt's northern coastline, several hundred Nevuchadnezzar and his army, Hashem kilometers short of Eretz Yisrael. instructed Yirmiyahu HaNavi (32:9-10) to purchase land and save the deed in a safe This is not the way it works in America or in place. France or in Brazil. Who buys real estate when values are No other country has the promise of being "A plummeting, and in a few short years there Land that Hashem, your G-d, seeks out; the would be no Jews left in the Land? eyes of Hashem, your G-d, are always upon it" (11:12). It depends which land. That logic would hold true for all other countries in the world. When But Eretz Yisrael has always been, and will housing prices go down throughout the always be, a supernatural country. "natural" world, there is no reason to purchase real estate until the market bottoms out. But Eretz Yisrael is different. Since Hashem promises the Land to us, we will ultimately have Manna From Heaven it back. Even at the bleakest moments, it's worth (Rabbi Frand) investing in Eretz Yisrael. The One Who feeds you manna in the This lesson is one that we saw repeatedly in the desert…in order to test you. (Devarim 8:16) last 100 years. Whatever one's position is on Everyone knows that life is a test. We struggle secular Zionism, the fact that the country is to make a living, to raise our children, to build inhabited by Jews again after thousands of up our communities. Nothing comes easy, and years of exile is nothing short of miraculous. our test is to deal with the hardships and To share just one example, when the "desert frustrations in the best way possible. fox," Erwin Rommel ym"sh was already deep But what if our livelihood were served up to us into Africa and advancing steadily with his on a silver platter? How wonderful that would German Afrika Corp toward Eretz Yisrael, be! No more worries about how to pay for the Rabbi Yosef Shlomo Kahaneman, the children’s tuition or the new roof. What if Ponovezher Rav, borrowed some money to buy everything we needed came to us like manna a parcel of land in Bnei Brak. from heaven? Would we consider this a test? People thought he had lost his mind. What Hardly. We would consider it a blessing. The would be the point of buying land now, when it Torah, however, seems to say otherwise. No would fall shortly to the Germans, who would sooner had the Jewish people come forth from undoubtedly proceed to exterminate all of the Egypt that they complained (Shemot 16:3), “If Jews in Eretz Yisrael as they did in Europe? If only we had died by the hand of G-d in the land the British running the country under the UN of Egypt when we were sitting beside the mandate were already burning all their fleshpots, when we ate our fill of bread; now you classified documents, who in their right mind have brought us out into the desert to let the would buy land? entire congregation starve to death.” The Ponovezher Rav explained that not every “Behold, I will rain down bread from the prophecy was recorded in Navi. Only those that heavens on you,” Hashem replied (ibid. 16:4).

בס''ד “The people shall go out to collect their daily streaming down their cheeks. They give charity portion every day, in order to test whether or not generously. But when things are going well, they will follow My Torah.” The commentators when they are going wonderfully, do they give wonder what kind of test this is. What could be much thought to the Almighty? This is the test better than having everything you need of the manna. delivered to your doorstep every day? This is a test? This is a blessing! Rashi explains that Hashem was referring to the Loving the “Ger” laws that govern the manna. One could not store away any manna for the next day. One (Rabbi Zev Leff) had to collect a double portion on Friday. And ...and He loves the stranger, giving him food so forth. This was the test. Would the Jewish and clothing. You must also show love toward people observe the laws of the manna the stranger, for you were strangers in the land scrupulously? of Egypt (Devarim 10:18-19). This test is also mentioned in Parashat Eikev, The Torah informs us of Hashem's great love “The One Who feeds you manna in the for the ger (convert). Since we are required to desert…in order to test you.” Sforno explains emulate Hashem, it follows that we must also that the test is to see if the Jews would still love the ger. Why, then, is it necessary to add, follow the Torah when they do not have to worry "For you were gerim in Egypt?" about their livelihood. Rambam (Responsa No. 369) points out that Yes, there is a great test in “bread raining down the Torah commands us to respect and honor from heaven.” Affluence without effort is a our parents and obey a prophet, but it does not dangerous thing. It comes with a great amount command us to love them. Yet we are of leisure time and freedom of action. What do commanded to love the ger just as we are we do with that leisure time and that freedom of commanded to love Hashem. It understand this action? Do we use our leisure time and freedom we must understand the Torah concept of love. of action to taste the forbidden? This is the great test of the manna. We are all aware of the test The numerical value of love is the same as one. of poverty. We are all aware of the trials and Love is the product of unity between individuals, tribulations of being poor. However, says a recognition of a commonality and affinity. In Sforno, affluence also comes with great our relationship to Hashem, this commonality is temptations. It puts a tremendous responsibility intrinsic, since we are created betzelem Elokim on a person. This is the test of the manna, and — in G-d's image. Likewise, we share common it is the test for many Jews in these affluent responsibilities and goals with our fellow Jew. times. He is our re'ah — peer — in Torah and Mitzvot. Parents and spouses, however, aside from the The Chovot Halevavot writes in Shaar intrinsic commonality they share as Jews, may Habitachon that one of the reasons people, have nothing else in common. unlike birds and animals, must make a great effort to earn their livelihood is to control the Of course we must work to develop and nurture yetzer hara. If we had too much time on our an affinity and commonality in the latter hands, we would be unable to resist the relationships. Love of a parent is an temptations he puts before us. As it is, we are enhancement of honor; love of a spouse is a either too busy or too tired most of the time. And rabbinical directive (Rambam, Hilchot Ishus even then it is a struggle to resist temptation. 15:19). And most certainly it is an ideal to love and honor the righteous. However, the Torah The Maggid of Mezritch once said that when did not common us to create an affinity where it people face troubles, sickness or mortal does not exist intrinsically. Rather, where such danger, Heaven forbid, they all become an affinity exists naturally, the Torah commands religious. They all come to shul. They pray us to develop it. fervently. They say Tehillim with tears

בס''ד Rambam in the aforementioned responsa there was a minority that was willing to accept writes to a ger whose mentor insulted him and the Torah. It is the descendants of that minority called him a fool for asking a legitimate who eventually convert. question: Through a proper halachic conversion, the ger ...That which he called you a fool is very transforms himself into a new individual. That perplexing. One who left his father and mother, spark of holiness is transformed into a Jewish and his birthplace, and his nation, which is now neshamah and replaces his previous identity as in power, whose heart and mind led him to cling a non-Jew. He is a newborn person with no to a nation that is today detested by the nations halachic connection to his past. of the world, ruled over by slaves, and to Hashem shows particular love and solicitude for recognize and understand that their religion is the ger, feeding and clothing him. Food is man's the true and righteous one; one who understood basic necessity. Out of recognition of the the ways of Yisrael, and pursued Hashem, and elevated essence of the ger, Hashem provides entered the path of holiness, and entered under his essential necessities. Clothing represents the wings of the Shechinah, and sat at the dust one's honor. By providing clothing, Hashem of the feet of Moshe Rabbenu, the master of all honors the ger. prophets; one who desires G-d's Mitzvot, whose heart inspires him to draw close to bask On the one hand, we share an intrinsic affinity in the light of life, and to ascend to the level of with that which the ger chose and accepted angels, to rejoice and take pleasure in the upon himself. Nevertheless, it is difficult to rapture of the righteous; one who cast out this relate to the ger with a sense of total affinity mundane world from his heart and did not follow since his embrace of Torah and Mitzvot was vain and idle things — is a person who reached voluntary and ours was by birth. Therefore, the this lofty stature to be called a fool? Hashem Torah could not merely exhort us to emulate has not designated you a fool, but rather an Hashem in loving the ger since there is an intelligent and wise and understanding impediment to actually fulfilling this command. individual, who proceeds on proper paths, the Thus, the Torah adds, "For you were gerim in student of Avraham Avinu, who likewise left his Egypt." father and birthplace to follow Hashem. May He We can appreciate and identify with the ger, for Who blessed Avraham Avinu, and rewarded in our national experience we also were quasi- him in this world and the next world bless and gerim, when we left Egypt and accepted the reward you properly in this world and the next. Torah. Although we were already potentially May He lengthen your days, so that you will be Jews from the time of Avraham, and all that had able to teach G-d's laws to His congregation, to be done was bring out the potential that and may you merit to see all the consolations in already existed at Sinai (see Gur Aryeh to store for Israel in the future, and may the good Bereshit 46:10), we experienced at Sinai a that G-d will do for us also devolve upon you, geirus, an acceptance of Torah and Mitzvot not for Hashem has spoken good concerning binding upon us at birth. Because we share that Yisrael. experience with the ger, we can be commanded The ger has discovered on his own what the to recognize and enhance that commonality. Jew was born with. Yet, Chazal tell us (Yevamot Chazal comment (Yevamot 47a) that gerim are 48b), a ger sometimes experiences hardships as difficult for the Jewish people as spachas (an after the conversion due to the fact that he affliction of the skin). ON the one hand, non- procrastinated in converting. The Chida Jews who convert for ulterior motives, who explains that every ger has an innate spark of basically masquerade as Jews, are a plague kedushah that is suppressed and lies dormant and sickness to the Jewish people. On the other until he becomes aware of it and converts. He hand, Jews who convert for the reasons procrastinated in not acting upon that spark. Rambam describes and who undergo a The famous ger and martyr Avraham ben halachic gerut are a pleasant affliction for the Avraham posited that while each nation reject Jewish people. Just a tzora'as is a mussar the Torah when Hashem offered it to them,

בס''ד lesson to goad one to repent and improve, the It seems too simple to even mention but we devotion and meticulous observance of Mitzvot often overlook this. Anytime your child is of a true ger is an indictment of those born Jews misbehaving, check if they’re hungry. And if you who are not as devoted, meticulous or are experiencing more serious issues with your appreciative of their heritage. child’s behavior ask yourself if your child tends Reprinted with permission from Artscroll Mesorah Publications, ltd. This to misbehave right before, lunch or dinner time? article is provided as part of Shema Yisrael Torah Network Permission is Can you change those times to better meet the granted to redistribute electronically or on paper, provided that this notice is included intact. For information on subscriptions, archives, and other Shema nutritional needs of your child? Yisrael Classes, send mail to [email protected] So much of our lives are on the run that children (and adults) are not getting their basic nutrition needs met. It is much better for children to have set times for meals and snacks than randomly Food for thought handing them food. I also cannot stress enough the importance of family dinners. According to The Family Dinner Ensure Your Child is Getting Project.org, the benefits of family dinners are These Four Basic Needs significant: When your child misbehaves, first check 1. Better academic performance that these four essential needs are being 2. Higher self-esteem met. (By Adina Soclof) 3. Greater sense of resilience There are four basic needs that every child 4. Lower risk of substance abuse needs, and if they’re not getting it that will 5. Lower risk of teen pregnancy negatively impact their behavior. We need to 6. Lower risk of depression make sure they’re getting these needs met 7. Lower likelihood of developing eating before we can do anything else. disorders 1. Sleep: 8. Lower rates of obesity The first thing I ask a parent when they tell me It is often very difficult with our schedules to that their child is misbehaving is, “Are they have family dinners, but even a couple of times getting enough sleep? And do they have a set a week can make a difference. bedtime?” I often get quizzical looks, as if it 3. Routines: can’t be as simple as that, but it often is just that simple! Children thrive on routines and set schedules. Young children have so little control over their So many kids today are seriously sleep lives; they cling to their little rituals. When deprived and research has shown that sleepy children know what is expected of them, what is kids results in bad behavior. It seems like a no- coming next, they have a much easier time brainer but somehow we overlook this. listening and are much more likely to be Additionally, children who have set bedtimes cooperative. are not only less whiny and cranky, they have a reduced risk of obesity and score better on Having a set scheduled for the mornings and cognitive tests in reading, math and spatial evening is critical. Younger kids feel more relations. secure when they know the routine: First we have dinner, bath, brush our teeth, and story When parents make sleep a priority, the home time. Parents can make picture charts to help can become instantly calmer and more children understand and stick to their routines. peaceful. Everyone, parents included, are better behaved when they get the sleep that Older kids find it helpful when they have a set they need. time to wake up in the morning, get dressed and get their backpacks ready to go. They need 2. Food: routines in the evening as well: time to do

בס''ד homework, play on the computer, eat dinner We agree that the next time we go boating we're and get into bed. going to take two kayaks because we each like You can involve your child and include his input. to paddle differently. And that's okay as long as “When do you think the best time is for you to we are heading in the same direction on the do your homework?” same river. “If the bus leaves at 7:30, how much time do Learning from our double kayak experience is you think you need to get ready in the morning? one of the six secrets of couples who grow What time should you wake up?” together. "Experience is 4. Attention: 1. They evaluate experiences. the greatest teacher" only if we evaluate them Children need their parents’ attention; it is and consciously learn from our mistakes. critical to their growth and development. They Otherwise we are likely to repeat them. In will try to get it any way they can. So if a parent growth-oriented marriages couples take that is not paying attention to them, they’ll resort to crucial step back and ask: What worked in this getting negative attention by misbehaving, situation? What didn't work? What can we do poking the new baby, writing on the walls, or not better next time? They don't go back out in a eating their meal. double kayak after they crash into a tree. They Older children and teens may resort to more stop arguing. They stop paddling. They come drastic measures when they don't get the up with a new plan. attention they need from their parents. 2. They learn to communicate in each Spending time with our kids is key; even 10 other's language. We all grow up with different minutes a day of your undivided attention will communication styles and inferences. Some of make a huge difference in their lives. Greeting us are used to families where everyone directly our kids when they come home from school, expresses his feelings and others are used to sending them off in the morning, and tucking more round-about, sensitive ways of speaking. them in at night is ideal. The key to growing in marriage is to learn to speak your spouse's language even if that isn't how you are used to communicating. We often have to learn and re-learn this habit, to Six Ways for Couples to sometimes listen when our instinct is to speak, to pause before we figure out how to say Grow Together something and to think about what we're trying Best practices for continued growth in to accomplish with our words. (By Sara Debbie Gutfreund) marriage. 3. They share what they learn. Whether it's an We're in a double kayak going down a sparkling interesting story in the news, an idea from a river surrounded by towering trees. My husband Torah class they heard or something new that is paddling too slow. I'm paddling too fast. We they learned at work, couples who grow can't seem to make the boat go straight and we together share what they learn each day. They are arguing. make sure to discuss ideas and goals so that their connection doesn't become lost in errands, “Slow down!” he shouts. to do lists and family responsibilities. “Paddle left!” I shout back. 4. They see their relationship as multi- “No, go right!” he says. dimensional. There are many ways I identify We continue like this until we veer off into the who I am. Part of my identity is associated with branches of a tree and realize that we aren't my profession as a family therapist and as a going to get anywhere this way. So I stop writer. A substantial part of who I am is an paddling and let my husband take over. And a amalgam of being an athlete, a mother, a wife few minutes later, we switch. and a religious Jew. All of these parts of me are

בס''ד essential to my identity and reinforce each Not only am I setting myself up for other. disappointment but summer can actually be A growing marriage has several dimensions to more of a challenge than the school year. its identity too. There is the romantic dimension Even amidst the carpools (true confessions: my that first drew the couple together, the kids usually drive themselves – with my car of friendship that becomes stronger each year, the course!), homework, lunches (Okay, they also team identity we need for parenting, and the make their own!) and other challenges -- there shared activities dimension in which growing is order. There is routine. couples hike or bike or attend a class together. In the summer there is…chaos. Which only Like the parts of our individual identities, the seems to increase as my kids get older and I dimensions of a growing marriage strengthen can no longer force them to go to camp. and enhance each other. Everyone seems to be on the move (even that 5. They know how to laugh together. Life can or hanging around the house doing absolutely sometimes get very stressful. Your kids are nothing!) – but never at the same time. So fighting. Your teenager doesn't like school. An summer whizzes by in a blur of job appliance breaks. There's an extra hour of commitments (mine), airport trips (theirs) and traffic… the list can go on and on. We all have entertaining that one (and constantly revolving) stress and challenges. One of the best tools child who seems to be left at home. growing couples use for stress is humor. They know how to laugh to break the tension. They It’s been all of three days and I’m pulling my hair know how to step back and see the big picture out! when things get hard. They have jokes that they I know I should be focused on the pleasure of share so that they can find the way forward, the individual time with each child but I seem to even when they're stuck in traffic. be caught up in the pestering, the boredom, the 6. They plan adventures together. Growth- complaining and the constant sense of oriented couples love to try new things and go someone underfoot. Where is that “room of to different places. It doesn't take a lot of money one’s own”?! to go camping together or to hike in a state park This is a little bit like the old joke about the three or to watch the sunset over the ocean. But it elderly women in Miami. “Oy” says one. “Oy takes enthusiasm and a desire to grow for vey” says the other. “Oy vey is mir” says the couples to reach new realms in their lives and third. “Okay, enough talk about the children!” in their marriages. From the minute we have children, our lives are not about us. Okay, enough fussing, enough kvetching. Time Summer Is Here to (try to) change my perspective and face the It’s been all of three days and I’m pulling my summer anew. From the minute we have hair out! (By Emuna Braverman) children, our lives are not about us. I know and Summer’s here! And even though I’m a 53 year accept this, so why let a little sunshine and blue old woman (Why lie? My birth certificate sky fool me? I need to do what’s best for them. doesn’t.) I seem to still retain childlike I need to give them time and attention (and expectations of the season. And even worse, boundaries!) and you know what, I think I can childlike (or perhaps childish is more enjoy it! appropriate) resentments and frustrations when As long as I don’t believe I should be it doesn’t go as planned. I still seem to somewhere else (Yes, I know the beach in LA anticipate a vacation, lazy days and nights, is accessible all-year round but I keep having cookouts, swimming pools – and very little great vacation ideas!) or doing something else responsibility. (other than my basic work commitments that help fund any summer adventures) I should

בס''ד make myself available. These are rare times Later commentators raised the question of why and opportunities – especially with my the Rama chose to conclude his glosses to adolescents and older kids. Orah Haim by citing this verse. The Hida (Rav The power of the past is hard to break. The Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806), in his force of expectations weights heavily. But I work Birkeh Yosef, explains that the Rama know I’ve idealized that time. And it’s irrelevant simply sought to conclude his glosses in the same manner in which he began. The Rama anyway. It’s been 30 years! It’s time to grow up opened his comments to Orah Haim by citing and move on. the famous verse from Tehillim (16:8), “Shiviti Summer vacation is an opportunity after all – Hashem Le’negdi Tamid” (“I place G-d opposed just not the one I’ve deluded myself into me always”). He therefore concluded his desiring. commentary with the aforementioned verse It’s an opportunity for family time – for fun and from Mishleh, which similarly ends with the growth. And it’s a chance for individual time with word “Tamid” (“always”), to create a kind of each child. The years actually go by fast. literary symmetry. The Sha’areh Teshuba (compendium of When the house is empty and I’m perhaps able responsa printed alongside the Shulhan Aruch), to fulfill some of those summertime dreams I’m however, cites a different reason for the Rama’s sure all I’ll want is a return to these days. I’m addition of this verse at the end of his sure I’ll regret any lost moments. commentary. As the Shulhan Aruch rules So I’m just going to capture them now! Ice earlier in Orah Haim (138), we must ensure to cream, anyone? always begin and end the Torah reading on a positive note, with a verse or phrase that conveys a favorable, encouraging message, as opposed to an inauspicious or negative one. The Rama perhaps extended this Halacha to Daily halacha apply to all Torah literature, and not merely Torah reading, and therefore sought to conclude this work on a favorable, festive note, Halachot of Keriat Hatorah which he did by citing the verse, “Ve’tob Leb (Daily Halacha) Mishteh Tamid.” Concluding the Torah Reading on a The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, Positive Note 1833-1909), in his work Rav Pe’alim (Orah The Rama (Rabbi Moshe Isserles, Poland, Haim, vol. 4, 42), notes that on several 1525-1572), in his concluding remarks to the occasions we in fact end an Aliya of the Torah Orah Haim section of the Shulhan Aruch reading with an inauspicious phrase. For (Siman 697), addresses the observance of example, Parashat Bamidbar concludes with “Purim Katan” – the fourteenth day of Adar the warning that the Leviyim would die if they Rishon (the first month of Adar in a leap year). looked upon the sacred articles of the Mishkan He cites one view that although Purim is before the articles were properly covered observed in the second Adar (Adar Sheni), one (“Ve’lo Yabo’u Li’rot…Va’metu”). The final must nevertheless conduct a festive celebration words of Parashat Mesora speak of a man who on the fourteenth of Adar Rishon. The Rama engages in relations with a woman in her state then adds that the common practice does not of impurity (“U’l’ish Asher Yishkab Im Teme’a”), follow this view, but, nevertheless, one should and the last phrase in Parashat Noah records partake of some extra food and drink to satisfy the death of Abraham’s father, Terah all opinions. He concludes this discussion by (“Va’yamat Terah Be’Haran”). How, the Ben Ish citing the verse from the Book of Mishleh Hai asks, can we end the reading of a Parasha (15:15), “Ve’tob Leb Mishteh Tamid” – “The with these phrases, if Halacha requires ending goodhearted are always festive.” the reading on a positive note?

בס''ד The Ben Ish Hai answers by claiming that the Beracha recited by the Ole (person receiving Interesting Midrash the Aliya) may be considered as part of the (from Torah Tots) Torah reading in this respect. Since the Ole recites a Beracha immediately following the FLYING SHULS reading, we view his Beracha as the conclusion The second chapter of Shema ends with a of the reading, and thus the reading is blessing of longevity: (If you observe the Mitzvot considered to end on a positive note, regardless listed above - Tefillin, Mezuzot and learning of the final verse read. Torah)... "In order that your days and those of Some scholars noted that the Ben Ish Hai’s your children will be long … on the land that theory appears to completely negate the Hashem swore to your fathers to give to them." Halacha recorded in the Shulhan Aruch (Ekev, 11:21). requiring ending the reading on a positive note. The Talmud (Brachot 8a) relates that when they If we can consider the Beracha the conclusion told Reb Yochanan that there were elderly of the reading, then there is no situation where people in Bavel, he was surprised, seeing as this Halacha applies. Why, then, did the from the above Pasuk (verse) it is clear that Shulhan Aruch mention it at all? longevity is restricted to "the land" which refers The answer that has been suggested is that the to Eretz Yisrael (the land of Israel), and not the Shulhan Aruch refers to the original custom Diaspora. But when they informed him that the practiced in Talmudic times whereby Berachot elders of Bavel would arrive in shul (synagogue) were not recited before and after each Aliya. early to daven (pray) each morning and stay Rather, the person receiving the first Aliya there late into the evening, he understood that would recite a Beracha before the reading, and it was through their attachment to the shul that the person receiving the final Aliya would recite they merited old age. the Beracha after the reading. In reference to The Kli Yakar points out that the question still this custom, the Shulhan Aruch ruled that the remains. For when all's said and done, the other Aliyot – which do not begin or end with a Torah writes "on the land" etc., (referring to Beracha – must begin and end on a positive Eretz Yisrael) and the shuls of Bavel were not note. But once it became customary for in Eretz Yisrael. And what is the significance of Berachot to be recited before and after each being in shul at early and late hours? Aliya, then indeed this concern does not arise The Kli Yakar answers this question with a at all, since in any event each Aliya begins and Talmud in Megilah (29a), which states that ends with a Beracha. every shul is an integral part of Eretz Yisrael. In conclusion, we should note that although the The Talmud quotes Reb Eliezer, who says that day of Tu B’Ab (the 15th of Ab) is not observed the shuls in Bavel will one day be relocated to as a formal holiday, the Hida, in his Mahazik Eretz Yisrael. In that case, concludes the Kli Beracha, writes that one should observe some Yakar, it is correct to refer to them as part of extra festivity on this day, in fulfillment of the Eretz Yisrael, and a Jew who davens in shul is aforementioned verse, “Ve’tob Leb Mishte actually standing in the Holy Land. Those Tamid.” people who lived in the shul, so to speak, and Summary: Halacha requires that every Aliya of who grow old, are people who are growing old the Torah reading must begin and end on a in Eretz Yisrael. positive note. Practically speaking, the custom One of the miracles that will occur during the today in any event is to begin and end each final redemption is that all shuls and batei Aliya with a Beracha, which is certainly midrash (houses of study) will be flown to Eretz considered a “positive note” in this regard. Yisrael. The Chafetz Chaim (Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaKohain Kagan of Radin; 1838-1933) took this literally, as recounted by a Jew who lived in a small town Kidz Corner where the shul had no floor, just a wooden

בס''ד frame built directly on the ground. Distraught by There was once a blind man who needed to this lack of respect, the Chafetz Chaim came to travel to a neighboring country in order collect the town, gathered the people and gave the money to support himself and his family. following drasha (speech). The local government office granted the blind "Chazal (our Sages) tell us that all the shuls of man the necessary travel documents. But when the Diaspora will be brought to Eretz Yisrael he arrived at the border, there was a problem. when Moshiach comes. What for? Do you think The man had an authorized pass for himself - just the empty building will be taken? Of course but no documents for his assistant who always not. All the people that daven in that shul will be accompanied him on his travels. assembled there, and the building with all its The blind man was not fazed. "If you read my congregants will be lifted up and carried to Eretz travel documents carefully," he explained to the Yisrael. But if there is no floor, the building will border official, "you will see that it covers both go, while its congregants will be left behind!" of us." Needless to say, the effect was electrifying, and The official began to read the document out the people fixed up the shul with lightning loud. "Please note that Mr. Jones, a blind man speed. from this town, has the necessary permit to Thus, the Kli Yakar concludes, whoever rises travel..." early to go to shul and stays in shul late gives "You see?" interrupted the blind man. The more honor to the house of Hashem. Therefore, document clearly states that it is a travel permit Hashem "prolongs his days ... on the land" for a blind man. Obviously, a blind person because it is as if he spends the best part of his cannot travel alone. He requires an assistant to days in Eretz Yisrael. lead him and watch over him in his travels." "To Include Torah Scholars" The Torah commands, "You shall revere the Kid’z Korner (Revach) Eternal your G-d." But the average person is like the blind when it comes to serving G-d. How Respecting Torah Scholars can we know how to acquire Yirat Shamayim (Adapted from Mishlei Ya'akov, pp. 419-420) (awe of Heaven) and keep the mitzvot Shimon Ha-Amsoni would expound the carefully? As Rabbi Akiva taught, this verse perforce must א ת meaning of every occurrence of the word (et, the particle indicating a direct object) found also include the requirement to respect Torah in the Torah. But when he came to the verse, scholars. Like the blind man's travel You shall revere the Eternal documents, which implied the obvious need for" - את ה' אלקיך תירא your G-d" (Deut. 10:12) - he stopped. What an assistant, the verse implicitly includes the could be comparable to the awe of G-d? Torah scholars whom we need to instruct us in .the path of reverence and awe for G-d את Until Rabbi Akiva came and expounded the in this verse - that it includes [the obligation to Chafetz Chaim - When The Enemy Takes respect] Torah scholars. (Kiddushin 57a) Away Your Ammunition What made Rabbi Akiva compare the respect הִשָּׁמְ רוּ לָ כֶם פֶּ ן יִפְתֶּ ה לְבַבְ כֶם וְסַרְ תֶּ ם, וַﬠֲבַדְ תֶּ ם אֱ�הִ ים one should have for Torah scholars to the awe watch yourself that your heart does not , ֲ א ֵ ח רִ י ם we should feel towards the Creator of the persuade you and turn and worship Avodah universe? Would it not be more appropriate to ְ ו ַ ס רְ ֶ תּ ם Zara (Eikev 11:16). Rashi says that derive the obligation to respect scholars from means to turn from Torah which will lead you the mitzvah of kibbud av, to respect one's straight to Avodah Zara. parents? Parable of the Blind Beggar Chazal tell us that the Yetzer Hara works in very slow and deliberate increments turning you from Hashem one baby step at a time. How could Rashi say that the pasuk is telling us that

בס''ד stopping to learn Torah will lead us to the worst Reb Chaim Halevi Soloveitchik - A Bigger aveira of Avoda Zara in one fell swoop? Ba'al Chesed Or Gaon? Rav Elchanan Wasserman relates a Mashal It is said that Reb Chaim Brisker was a Baal from the Chafetz Chaim. In war when one side Chesed of unimaginable greatness, but this wins a battle over the enemy it doesn't part of his character, was overshadowed by his guarantee that the war is over. The other side genius. The Chafetz Chaim was a Gaon can lift itself off the floor to win the next battle BaTorah beyond comprehension but it was and ultimately win the war. However, if when overshadowed by his character. victorious in battle one side manages to take His house was open to the public and people away all the ammunition from their opponent, would make themselves at home as if they then the war is over. owned he place. At times Reb Chaim would not Similarly, with our war against the Yetzer Hara go to sleep because he someone was in his he may win many battles, but the war is not bed. The Brisker Rov said that his father's over. He carefully fights many small battles home was much worse than a "Reshus until we find ourselves weak and trapped in the HaRabim". In the street if you make your bed web that he has woven around us. Yet we can the authorities will come and take it away. In still ultimately save ourselves and be victorious my father's house there were no rules and because we have the greatest weapon of all, people did whatever they want. the Torah. However, once he wrestles the In 1895, after a fire destroyed many homes in Torah away from us we have no chance. As Brisk, Reb Chaim slept on the floor in the soon as we turn from the Torah we fall straight hallway of the Shul and despite the pleas of his into the hands of Avodah Zara. family he refused to sleep in his home when so Rav Moshe Feinstein - And Exactly Which many Yehudim don't have a roof their head. Mitzva Is Less Important? Reb Chaim hated money and when it came into "V'Haya Eikev Tishmi'um", Rashi famously says his hands, he made sure it didn't remain by him that this refers to the "light" Mitzvot that a very long, certainly not overnight. His family person treads on without care (Eikev 7:12). would hide any money they had in the house. Rav Moshe Feinstein asks, "We know that all At some point the Kehila of Brisk stopped giving Mitzvot must be treated equally since we do not him his paycheck and gave it only to his wife understand their roots in Shamayim and their because he would disperse it immediately to the impact, so which Mitzvot is Rashi referring to?" poor. He answers that Rashi is referring to a person's To describe his Chesed in impossible. To try to ignorance. "Many times," says Rav Moshe, "a describe his torah is downright chutzpah. We person does not treat seriously the main part of will share one story that gives a glimpse of how the mitzva but makes a big deal about side he felt about Kavod HaTorah. One Motzae issues (e.g. Segulot, Chumrot, Hidurim). Shabbat after spending many hours dictating Sometimes what we make out to be a mitzva is twelve pages worth of chidushim into the wee not even a mitzva at all. This total fog that we hours of the morning to a one of the Shochtim live in, is the ingenious ploy of the Yetzer Hara." in Brisk who would write for him, he stopped and reached out for the papers and tore them Rashi is telling us we must learn the Mitzvot and up to shreds declaring, "False torah cannot know the truth. We must be cognizant enough exist. The world only needs authentic torah!" to at least ask a shaila. This way we will stop running over the real Mitzvot and keeping our Reb Chaim was the son of the Bet HaLevi, Rav own version of the Torah. Then, we will stop Yosha Ber Soloveitchik the Rov of Brisk. He wondering why we are not rewarded for our so married the daughter of Reb Refoel Shapiro called good deeds. We will keep the Torah that who was the son-in-law of the Netziv. He had Hashem wrote and we'll be amply rewarded. three sons. Rav Velvel who succeeded him and is known as the Brisker Rov escaped Europe during the holocaust with his older sons (Rav

בס''ד Yosef Dov, Rav Dovid, Rav Refoel, Rav Meir) Eretz Israel. Alors ils créèrent une idole qui and replanted the Brisker dynasty, with servirait d'intermédiaire entre D. et le peuple. Yeshivot and all, in Yerushalayim. Rav Moshe Cette faute, la plus importante jamais commise Soloveitchik, who emigrated to the United par nos ancêtres, trouve son origine dans le States and became Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva manque de patience. Si seulement les bné Rabbenu Yitzchok Elchonon, where he was Israel avaient attendu 6 heures, Moché serait succeeded by his two sons, Rav Yosha Ber and alors apparu et ils n'auraient pas erré dans le Rav Aharon. Rav Yisroel Gershon who son désert pendant 40 ans ! Nous trouvons cette was Rav Moshe Soloveitchik of Switzerland. même erreur dans la première faute de Before becoming Rav of Brisk, at a very young l'histoire, celle d'Adam arichone. Nos sages age Reb Chaim was co-Rosh Yeshiva of nous enseignent qu’Hachem avait réservé le Volozhin together with his wife's grandfather the fruit de la connaissance pour le Shabat Kodesh. Netziv. Interestingly in the early years of the Or Adam fut créé le vendredi à la neuvième Netziv's tenure at Volozhin Reb Chaim's father, heure du jour, (soit vers 15 heures) ce qui veut the Bet HaLevi, was co-Rosh Yeshiva with the dire qu'il n'avait que trois heures à attendre afin Netziv but their vastly different personalities de pouvoir manger de ce fruit. Cette impatience forced them to split up. Reb Chaim's famous coûtera cher à l'humanité puisque la talmidim included first and foremost his sons as transgression amènera la mort sur la Terre, et well as Rabbi Baruch Ber Liebowitz, Rabbi Isser l'expulsion de l’homme du Gan Eden. Zalman Meltzer, Rabbi Elchonon Wasserman, Nous voyons donc à quel point le manque de and Rabbi Shimon Shkop. patience peut tout faire perdre à un homme. A Reb Chaim was niftar on 21 Av 5678/1918. l'inverse, celui qui sait attendre peut atteindre Through these talmidim and the Yeshivos who les sommets matériels et spirituels. Car si un follow his Derech HaLimud, as well as every homme espère devenir riche, ce n'est pas en Ben Torah who gets a geshmack out of quelques mois qu'il y parviendra... De même, repeating a chiddush from Reb Chaim, Reb s’il désire devenir un sage en Torah ou faire Chaim continues to live in the hallowed halls of Téchouva, cela demande un travail continu sur every Yeshiva today and in the heart, mind, and des dizaines d'années. Ainsi le fondement sur mouth of every serious talmid chochom. Yehi laquelle peut s'appuyer toute entreprise est la Zichro Baruch! patience. Nous pouvons retrouver ce trait de caractère notamment chez nos avot akdochim Avraham, Itshak et Yaacov qui sont appelés les puissants. POUR LES FRANCOPHONES Nos sages expliquent que leur puissance, c'est de n'avoir jamais abandonné le but qu'ils s'étaient fixé. A propos d'Avraham avinou, (Rav Itshak Nabet) Hachem lui avait promis une descendance en Itshak avinou qu'il eut à l'âge de cent ans. Or Apprendre la Patience voilà qu'à 137 ans, Hachem lui demande de le Dans la paracha de la semaine, Ekev, Moché sacrifier. A priori, à cet instant, tout s'effondre, rabénou zrouto tagen Alénou continue de la promesse d’Hachem, son avenir et tout ce réprimander les enfants d'Israel. Il rappela entre qu’il bâtit pendant une centaine d’années... Et autres la faute du veau d'or. En effet, lorsque pourtant, sans poser de question, Avraham Moché monta la première fois sur le mont Sinaï exécuta l'ordre divin avec joie et célérité. En 40 jours et 40 nuits pour recevoir la Torah, il cela, il mérita de devenir le père de la nation...Il ordonna de l'attendre. Mais lorsque la date sut en effet être patient et ne pas tout remettre butoir, selon les comptes du peuple, arriva, en cause malgré les épreuves, aussi dures certains paniquèrent et cherchèrent un fussent- elles. nouveau chef spirituel afin de les mener en La vie ressemble à une traversée en mer. Il y a des périodes calmes pendant lesquelles on

בס''ד bronze, on fait le beau...Puis arrivent les illustre ancêtre, le Malakh Raphael Berdugo tempêtes, les nuits d’hiver…Pendant lesquelles zal, de la manière suivante. Il y avait dans une la seule alternative est de baisser la tête, se ville trois hommes. Le premier était cacher dans la cale en attendant gentiment que incroyablement bête. Il n’avait ni femme, ni cela passe. Dans toute entreprise, que ce soit métier et personne ne le considérait tant il était la Torah et les Mitvot, les affaires, le couple ou ignorant. Le second était gravement malade et l'éducation, chacun connaît des réussites et s’apprêtait à quitter le monde d’un jour à l’autre. des échecs. Celui qui veut réussir doit savoir Enfin le dernier était tellement pauvre qu’il être patient afin de supporter les difficultés sans passait ses journées à mendier un peu de pain perdre trop le cap. En effet, le tsadik n'est pas pour survivre. Un jour, un homme extrêmement celui qui ne tombe pas mais celui qui sait se riche et puissant passa dans cette ville et relever de suite après la chute. rencontra ces trois personnes. Après avoir Nous devons savoir qu’avec le temps tout écouté les problèmes de l’imbécile, il engagea s’arrange : voilà le secret de la réussite. En trois professeurs experts dans les cas outre, rien de bon ne sort de l'énervement et de désespérés. Puis il fit appeler le meilleur l'empressement. Il faut un esprit calme et médecin du pays pour soigner le malade et objectif pour surmonter les épreuves. Alors, si donna une véritable fortune à nous voulons réparer la faute du veau d'or et la l’indigent. Quelques mois plus tard, l’imbécile faute d'Adam Arichone, nous devons devenir était devenu intelligent et avait trouvé une petite des puissants. Et même lorsque nous ne fiancée et un métier. Le souffrant n’avait plus de voyons pas immédiatement les résultats de nos trace de sa maladie et le pauvre avait déjà efforts, il faut continuer à avancer avec la foi oublié ses années de galères tant il nageait qu'après la tempête vient le beau temps... dans l’abondance. Chacun d’eux avait accroché un portrait de ce riche à l’entrée de Cette voie de la sagesse, mes chers amis, je leur maison. Ils lui écrivaient régulièrement des nous la souhaite à tous très ardemment... lettres de remerciement pour les avoir sauvés Chabat Chalom. du cauchemar dans lequel ils vivaient. Inspiré d’une dracha du Rav Y. Pinto chlita Baroukh Hachem, nous avons assez d’intelligence pour vivre en société. Nous jouissons de la vie et de la santé et possédons suffisamment de biens pour nous nourrir et ne

L'amour d'Hachem pas être à la rue. Alors combien devons-nous Dans la paracha de la semaine, Ekève, nous remercier le Maître du Monde pour tous ces trouvons à plusieurs reprises le devoir d’aimer bienfaits qu’il nous renouvelle chaque jour ? Hachem. « Tu aimeras Hachem ton Di-u et tu Voilà la méthode pour atteindre l’amour garderas ses commandements » (1,11), « Si d’Hachem. Selon cette explication, il faut vous écoutez les préceptes que Je vous comprendre le premier verset du Chéma « Tu ordonne aujourd’hui afin d’aimer Hachem votre aimeras Hachem ton Di-u de tout ton cœur, de Di-u » (13,11) et « Et maintenant Israël, qu’est tout ton âme et de tous tes moyens » : tu ce qu’Hachem ton Di-u exige de toi, si ce n’est aimeras ton créateur pour toute l’intelligence de le craindre et de l’aime ? » (12,10). De qu’Il plaça dans ton cœur (« Car c’est dans le nombreux commentateurs s’interrogent devant cœur du sage que repose l’intelligence » ce commandement : comment peut-on (Michlé 14,33)) pour toute la santé et pour la vie demander à une personne d’en aimer une (représentée par l’âme) et pour tous l’argent autre ? L’amour est-il un sentiment qui se qu’il t’offre chaque jour. contrôle ? De plus, s’il est facile d’aimer une Cependant, il faut savoir que cet amour ne doit personne avec qui on entretient de bonnes pas rester au niveau des sentiments. Il faut le relations, qui nous est agréable, comment concrétiser par des actes, par les mitsvot. C’est aimer Di-u alors que nous ne le voyons pas ? pourquoi la Torah nous demande dans la suite Le juge David Berdugo répond à cette question du Chéma de consacrer ces trois cadeaux au en s’appuyant sur l’enseignement de son service divin.

בס''ד Dans un premier temps, elle nous demande La mitzvá de temer a Di-s es una de las mitzvot « Tu enseigneras la Torah à ton fils, tu más fundamentales de la Torá, y es también l’étudieras tout le temps, quand tu es à la una de las shesh mitzvot temidiot, las ‘seis maison ou en chemin ». Car même si cela peut mitvot constantes’ que uno debe cumplir en paraître étonnant, d’après nos sages Hachem todo momento (2). Esta mitzvá parecería n’a pas créé l’intelligence pour les mots- contradecir otra de las mitzvot constantes, croisées ou pour Question pour un champion. ahavat Hashem, la mitzvá de ‘amar a Di-s’, que Et ceux qui délaissent l’étude de la Torah nos enseña que Di-s es absolutamente passent à coté de la vraie Sagesse et d’un bondadoso y que nos ama. Si esto es así, trésor inestimable. C’est pour cela qu’il nous a ¿entonces cómo es posible que debamos été ordonné d’utiliser notre intelligence pour temerle? ¡Por lo general las personas le temen comprendre la volonté divine et rechercher a cosas o personas que no desean lo mejor comment l’appliquer à travers la Torah. Puis para ellas! Los comentaristas explican que el nous devons utiliser la vie qui nous a été temor requerido en la mitzvá de irat Hashem no confiée pour accomplir les mitsvot et nous es similar al temor a algo que nos quiere parfaire. C’est le sens de la mitsva de téfilines lastimar, sino que, en su nivel más básico, que l’on place en face du cœur et du cerveau, consiste en temor a las consecuencias de qui sont les deux centres vitaux de l’organisme. nuestras acciones. Irat Hashem nos enseña Ainsi, en les mettant, on montre qu’on désire que Di-s no es vatrán (alguien que perdona a utiliser ce corps pour sanctifier son nom et las personas por sus malas acciones incluso accomplir sa volonté. Enfin la Torah nous cuando no corrigen su comportamiento). Di-s demande de ne pas oublier que nos biens et no actúa de esa manera, sino que generó un notre argent sont un moyen pour effectuer les sistema en el mundo en el que cuando una mitsvot et ne sont pas un but. C’est pourquoi persona hace una acción espiritualmente nous devons placer des mézouzot à chacune negativa, sufre como consecuencia un daño de nos portes, pour ne pas oublier que le espiritual. matériel est assujetti au spirituel. Los sabios llevan este punto un paso más allá Le premier paragaphe du Qriyat Chéma que y nos explican exactamente de qué debemos nous lisons tous les jours se présente donc temer y de qué no. La Guemará en el tratado comme un mode d’emploi pour capter l’amour de Brajot(3) nota una aparente contradicción d’Hachem. En réfléchissant sur les bienfaits entre un versículo del libro de Proverbios y uno qu’Il nous offre quotidiennement et en de Yeshaiá. En Proverbios, el Rey Salomón accomplissant les mitsvot par l’intermédiaire de escribe: “Afortunado es el hombre que siempre notre intelligence, de notre corps et de nos teme”(4). En contraste, el profeta Yeshaiá dice: moyens, nous pouvons développer un “Los pecadores en Sión temen” (5). La Guemará sentiment d’amour dans nos cœurs. Alors explica que el versículo de Proverbios se refiere renforçons- nous dans cette mitsva du Chéma a dibrei Torá. Rav Itzjak Bérkovits explica que et essayons de le lire à l’heure et avec le plus puede entenderse que dibrei Torá se refiere a de concentration possible afin d’accomplir tous temas espirituales. Sólo tenemos control sobre les messages qu’il contient. nuestro libre albedrío en búsquedas espirituales, por lo que la Guemará nos dice que lo correcto es temer el fracaso personal en la esfera espiritual, porque tenemos control sobre ella y tenemos la capacidad de Reflexion semanal equivocarnos. Sin embargo, en todas las otras áreas, sabemos que Di-s tiene el control absoluto, y como Di-s es absolutamente (Rav Yonatan Gefen) generoso y poderoso, es tonto temer que nos ocurran cosas malas. Cuando Hashem está en Temor a Di-s control, nada realmente malo nos puede “Le temerás a Hashem, tu Di-s” (1) ocurrir; puede que parezca malo, pero

בס''ד sabemos que a final de cuentas, cuando Di-s bombardeado, no dejaba de pensar en lo que está a cargo no hay nada que temer. Lo único podría hacer por quienes estaban en peligro, y que tenemos que temer es a nosotros mismos el tema no lo dejaba en paz(7). El Brisker Rav y al daño que nosotros podemos ocasionarnos. tenía claro cuáles eran los momentos correctos Otra Guemará muestra cuán importante es para temer y cuáles para estar en calma: temer a las consecuencias de nuestras cuando no había nada para hacer estaba en acciones: la Guemará de Guitín relata la calma, mientras que cuando tenía una historia de Kamtza y Bar Kamtza y cómo el odio responsabilidad no se relajaba. infundado en esa historia causó la cadena de Estas enseñanzas son muy pertinentes ahora eventos que terminó en la trágica destrucción que nos acercamos al mes de Elul. En este del Templo. Como introducción a este trágico momento del año evaluamos nuestra vida y episodio, la Guemará cita el versículo que nuestro comportamiento, siendo un aspecto mencionamos de Proverbios que alaba las clave de ello reconocer que tenemos el gran virtudes de temer(6). ¿Cómo está relacionada la regalo del libre albedrío, pero que está idea del temor con los eventos del episodio de acompañado del hecho de que no podemos Kamtza y Bar Kamtza? Tosafot explica que las apoyarnos en Di-s para que nos obligue a personas que pecaron en la historia deberían tomar las decisiones correctas. Nuestro control haber sido más temerosas de las sobre nuestras acciones es causa de un gran consecuencias de sus acciones, como el haber temor, ya que implica que podemos ignorar las permitido que Bar Kamtza sea avergonzado en oportunidades que Di-s nos da, desperdiciar público sin interceder. Si hubieran tenido más nuestros talentos y no lograr materializar en cuenta el resultado de sus acciones, nuestro potencial en la vida. Pero si nos hubieran sabido que debían actuar de otra hacemos consientes de nuestro potencial para forma. Vemos de aquí la importancia de temer tomar las decisiones adecuadas y de nosotros mismos; fue su falta de ese temor comenzamos el camino ascendente en nuestro lo que permitió que se desencadenaran servicio a Di-s, no tenemos nada que temer. aquellos trágicos errores. Notas: 1) Ékev, 10:20. 2) Séfer HaJinuj, Mitzvá 431. Hay Estas guemarot nos enseñan que cuando mucha discusión respeto a la forma en que podemos tenemos libre albedrío en determinada cumplir muchas mitzvot al mismo tiempo. 3) Brajot, 60a. 4) situación, debemos temer no tropezar, Mishlé, 28:14. 5) Yeshaiá, 33:14. 6) Guitín, 55b. 7) Lorincz, In Their Shadow (BeMejitsatam), p. 167. mientras que si no tenemos nada para hacer, temer es un error y debemos confiar en Di-s. El Brisker Rav, Rav Itzjak Zev Soloveitchik, era famoso por su temor a no hacer las mitzvot Apégate a la Persona Sabia apropiadamente. Sin embargo, cuando no En la porción de esta semana, la Torá le ordena había nada que pudiera hacer, se mantenía al pueblo seguir los caminos de Di-s y sumamente calmo. Rav Shlomo Lorincz cuenta “apegarse a Él" (1). El Sifrí (2) citado por Rashi, que durante el sitio a Jerusalem en la guerra de pregunta cómo es posible apegarse a Di-s, la independencia, el Brisker Rav se quedaba en dado que en otro lugar de la Torá Él es descrito calma incluso cuando toda la ciudad estaba como un "fuego devorador" (3). El Sifrí responde siendo bombardeada. Sin embargo, apenas que la Torá nos ordena que nos apeguemos a terminaba el bombardeo, se tensionaba mucho los talmide jajamim (hombres sabios) (4) y a sus por quienes estaban lejos. Cuando le pidieron estudiantes; al hacerlo se considera como si que explicara su comportamiento, respondió nos apegáramos a Di-s mismo. que cuando las bombas caían en la cercanía, (5) estaba en una situación de ones —aquel que Los comentaristas derivan de aquí una está en una situación fuera de su control—, por mitzvá obligatoria de apegarse a los lo que estaba exento de ayudar a otros. Como talmidejajamim y desarrollar una conexión con ellos para aprender Torá con el enfoque no tenía responsabilidad, no tenía tensión. (6) Pero cuando su vecindario no estaba siendo correcto . Una persona debería entender que

בס''ד apegarse a los jajamim no sólo es algo bueno, pueblo que designara jajamim. El pueblo sino que hacerlo es una obligación de la Torá. aceptó gustosamente. Rav Moshé Jaim Luzzatto en su libro La senda Rashi destaca que en su rememoración de este de los justos, también habla sobre la incidente, Moshé criticó al pueblo por su importancia de aprender de talmide jajamim, entusiasmo sobre la idea de Itró. Moshé quería particularmente respecto al crecimiento decirles: “Deberían haber respondido: 'Moshé, personal. Escribe que una de las principales nuestro maestro, ¿de quién es mejor aprender, estrategias del iétzer hará (la inclinación de ti o de tus estudiantes? ¿No es mejor negativa) es confundir a las personas para que aprender de ti, que sufriste [por la Torá]?'” (10). no reconozcan la diferencia entre el bien y el Moshé criticó al pueblo por no querer aprender mal. Así, las personas creen que están del más granDi-so de los sabios, a pesar de haciendo lo correcto cuando, en realidad, están que para hacerlo tendrían que atravesar siendo engañadas por su iétzer hará. ¿Cómo muchas dificultades. Vemos de aquí lo se puede evitar esta trampa? importante que es estar dispuesto a hacer ese Rav Luzzatto responde con una analogía: una esfuerzo extra para aprender de jajamim. persona se encuentra en un laberinto muy El Alter de Novardok zt”l, expresó la complicado y hay un solo camino que conduce importancia de apegarse a los sabios cuando a la salida. La mayoría de los caminos no llevan exaltó la grandeza de Rav Jaim Ozer a ningún lado; de hecho, la alejan de su Grodzensky, quien fue ampliamente destino. La persona no tiene forma de reconocido como el rabino principal en las encontrar el camino correcto porque todos le primeras décadas del siglo veinte: parecen idénticos entre sí. La única manera de “Su genialidad y sabiduría eran escapar de este laberinto es aconsejarse con incomparables y tenían mucha amplitud alguien que ya lo ha atravesado antes y ha y profundidad, todo esto porque cuando salido de él sano y salvo. Esta persona puede era joven siempre se encontraba en aconsejarle a quien está atascado en el interior presencia de los guedolei hador (los cuál es el camino correcto. De la misma forma, rabinos más grandes). Nunca les dijo: quien aún no logra dominar su iétzer hará 'acepten mi opinión', sino que se encontrará imposible superarlo sin la guía de convirtió en un recipiente que talmide jajamim que han pasado muchos años (7) escuchaba y absorbía todas las refinando su carácter . opiniones y explicaciones de los Hemos visto lo esencial que es para el guedolim. Absorbió en su ser toda la bienestar espiritual aconsejarse con hombres sabiduría que oyó y su sabiduría se sabios. Sin embargo, una persona podría purificó y elevó gracias a la grandeza de argumentar que esta mitzvá es muchas generaciones que embebieron extremadamente difícil porque para apegarse a su mente” (11). los jajamim hace falta gran esfuerzo y Cuando las personas hablan sobre la grandeza persistencia, dado que ellos tienen una agenda de Rav Grodzensky generalmente se enfocan muy ocupada. La repuesta a este punto se en su increíble genio natural y en su capacidad encuentra en las palabras del más grandioso de pensar en muchas cosas al mismo tiempo. de los sabios: Moshé. En Deuteronomio, él Vemos de las palabras del Alter de Novardok recuerda el episodio en que Itró le sugirió que que la clave de su grandeza estuvo en su dejara de legislar en todos los temas legales y voluntad de aprender de los talmide jajamim. que designara hombres para que aconsejaran al pueblo en determinadas preguntas (8). La El Séfer hajinuj señala que esta mitzvá también razón práctica de esto era disminuir la carga de incumbe a las mujeres: “Esta mitzvá existe en Moshé y de las personas que tenían que todo lugar, en todo momento, para hombres y esperar mucho tiempo para hablar con él (9). también es una mitzvá para las mujeres Moshé aceptó la sugerencia y le instruyó al escuchar las palabras de los jajamim para que aprendan a conocer a Di-s” (12). Es interesante

בס''ד destacar que el Séfer hajinuj escribe que las que estudien sobre filosofía y ley judía para poder vivir mujeres no están obligadas en la mitzvá de como judías de Torá. 13) Séfer hajinuj, Mitzvá 419. talmud Torá (estudio de Torá) (13), sin embargo, sí están obligadas a buscar que los jajamim las guíen en su servicio Divino. Es claro, a partir de las fuentes que hablan Nahalot sobre esta mitzvá, que tanto los hombres como las mujeres deben aprender de los jajamim. Esta lección es particularmente relevante para Nahala of the “Steipler” las personas que crecieron en ambientes Sunday the 23rd of Av donde la idea de hombres sabios y rectos no está muy difundida. En algunos círculos, no Rav Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky, the Steipler existe el concepto de preguntarle a hombres Gaon, author of Kehillas Yaakov (1899-1985). sabios respecto a asuntos de la vida, en parte His father, Reb Chaim Peretz, was a shochet in porque la inteligencia y la sabiduría para la vida Horensteipel. When Ren Chaim Peretz was 60 no necesariamente van de la mano. Como years old, his wife died, leaving him with three daughters. He asked his rebbe, Rav Mordechai resultado de esto, puede que a una persona le Dov, the son-in-law of Rav Chaim Sanzer, resulte difícil consultar con rabinos sobre whether he should remarry. On the latter’s asuntos de la vida. En relación a esto, Rav Noaj recommendation, Weinberg zt”l señaló que muchas personas pasan años estudiando para obtener un título universitario. Sin embargo, en temas básicos de la vida como el matrimonio, la educación de The Little Things That Aren’t los niños y la satisfacción personal casi no invierten tiempo para aprender a tener éxito. So Little Los resultados de este fenómeno son muy (Rabbi Eli Mansour) claros: la tasa de divorcio es altísima, las The opening section of Parashat Ekeb relaciones familiares fracasan constantemente describes the prosperity and good fortune that y la insatisfacción general es algo muy común. are promised to Beneh Yisrael if they obey La Torá enseña que en todos estos temas es Hashem’s commands. However, the Sages esencial aprender de los jajamim, personas inferred from the second word in this Parasha – que entienden el enfoque de la Torá para the word for which it is named, “Ekeb” – that enfrentar los desafíos de la vida y lo viven en these blessings are earned by observing a carne propia. particular kind of Misva. The phrase “Ekeb Tishme’un” literally means, “as a result of NOTAS: 1) Ekev 11:22. 2) Sifrí 11:21, citado por Rashi en Ekev 11:22. La Guemará en Ketubot 111b expresa la obeying.” But the word “Ekeb” also means misma idea. 3) Vaetjanán 4:24. Obviamente, esto no “heel,” and as Rashi comments, it is used here debe ser entendido literalmente sino en sentido figurado. to allude to those Misvot which people 4) Traducido literalmente como estudiantes sabios, se customarily “tread upon with their heel.” In other refiere a personas que han estudiado e internalizado grandes cantidades de Torá. 5) Comentaristas que words, we earn these blessings only if we vivieron entre los siglos 10 y 15. 6) Ver Séfer hajinuj, ensure to observe the Misvot that are mitzvá 434. Esta mitzvá tiene dos aspectos: la obligación commonly ignored and overlooked. We are not de aprender de talmidei jajamim y servirles o pasar tanto necessarily deserving of these rewards for tiempo con ellos como sea posible. En este ensayo nos observing the “popular” Misvot, such as enfocaremos en el aspecto de aprender de ellos. 7) Mesilat Yesharim Cap.3, “Explicación de las partes de Shabbat and Kashrut, vitally important as these zehirut”. 8) Parashat Devarim 1:12-15. 9) Parashat Itró Misvot undoubtedly are. We earn these 18:18. 10) Rashi en Parashat Devarim 1:14. 11) blessings only if we are careful to fulfill the Hameorot Haguedolim, citado en Mishel Avot, ibíd. 12) “unpopular” Misvot that people tend to neglect. Séfer hajinuj, mitzvá 434. No hace falta decir que sí es una mitzvá opcional para las mujeres, y que es esencial To which Misvot does this refer? Which Misvot are the ones that people “trample” on?

בס''ד I believe that the Sages refer here to our youngster’s delight, he failed his exam, and was obligations and responsibilities to our denied admission into the yeshiva. Afterward, fellowman, to the simple, basic acts of the boy told the Hafetz Haim that he had no consideration and concern for the people train home until the following day, and thus he around us. When we read Tehillim, or when we wanted to sleep over in the yeshiva that night. attend a Torah class, we feel “holy,” we The Hafetz Haim replied that the yeshiva did not experience an uplifting feeling that gives us a offer hospitality to those who were not students, deep sense of satisfaction, knowing that we did but he graciously invited the boy to stay in his something important. Generally, however, this home. The boy felt very honored to receive is not the case with simple acts of goodness. such an invitation, and he spent the night at the Extending a friendly greeting to a new face in Hafetz Haim’s home. the synagogue does not give us the same “high” Late that night, the Hafetz Haim walked into the as an impassioned prayer. Offering a neighbor boy’s room, assuming he was asleep. The boy a lift to the store does not get us excited. And heard the great Sage whisper, “Oh my, it’s way therefore, too often, otherwise religiously too cold in here.” He promptly removed his observant people “trample” upon these Misvot. overcoat and placed it on top of his guest to Since these and similar simple acts of courtesy keep him warm during the cold night. do not give us a “holy” feeling, we easily forget how vitally important they are to Torah “Even now, 50 years later,” the man said to Rav observance, and so we neglect them. Lopian, “I can still feel the warmth of the Hafetz Haim’s coat.” Of course, I am not saying that the prayers, study and ritualistic elements of Torah life are The Hafetz Haim did many very important less important. The Ten Commandments were things in his life, starting with the composition of written on two equal-sized tablets, one seminal Torah works, such as the Mishna presenting our basic obligations to G-d, and the Berura and his work on the laws of Lashon other our basic obligations to our fellowman. Ha’ra. But what affected this young man was Both are equally important, and we must never not the Hafetz Haim’s brilliant scholarship or prioritize one over the other. There is, however, inspirational prayer, but rather the simple act of a tendency among many observant Jews to giving him his coat so he could keep warm. neglect their basic duties to their fellowman, We should certainly aspire to greatness, but we which is due to the tendency to associate must never forget about “goodness.” The word “holiness” and “spirituality” specifically with our “Ekeb” reminds us that often the most responsibilities to Hashem. In order to earn the significant Misvot we do are the “little things,” beautiful blessings described here in Parashat the simple everyday acts of courtesy and Ekeb, we need to ensure not to neglect these consideration to the people around us.

“little things,” which the Torah reminds us are not “little” at all. Rav Eliyahu Lopian (1876-1970) told that he once received a generous donation for his Why I'm Having Kids Despite yeshiva from a man who was not religiously World Turmoil observant, but exuded genuine love and affection for Hachamim. The Rabbi asked the Yes, having a kid can be frustrating, nerve- man why he experienced such strong feelings wracking, scary and exhausting, but for Rabbis, if he was not even observant. The becoming a parent is also the most fulfilling man explained that when he was a young man, thing I’ve ever done. (By Kylie Ora Lobell) he had no interest whatsoever in studying My husband Daniel and I were worried about Torah, but his father insisted that he travel to becoming parents. I was scared about how we Radin and apply for admission to the yeshiva of would afford it and how I would balance my work the renowned Hafetz Haim. The boy, with being a mother. It all seemed so reluctantly, made the trip to Radin and was overwhelming. tested by the great Sage. Much to the

בס''ד I watched many movies where parents were People my age are delaying having kids for a stressed out and they fought about their kids, and multitude of reasons. The pandemic threw us off I heard horror stories from anxious moms and and made us feel like the world was completely dads who told us to get ready, because unstable. Inflation and the rising cost of living everything was about to change… and have outpaced wages. Home ownership seems sometimes not for the better. My own parents out of our grasp. Some people believe that the divorced after having three kids. Daniel and I U.S. is on a downward trajectory. We have waited more than three years from our wedding student loan debt and credit card debt, and many date to start trying. young people don’t have communities or religion or their family around to make them feel more We had our daughter and everything did change. secure and give them support. Everything seems While there have certainly been challenges – much more complicated nowadays. especially during the pandemic when we didn’t have childcare – becoming a parent has been the On the other hand, the world has never been a most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. stable place. Our baby boomer parents had to deal with the aftershock of World War Two, the Sure, having a kid can be very frustrating, nerve- unstable political climate in the ‘60s, Vietnam War wracking and frightening. But now I laugh ten drafts, the Cold War, gas shortages, missile and thousand times a day because of our daughter. hostage crises, and much more. Other She puts a smile on my face first thing in the generations had their own multitude of issues. I morning, and when I check on her before I go to would be much more scared and hesitant to have bed at night my heart feels overwhelmed with children if I knew they’d have to go to school and love. This is a feeling I never could have imagined hide under desks to protect themselves from before having a child. missiles or if I knew my husband could be drafted Being a parent has been much more enjoyable at any moment, potentially making me a widow and meaningful than I could have ever and a single mother. Today’s problems are imagined. monumental, but they aren’t new. Thanks to a dedicated husband who co-parents Becoming a mother has introduced me to the with me, as well as family members who visit us fierceness of love and has injected so much and the amazing staff at our daughter’s daycare, more meaning into my life. I'm able to handle everything pretty well most of A lot of it comes down to faith. We have no idea the time. Being a parent has been much more what it’s going to be like when we get married, enjoyable and meaningful than I could have ever when we have kids, when we move to a new city, imagined. or when we take on a new job. The best things in I’m now 32 and I noticed that a lot of millennials my life have always come out of taking a are putting off becoming parents. Birthrates have calculated risk and hoping for the best. been falling for the past six years in the United And even if you experience stress and life gets States; the pandemic “baby boom” that was more complicated with your new additions to your apparently going to occur turned out to be a baby family, the rewards outweigh it all. bust. During the height of the pandemic, witnessing my Prior to having our daughter, like many people my daughter learning how to walk tempered my age, I wanted to be out of debt and on my way to anxiety. Seeing her big goofy smile puts me in a owning a home if I was going to become a parent. wonderful mood. Becoming a mother has Then, at some point, I realized that not everything introduced me to the fierceness of love and has was going to line up perfectly. Instead, I injected so much more meaning into my life. channeled my inner courage and faith and took Everyone should have the chance to experience that leap. It turned out the old saying is true: Every this unique mixture of exhaustion and elation. baby comes with a loaf of bread under their arm. I started making more money pretty soon after our daughter arrived and I learned work-life balance.

It’s a work in progress and changing all the time, but I manage. I’m content.