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TorahWellsprings

Parshas --- Pinchas

Emunah ––– everything isisis from can have a problem in his head, and that affects the Hashem TorahWellsprings- Pi nch as limbs of his body. Feet t states in this week's represent parnassah . As I parashah, úãò ìë ùàø úà åàù Chazal (Pesachim 119.) say ìàøùé éðá , "Raise the heads of that money is åéìâø ìò åãéîòî , all of Bnei Yisrael…" (26:2). sets the person on his feet. The Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni ) Therefore, the Midrash is associates this passuk with a teaching that if one finds that passuk in Tehillim : éúøîà íà éìâø äèî , that his parnassah is éðãòñé 'ä êãñç éìâø äèî , "If I faltering, he must know that thought that my feet have the problem may be in the faltered, Your kindness, head. He may choose to fix Hashem, supports me" (94:18). the feet – which means, he This Midrash is a äàéìô ùøãî , may want to seek ways to wondrous and difficult to increase his income – but the understand, because our problem might be coming parashah talks about counting from an entirely different the heads of the nation, how place. ùàø úà åàù , raise the does this relate to the passuk head, study Torah, and matters that talks about the feet? will work out and you will, The Divrei Yisrael of Modzitz be’ezras Hashem have zt'l answers with a mashal : parnassah . There was a person who lost his ability to walk. He went to We can also explain that if a a doctor to heal his feet. The person has a problem with his wise doctor told him, "Your feet, which means, he doesn’t problem isn't in your feet. The have parnassah , he should fix problem is in the head." his head. This means, he Because sometimes, a person should remember that 222 Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas everything is from Heaven. brachos was the same night, This realization alone is and he couldn’t come too mesugal for parnassah . late. The families agreed to that condition. As Rebbe Moshe of Kobrin taught that when one does But there was traffic that business, he must keep in night, Reb Grossman came mind that everything is from late to the wedding, and the Hashem. The merchandise he chuppah took place at 8:20. decides to buy or to sell, the After the chuppah, one of the price that was agreed upon, his grandmothers said to Reb losses and the profits, were all Grossman, with tears in her part of Hashem's decision and eyes, "I am so happy that the plan. With such emunah , chuppah was at 8:20, after Rebbe Moshe of Kobrin nightfall and not earlier. I was guarantees, he will be davening all day long that the successful in his business chuppah should be after dealings. 111 nightfall, since the Sefer Chasidim HaChadosh teaches Reb Yitzchak Dovid that one shouldn’t get married Grossman Shlita, Rav of on the seventh of Tamuz. (Not Migdal Emek, was once everyone keeps this invited to be mesader recommendation, but it was kiddushin . He accepted the important for her to follow it.) honor, with the condition that the chuppah not be later than This story shows us the power eight o'clock. He explained of tefillah , and it is also that his grandson's sheva related to our subject, because

1. Rebbe Moshe of Kobrin zt'l taught that if you remember that everything is from Hashem, all problems disappear. He explains that When .א are almost the same word. The difference is the גאולה and גולה exile/suffering) becomes) גולה who is Hashem, the ,א you remember the .redemption, and you are saved from your problems , גאולה Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas 333 feet that’s connected to the wasn't placated. He went to head implies that wherever the gadol hador , Reb one goes (with his feet) he Yehoshua Leib Diskin zt'l . must know (in his head) that it Unlike the others, Reb was Hashem's plan. He Yehoshua Leib said, "Find the shouldn’t question, "Why did I head and open it up." The man go there?" It was Hashem's did that, and they saw that the plan. Reb Grossman came late, head was rotting inside, he didn’t know why, but there rendering the chicken treif . was a reason. It was bashert . Reb Yehoshua Leib explained, Similarly, wherever we are, "All chickens have lice, only and wherever we go, there's a they shake them off. I realized reason for it. that this chicken wasn't able to shake off the lice. That's why In Yerushalayim, one hundred I suspected there was a and fifty years ago, a simple problem in the head." person brought his chicken to a shochet . After it was The lesson for us is that all slaughtered he brought it people have different times in home, and as he was cleaning their lives. As long as the head the chicken, he saw that the is healthy and understands that chicken was covered with lice. everything is from Hashem he He feared that this might make can shake off all notions of the chicken not kosher, so he difficulties, but if the head of returned to the shochet , and a person is not healthy and showed him the chicken. The doesn’t have the basic Emunah shochet said, "It isn't written in that all is from Hashem then Shulchan Aruch that a chicken he will find himself in difficult with lice is treif ." predicaments. One of the most Nevertheless, the simple Yid undesirable thoughts is the was still worried. He went to notion that things happen by a rav. The rav also told him nature. Let's shake this notion that it was kosher, but he still out of our heads and believe 444 Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas that everything that occurs is out that their great teacher was destined from Above. formulating the words ùéà éøùà êá õîàúé íãà ïáå êçëùé àìù , Hashem said to Moshe and "fortunate is the person who Elazar HaCohen, ìë ùàø úà åàù doesn’t forget You…" (from ìàøùé éðá úãò , "Count the heads the Shemonah Esrei of Rosh of the entire Jewish nation" HaShanah). In this fabulous (Bamidbar 26:2). ùàø úà åàù way, Reb Mordechai Binet can also be translated, "Raise was able to remember Hashem their heads." Moshe and Yisbarach, even as he was Elazar HaCohen were told to deep in his studies. raise and elevate the nation's awareness and to help them Later in the parashah it states recognize that everything áàéìà àåìô éðáå (26:8). The Magid comes from Hashem. of Zolazitz zt'l (Bris Avram ) The Chofetz Chaim zy’a said taught that àåìô means that when Reb Mordechai concealed (see Onkelus on Binet zy’a (the Rav of Devarim 17:8). When a person Nickelsburg) would teach is going through a hard time, Torah to his students, and and Hashem’s kindness is sometimes also while he concealed from him, and he would study by himself, he doesn’t understand how this would move his hand around circumstance can be for the in the air, or upon his table, as good, he should know that though he was writing áà-éìà , that everything is from something. The students were Hashem, our Father. intrigued by this, and they Everything is good, although watched his hand movements we don’t yet know why or carefully, until they figured how. 222

2. The Or HaChaim writes, "There isn't a moment that Hashem isn't doing something for a person…" (Shmos 22:6).There is never a Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas 555

On the passuk ãòå íìåòì êåìîé 'ã , more descendants than "Hashem will be King forever" Binyamin, as the tribe of Onkelus translates it 'éúåëìî 'ä Binyamin numbered 45,600. àéîìò éîìòìå íìòì íà÷ , "Hashem The Chofetz Chaim notes Dan is King, forever." The had only one son, ïã ïá íéùåç , Kozhnitzer Magid zt'l asks, who was deaf. Binyamin had why did Onkelus change the ten children. It seems that Dan translation from the future had a reason to be upset that tense to present tense? he had so few children compared to Binyamin and the The Kozhnitzer Magid others. That is the reason answers that sometimes, it Yaakov Avinu prayed for Dan seems to a person that, 'ä éúéå÷ êúòåùéì , "I await your Hashem will do kindness with salvation, Hashem." But when him in the future . But now, his we look into the future, we see portion is bitter. Therefore, that there was no reason to be Onkelus clarifies that even upset. Dan’s family grew to be now íà÷ 'éúåëìî , Hashem is one of the biggest tribes. This King, because beneath the is a reminder that when concealment, is Hashem's matters seem bad at the compassion, and He is present, with time, it will be bestowing blessings and revealed how everything is for goodness, already now. the good.

When counting the tribes, the Hate thethethe Midyanim Torah tells that Dan's family Hashem commanded us to øåøö numbered 46,400. Dan had íéøøåö éë íúåà íúéëäå íéðéãîä úà

moment when we are detached from Hashem, from His care and from His surveillance. אין לך שעה ורגע שאין :The following are the exact words of the Or HaChaim . השי"ת עושה פעולהעם האדם ביןבבחינת גופו ביןבבחינת צרכיו 666 Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas

éáæë øáã ìòå øåòô øáã ìò ...íëì íä , with Hashem's good "Hate the Midianites and counsel… [Therefore] Hashem smite them because they advised øåøö , first you must caused you trouble… with the hate those who caused you to avodah zorah of Peor and sin, and also, be disgusted with what happened to from the sweetness and the Kozbi" (25:17-18). good that you received from the sins… These thoughts will The Or HaChaim asks, "Why distant them from sins, as sin did Hashem command this will become disgusting for mitzvah if it isn't the right them… This is the meaning of time?" In next week's íéðéãîä úà øåøö [hate the parashah , Hashem commands Midianites. The next phrase of Bnei Yisrael to fight Midyan. the Torah is] íúåà íúéëäå , this As it states "Take revenge for means you should aspire for Bnei Yisrael from the the day when you can smite Midianites…" (31:2), so why the Midianites … [The reason is it stated here? you should hate them and The Or HaChaim explains, desire to kill them is] øáã ìò "Whoever has tasted the taste øåòô , they caused you to sin of sin, his nature rules over with avodah zorah , éáæë øáã ìòå , him, and he can’t control because they caused you to himself. Even if he only sin with adultery…" sinned in his thoughts, it will be hard for him to leave the The Or HaChaim is teaching sins… In this particular case, us how people get away from the Jewish nation tasted the the addiction of sin. It begins sweetness of adultery, some in with hating those who caused deed, others in thought, and you to sin and to be disgusted they also became attached to by the sin. Then one is able Peor [avodah zorah ]… to pull himself away from Hashem wanted to heal them sin’s lure. Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas 777

Let’s discuss here some of the like a Mishkan , like a matters we lose because of mizbeaich . The foods he eats sins. These realizations will are like a korban ..." help us to disengage from sin. When Shlomo HaMelech built The Divrei Yisrael zt'l the Beis HaMikdash, he (Modzitz) teaches: Our Gan prayed äéä øùàë åðîò åðé÷ìà 'ä éäé Eden is in heaven; Hashem's åðéúåáà íò , "Hashem our G-d Gan Eden is the Jewish should be with us as He was people. Hashem wants to with our forefathers…" The dwell within the soul of Akeidah asks why he prayed every Yid, as it states éúðëùå íëåúá , "I will dwell in them" this prayer. Do we want (Shmos 25:8). Hashem to be with us as He was with our forefathers? In Furthermore, it states éúëìäúäå their time there was no Beis íëëåúá , "I will walk in your HaMikdash yet? midst" (Vayikra 26:12). Rashi explains, "I will walk with you He answers that the avos also in Gan Eden." This implies had a Beis HaMikdash; it was that the “midst” of a Yid is in their hearts, and they taught Hashem's Gan Eden. their descendants to do the same. But now that there was On the passuk íëåúá éðëùî éúúðå , a Beis HaMikdash, Shlomo "I will place My dwelling was concerned that people place in your midst," (Vayikra may rely on the holiness of the 26:11) the Or HaChaim writes, Beis HaMikdash and not strive "Hashem's primary dwelling to turn themselves into a Beis place is within the neshamos of His holy nation." HaMikdash. Therefore, Shlomo prayed that we should The Mesilas Yesharim (26) be like our forefathers, and teaches that when a person continue constructing a Beis becomes holy, "He becomes HaMikdash in our hearts. 888 Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas

Who doesn’t want this become a Beis HaMikdash and privilege? Who doesn’t want a Gan Eden. that Hashem's Gan Eden and the Beis HaMikdash, should We are familiar with the title be within him. This privilege ùåã÷ that is used for holy can be ours if we are cautious people such as the Or from sin. Everyone has HaChaim HaKadosh, Rashi potential to be holy, and HaKadosh, Alshich HaKadosh and for tzaddikim of all everyone can turn his heart generations. We must know into a sanctuary for Hashem. that this title could be ours The Torah commands us to be too. Hashem told everyone to holy, as it states åéäú íéùåã÷ , be holy, and Hashem desires “you shall be holy” (Vayikra everyone to make themselves 19:2) and this mitzvah was into a Beis HaMikdash. If we given to every Yid, as it states strive to attain this level, we ìàøùé éðá úãò ìë ìà øáã , speak to will. But to acquire it, we the entire congregation of Bnei must be cautious from sins. Yisrael…" (ibid.). The Or HaChaim explains, "The Now contemplate the great mitzvah is for every misfortune of sins, how much person….There is no (level of) we lose because of it. Jew that cannot attain this Therefore, despise sins, and level." So everyone can that will be a catalyst to help become holy, everyone can you avoid them. 333

Hashem made us holy" , אשר קדשנובמצוותיו ורצה בנו In Kiddush we say .3 with His mitzvos, and He desired us..." Rebbe Moshe Mordechai of Lelov zt'l asks: Shouldn’t the order be the opposite? We should first state that Hashem loves us and desires us, and therefore He gave us the mitzvos to make us holy? Rebbe Moshe Mordechai of Lelov zt'l answers that the order stated in Kiddush teaches us that when we are holy, free from sin, that is when Hashem desires us. Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas 999

The Unwise Exchange pleasure. He said, "This youth's mazal is to be a king, Another thought that will help but he enjoys riding on his us to get away from sins is the horse so much, that the awareness that one doesn’t enjoyment of being king was gain anything from sins. There exchanged for that pleasure." may be a drop of pleasure in them, but by refraining he will There’s a limit to how much receive that pleasure in pleasure each person is permitted ways. As the destined to receive, so why Steipler Gaon zt'l writes, "One should one seek it in forbidden must know that when he is ways, when he can receive the strong and he passes a test it same pleasure by permitted makes a great kiddush means? Understand this Hashem . His merit is very concept well and it will help great. Furthermore, eventually you overcome the lure for sin. he will receive that pleasure, because every pleasure that The Eyes one refrains from for Hashem's Yeshaya HaNavi said to the sake, will be repaid later on wicked Achaz, "If you will via permitted means. guard your eyes, from seeing forbidden things, you are The Vilna Gaon zt'l taught that guaranteed to will win all your just as the Mishnah states wars" (stated in Rokeiach ). "Whoever runs away from honor, honor runs after him," The Maggid of Zlotchev zt'l the same occurs with all said, "Dust doesn’t harm any pleasures. When one runs limb except for the eyes. away from them, they will run That’s because the eyes are after him in permitted venues. exalted limbs and the Shechinah resides there. The Baal Shem Tov zy'a Therefore, even earth affects once saw a gentile youth them. (When one dies, earth riding a horse with immense can be placed in the eyes, 101010 Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas because the Shechinah has Rambam explains that a already departed.)" person doesn’t repent on this sin because he doesn’t realize The Gemara (Kiddushin 7) that he did anything wrong. teaches, “When you declare The Rambam teaches, one leg of an animal to be "Someone who looks at… kodesh [for a korban ] the [forbidden matters] thinks it’s holiness spreads through the nothing…He doesn’t know entire animal and the entire that looking … is a great animal becomes a korban .” sin…as it states éøçà åøåúú àì The Rebbe of Radzamin zy’a íëéðéò ... ." taught that the same thing applies to someone who Yet, let us encourage ourselves sanctifies just one limb of his and know that each time one body. For example, when one is careful and restrains from is careful with his eyes, the seeing forbidden things, it is purity that his eyes acquire very precious to Hashem. As it sanctifies his entire being. states êéðéòî úçàá éðúááéì , "I love It is written íëéúåáù úà éáåùá you with one of your eyes." 'ä øîà íëéðéòì (Tzefanyah 3:20). This indicates that being Rebbe Moshe of Kobrin zt'l cautious — even just once — explained íëéúåáù úà éáåùá , arouses Hashem's love to us. when a Yid wants to do Each time one is careful with teshuvah , íëéðéòì , he should his eyes, he becomes begin by guarding his eyes. sanctified, making him a step closer to being worthy that the People aren't aware of the Shechinah should reside by graveness of guarding their him. eyes, and therefore the Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah We are living in the generation 4) counts this sin among the of ikvisa d'Moshicha (a very twenty-four sins that one can low generation) and that hardly ever repent on. The makes each and every one of Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas 111111 our deeds so special. The also want to return to Eretz deeds of the tzaddikim in the Yisrael, with the Beis past can be compared to a HaMikdash rebuilt?" the torch or a bonfire. By Rebbe asked. comparison, our deeds are "I don’t know," the farmer only a candle. The light is replied. "I'll have to ask my much smaller. Yet in the dark, wife." even a candle gives off much After taking counsel with his light, whereas a bonfire in wife, he came back and said, daylight doesn’t generate "We can't go to Eretz Yisrael. much light. Today, therefore, We have cows and chickens... the smallest good deed is so We can't just leave everything striking and significant. 444 behind and go to Eretz The Three Weeks Yisrael." The Rebbe asked him, "But Rebbe Nochum of Chernobyl we suffer so much from the zt'l once stayed overnight at goyim. Wouldn’t it be better the home of a simple farmer. to be safe from them?" At midnight his host awakened from the cries of Rebbe The farmer said that he’d have Nochum’s Tikun Chatzos , and to speak with his wife about asked him why he was crying. that too. He returned and said, He explained that there was "My wife said, let Moshiach once a Beis HaMikdash but it come and take the goyim to was destroyed, and since then Eretz Yisrael with him. We’ll we mourn for it. "Don’t you remain here."

4. Rebbe Shlomo Karliner zt'l taught that overcoming temptation can be compared to waking up at midnight to say Tikun Chatzos . The Zohar praises the service of awakening at midnight to serve Hashem and to say Tikun Chatzos . Reb Shlomo Karliner taught that when one has a test, it is dark for him, similar to the darkness of night. When he passes the test, it is a similar to awakening at midnight to serve Hashem. 121212 Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas

The Gemara says, "When a tamid today…" and then the person is brought to judgment Rebbe cried copiously. 555 [in heaven], he will be asked, 'Did you deal honestly in During the Three Weeks, a business? Did you have set certain tzaddik traveled a long times for Torah study? Did distance to visit the Sfas Emes you beget children? Did you of Gur zt'l . "What brings you wait for the salvation? Were here?" the Sfas Emes asked, you mifalpel in Torah?..." knowing that he lives far (Shabbos 31). One of the away. primary questions we will be "My family's tradition is to asked is whether we waited travel during the Three Weeks. for the salvation, for Hashem is kivayachol , in Moshiach. Everyone will be galus , so we go to galus too." asked this question; therefore everyone should mourn the "The main thing is to destruction and wait for remember that we aren't Moshiach’s arrival. home," the Sfas Emes replied. The Apter Rav zt'l once said, The Sfas Emes rarely "A tragedy happened today." traveled, but he constantly reminded himself that he isn’t "What tragedy is the Rebbe home . We aren't where we referring to?" a chassid asked. ought to be. Things should be "We didn’t bring the korban entirely different.

5. Someone came to the Kotzker Rebbe zt'l , complaining that his son-in-law had become a Kotzker chassid, and his daughter was very upset about it. He wanted the Rebbe to convince this chassid to stop coming to him. The man said, "How can anyone’s heart not break from my daughter's agony?" The Rebbe replied, "If one indeed has a heart, how could it not break from the pain of the churban Beis HaMikdash." Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas 131313

Reb Yaakov Emdin zt'l and cry for about a half-hour." (Siddur Beis Yaakov, Tisha In the Chasam Sofer's b'Av 6:16) writes that all the yeshivah, they would mourn tzaros in exile come because by reciting the Tikun Chatzos we don't mourn sufficiently for every afternoon. 777 Reb Fishel the churban . He writes, "If our Sofer zt'l was usually the only sin would be that we chazzan . He would cry bitterly aren't mourning Yerushalayim, as he led the Tikun Chatzos , it would be sufficient to and the congregation would prolong our galus . In my cry along with him. One day opinion, this is the primary Reb Fishel wasn't in yeshivah, cause for all the terrible so a bachur with a beautiful suffering — beyond voice was chosen to lead the description — that befalls us Tikun Chatzos . But this in galus . We are persecuted, bachur didn’t cry like Reb we have no peace… It is all Fishel. He sang it joyously. It because the mourning has left 666 sounded more like a yom tov our hearts." tefillah than lamentations. The Mishnah Berurah When he finished, the Chasam (551:103) writes "The Arizal Sofer commented, "We have taught that one should mourn to check whether this bachur during these days [of Bein belongs to Shabsai Tzvi's sr'y HaMetzarim] after midday, group, for how can one say the three , תלתא דפרענותא The three haftaros of Bein HaMetzarim are called .6 , שבעהדנחמתא punishments, and the seven following haftaros are called תלתא seven condolences. The Ateres Moshe taught that they are called can also mean 'to pay פרענותא because ( תלתא דאבלותא and not) דפרענותא back.' Reb Yaakov Emden taught that the tzaros of galus comes because people aren't mourning sufficiently. When we read the haftaros of the Three .paying up our obligations , פרענותא Weeks, we are 7. The Chasam Sofer said, whoever mourns for the Beis HaMikdash during the Three Weeks, will merit good children. 141414 Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas

Tikun Chatzos and talk about At a chasunah , we do several the churban of the Beis things to remember the HaMikdash with joy?" churban . We break a cup under the chuppah, we say the One of the benefits of brachah ùéùú ùåù , which is a mourning the churban Beis prayer for the geulah , the HaMikdash is that by chassan puts ashes on his mourning it grants us now, head, and so on. The Sfas even in galus , a taste of the Emes (Ki Savo 5653) explains upcoming redemption. that these customs aren't a The Shulchan Aruch states ìë contradiction to the happiness äàåøå äëåæ íéìùåøé ìò ìáàúîä of the marriage; on the äúçîùá , "Whoever mourns for contrary, they complement it, Yerushalayim, merits and sees since mourning brings the her joy" (554:25). äàåøå äëåæ , light of the era of Moshiach, “merits and sees,” is in present and that completes the joy of tense. The Kedushas Levi and the chasunah . The Sfas Emes several other sefarim teach writes, "When one remembers that this indicates that by the Beis HaMikdash, he mourning for the churban , he becomes attached to its light. immediately sees the joy of Therefore, at every simchah , the redemption. He’s one must remember the Beis mourning and experiencing the HaMikdash… Today, we merit light of the future redemption this simchah through at the same time. mourning for the Beis HaMikdash. As it states, ...åùéù As the Kedushas Levi íéìáàúîä ìë ùåùî , "Rejoice… all (Eichah ) writes, "When one those who mourn..." thinks about the holiness and mourns for Yerushalayim…. Rebbe Shmelke of Nikelsburg he perceives a little bit of zy'a told the following mashal : the joy of Yerushalayim in A king had to run away from the future." his palace and ended up in a Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas 151515 very distant land, where he it’s hard to speak with him, stayed at the home of one of but when he travels, whoever his close friends. He noticed wants to can have a that sometimes his host was connection with the king. joyous, and at other times, his Therefore we mourn bitterly, host was crying. The king but there always remains a asked him, "Are you happy reason to be happy too. that I’m here, or are you sad?" Tefillah The host replied, "I’m happy This week's parashah and sad. I'm sad because you discusses the korbanos . About needed to leave your palace the korban tamid it states, úà and come here. And I’m åøîùú çåçéð çéø éùàì éîçì éðáø÷ happy, because I have the åãòåîá éì áéø÷äì , "My korban , privilege of hosting the king in My bread, that goes on My my home." fire, My satisfying aroma, be cautious to sacrifice it to Me Similarly, during the Three in the right time…." (28:2). Weeks we cry because we and The Sfas Emes translates the Shechinah are in galus , but åøîùú as "to wait" (similar to we are also happy, because øáãä úà øîù åéáàå ,[Bereishis ironically, it is easier to have 37:11]). The Sfas Emes a connection with Hashem at explains that the passuk is this time. As it states äéôãåø ìë implying that we should wait íéøöîä ïéá äåâéùä and the Magid for and anticipate the time of Mezritz zt’l explains, óãåø when we’ll bring the korban ä-é , whoever runs to find tamid . The passuk is referring Hashem (during the Three to the era when the Beis Weeks) äåâéùä , will be able to HaMikdash stood. The korban find Him, íéøöîä ïéá , during the tamid is so important, that the Three Weeks of Bein cohanim , and ultimately all of Hametzarim ." It’s compared to klal Yisrael, should wait, when a king is in his palace, anticipate, and prepare for 161616 Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas those moments, when the the place of the korbanos , the korban will be brought. entire rest of the day is secondary (ìôè ) while the The Sfas Emes adds, "This primary moments are when preparation [of awaiting] can one prays…. As it states åøîùú also be performed in exile. åãòåîá éì áéø÷äì , ‘one should People should look forward to wait to sacrifice at the right the rebuilding of the Beis time’ [and today, we should HaMikdash when we can once wait for the times of prayers].” again bring the korban tamid , and all the other korbanos . The Sfas Emes also quotes the When we have this yearning, following lesson from the it will be the fulfillment of Kuzari (3:5): "This time [of áéø÷äì åøîùú , to await to tefillah ] should be the heart of sacrifice. Furthermore, when his time and the fruit of his we yearn for the korbanos , we day. All other times should be get a share in the korbanos of a means to reach that time. He the past and of the future, should yearn for that moment when the Beis HaMikdash will of closeness, when he becomes be rebuilt, speedily in our spiritual and distant from days, amen." animal [lowliness]… Tefillah The Sfas Emes adds that in should be like food, which galus, tefillah takes the place satiates him from one meal to of the korbanos , and therefore, the next. So too, one should we should also be awaiting, take food for his soul, from preparing, and looking one tefillah until the next one." forward for those moments when we stand in tefillah Tefillah isn't easy. The before Hashem. Gemara says, "Tefillah stands at the height of the world, and The Sfas Emes writes, "After people disregard it." As we the destruction of the Beis just learned, tefillah should HaMikdash, when tefillos take really be the highest point of Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas 171717 our day. One should yearn three daily tefillos , he is and strive to daven properly advised to find more times to before Hashem. pray to Hashem. These tefillos are often more meaningful, The Chofetz Chaim zt'l since he says them in his own (Likutei Amorim 10) teaches, words, stating the issues that "One shouldn’t suffice with are presently important to him. the Shemonah Esrei that he says three times a day…. The Gemara says, "If only a several times throughout the person would daven the entire day, one should pour his heart day!" Rebbe Bunim of out in tefillah — when he is Peshischa zy’a taught that this alone in his home — from the can be accomplished by depths of his heart. [Such davening for each thing you’re tefillos , said in his own words about to do. For example, on are essential] because he is the way to work pray that you accustomed to saying the three be successful. When you’re tefillos [Shacharis , Minchah , about to learn Torah pray that and Maariv ] and he doesn’t you should understand what pay too much attention to what you’re studying. Before he is saying. However, if a cooking dinner, pray that it person will [take time to] think should turn out well. And so when he is alone, and at these on. Whatever you do, pray. In times makes a cheshbon this manner you will be hanefesh … and then he pours praying virtually the entire his heart out like water to day. Hashem, this tefillah , from the depth of his broken heart, will It is written óåèòé éë éðòì äìôú certainly be answered." åçéù êåôùé 'ä éðôìå , "The tefillah of a poor person who wraps According to this counsel, himself and pours his speech there are lots of opportunities out before Hashem." The for prayer. In addition to the Divrei Chaim explains that 181818 Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas one should óåèòé , wrap, his If a person applies these tefillos within the words and counsels, he will be praying conversations that he speaks many times a day. As Reb during the day. He can be Yochanan said, “If only a speaking to someone, and he person would pray the entire is implying in his words a day!” prayer to Hashem. He can be speaking about business, and Even when everything is going his heart and thoughts are good, it’s important to pray saying a prayer to Hashem. often to ensure that matters will continue being good. The Generally, one needs to be on Rebbe of Toldos Ahron zt'l a very high level to create encouraged one of his students such a tefillah . It isn't a simple to say Tehillim even when he matter to have a conversation wasn’t enduring any problems. with someone, and conceal a The Rebbe compared it to prayer within his words. people who periodically Therefore, let’s translate äìéôú óåèòé éë éðòì in a slighter deposit money into their bank different manner, which will account. Perhaps, he doesn’t be easier to apply. The passuk need the money right now, but can be implying that one when he ever does need should wrap his tefillos around money, the money will be in everything he does. As Rebbe the bank, ready for use. The Bunim of Peshischa taught us, same is with Tehillim . Store whatever you are doing, pray up warehouses filled with to Hashem. Pray for success in chapters of Tehillim , even your work, pray for shalom though everything is good and bayis , and pray for nachas well. If chas veshalom , hard from the children. Every deed times come by, there will that you do, realize that already be chapters of Tehillim success is in Hashem’s hands, in the deposit box, prepared to and pray to Him. help bring his salvation. Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas 191919

The ideal tefillah is when one relying solely on him. There knows that he has nowhere to are other people who can help turn, other than Hashem. him too. However, let's say When one prays to Hashem, they are caught by bandits in but he also trusts in the a forest, and they say to the doctors, his bank account, his wealthy man, "Give us a wisdom, and so on, his tefillos hundred thousand dollars, or aren't totally effective. we will assassinate the This can be compared to when pauper,” then he’ll probably someone goes to a wealthy give all of the money, because person for charity. The he knows that he’s the only wealthy man gives some one who can help. When we money, but he generally won't turn to Hashem with our entire give the entire sum that the trust in Him, and realize that pauper needs, because he no one else can help us, other knows that the pauper isn't than He, He will save us. 888

8. The Minchas Elazer zy'a would tell the following story whenever he visited the sick. The Berditchever Rav zy'a was very ill, and it seemed that he would soon leave the world. His students were in the next room, saying Tehillim . Suddenly, the students heard something falling. They rushed into the Berditchever Rav's room, and found him lying on the floor. He had fallen off the bed, and they helped him back onto the bed. Some hours later, the Berditchever Rav asked for a cup of tea. It didn’t take much longer, and soon the Berditchever Rav was standing on his feet, totally better. He told his students, "As I was lying on my bed, I remembered what my הבוטח בה' חסד rebbe, the Magid of Mezritz zt'l , taught on bitachon . It says .(When one trusts in Hashem, kindness surrounds him' (Tehillim 32' , יסובבנו Why? The Magid of Mezritz explained that bitachon isn't a segulah , and it isn't a brachah . It's a rule of nature. When one trusts in Hashem, he becomes enveloped in Hashem's kindness. It’s as natural as all the other 202020 Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas

It can also be compared to If he needs food, medical care, someone who’s been in the or anything else, he knows desert for three days without that no one other than his water. He finally sees someone owner will help him. We turn with a large jug of water. He to Hashem with the same will beg him for water. Even devoutness, because we know if that person says no, he will that only Hashem can help us. ask again and again, because The Or HaChaim (Bamidbar he knows that this man can 21:4) writes, "Hashem desires help him, and if he doesn’t get for the eyes of the Jewish water to drink, he’ll die from people to always be to thirst. This is how we should Hashem who sits in heaven, approach tefillah ; with the for their food and for all their awareness that Hashem has the needs, without trusting in means to help us and if anyone else… Hashem desires Hashem doesn’t help us, no this, so that their hearts will one else can. always be close to Hashem, as a son who eats from his In Tehillim, it states "As father's table, morning, night, slaves look up to their and all times." master… so are our eyes turned to Hashem…" (123:2). It’s written çåèáî 'ãá úåñçì áåè Why does Dovid HaMelech íéáéãðá çåèáî 'ãá úåñçì áåè ,íãàá , compare our prayers, to the “It is better to trust in Hashem requests of a slave from his than to trust in man. It is master? A slave knows that better to trust in Hashem than only his master can help him. to trust the wealthy” (Tehillim rules of nature. Therefore, I began to focus on concepts of bitachon until I trusted that Hashem will heal me. That's when I decided to get out of bed, but I fell. I knew that the Magid's lesson was certainly true, only my bitachon wasn't complete. So I began thinking about emunah and bitachon again, until I became perfectly healthy." Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas 212121

118). According to the rules of Midrash that this passuk is the grammar it should have stated, most inclusive passuk in the íãàá çåèáìî 'ãá úåñçì áåè , with a Torah. These few words 'ì in çåèáìî . encompass most of what the Torah teaches. According to We can explain 'ãá úåñçì áåè this opinion, it is a more íãàá çåèáî , it’s better to trust in fundamental passuk than òîù Hashem. The proof is çåèáî ìàøùé , and similar pesukim. íãàá , from the times that you The Maharal explains that a trusted in people, and they tamid , brought twice daily, didn’t help you. This should expresses the essence of a Yid teach you of the futility to who is entirely under trust in people. In contrast, Hashem's jurisdiction. He can't remember the many times you decide one day to serve trusted in Hashem, and He Hashem, and one day not, just helped you. (Also remember as a slave can’t choose a day the many times that Hashem when he doesn’t want to serve helped you because of His his master. love and compassion, even before you actually asked Him The passuk before this states for help.) Remember and äìò íåéì íéðù íéîéîú äðù éðá íéùáë realize that 'ãá úåñçì áåè , it’s ãéîú , "sheep in their first year; worthwhile to trust in Hashem. perfect; twice a day; a continuous korban olah " Anger (28:3). In reference to the korban tamid , the Torah says ùáëä úà The Chozeh of Lublin explains éðùä ùáëä úàå ø÷áá äùòú ãçà that íéùáë can mean to control íééáøòä ïéá äùòú , "Sacrifice one anger (from the same root as sheep in the morning, and the ùáåë , to control). Chazal say, second sheep sacrifice in the "Whoever is åéúåãî ìò øéáòî , afternoon" (Bamidbar 28:4). controls his anger, all of his There is an opinion in the sins are forgiven." Thus, the 222222 Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas passuk is saying íéùáë when he will be íéîéîú , perfect, and one controls his anger, äðù éðá , ãéîú äìò , and will always rise he becomes like a child in the to higher levels, because those first year of his life, totally who are cautious with anger void of sin. 999 íåéì íéðù , twice only go upwards. Whereas, daily. The Chozeh explains those who become angry fall, that one needs to overcome since he loses his neshamah , anger primarily twice a day: as stated in the holy sefarim . when he comes home in the morning and when he comes Yishuv HaDaas home in the evening. The One of the benefits of Chozeh explains that most overcoming anger is yishuv people don’t get angry in the hadaas , a tranquil state of workplace or in the beis mind, which is so important medresh. The primary test of for avodas Hashem . anger occurs when he’s home, with his spouse and children. Rebbe Moshe of Kobrin writes Therefore, the Torah warns us: in a letter, "All the wealth of twice a day before going the world can't compare to the home, make a resolution that moment a Yid has a tranquil you won't get angry, and then and calm mind." 101010

(I Shmuel 13:1), בן שנה במלכו ,As it is written about Shaul HaMelech .9 and the Gemara [Yoma 22.] explains that he was like a newborn, without sins. 10. A fly was disturbing the Chazon Ish. His attendant tried to shoo the fly away, but it kept returning. The Chazon Ish said, "It’s a Rosh Hashanah fly." His intention was that on Rosh Hashanah, it was decreed that a fly would come and disturb him. The Gemara (Brachos 61) compares the yetzer hara to a fly. Why? A fly buzzes about, flies into people's faces, and disturbs their peace-of-mind. Perhaps the Gemara calls the yetzer hara a fly, because the yetzer hara also strives to confuse and to disturb people. Torah Wellsprings --- Pinchas 232323

It’s a moment when one can (The following is stated in think about what’s important ancient sefarim ): There's a in the world, what’s good and species of bird that builds its what’s bad, what he should be nest very high up on a tree. Its doing, and what he should be predators, the snakes, aren't avoiding. All of these thoughts able to climb a tree. They elude him when he doesn’t stand below the tree with their have peace of mind. mouths wide open. The bird looks down and sees the snake The Zohar (vol.3, 199) notes, with its open mouth. that the first two letters of ÷ìá Frightened, it loses its balance and íòìá spell ìáìá , confusion. and falls right into the snake's The final letters spell Amalek. mouth. How does this happen? When one is confused, he falls The bird can just fly away, into the hands of Amalek, the and it’s high in a tree, and the hands of the yetzer hara . snake can't get there. But fear confuses the bird, paralyzes it, In Megilas Esther it states ìéôä and it falls into the snake's íãáàìå íîäì ...ìøåâä àåä øåô , mouth. The lesson for us is "[Haman] cast lots to confuse that when we get frightened by them… and to destroy them" the happenings of life, we can (Esther 9:24). Haman knew become easy prey for the trap that if he can cause the Yidden of the yetzer hara . This is the to be frightened, and lose their reason it’s so important to peace of mind, he could maintain our tranquility and destroy them. peace of mind.

Another correlation between the yetzer hara and a fly is that when someone has a wound, the fly will go there. The fly's presence on the wound contaminates the wound and brings diseases. The yetzer hara uses this ploy as well, because it finds people's faults, emphasizes them, causing people to despair.