בס''ד

בס''ד

SHABBAT SCHEDULE WEEKLY SCHEDULE Shir Hashirim: 6:15pm SUNDAY Early Minha 6:30pm Shaharit: 5:50am Candle Lighting: 7:57pm Shaharit #2 8:00am Second Minha 7:55pm Early Minha/Arvit 6:30pm Shaharit Netz Minyan: 5:30am We are pleased to continue offering the Minha/Arvit 7:55pm Shaharit: 8:30am learning program through Zoom to the Followed by Teenager Program Youth Minyan: Recess Children of our Community. Rabbi & Mishnayot In Recess

Zeman Keriat Shema 9:22am Janowsky teaches the younger Boys from nd MONDAY TO 2 Zeman Keriat Shema 10:01am Monday through Thursday & Rabbi Volk FRIDAY Daf Yomi Marathon Recess teaches the older Boys from Sunday Shiur Recess Shaharit 5:50am Early Minha 2:00pm through Friday and two weeknights! Hazak Daf Yomi 7:10am Minha: 7:55pm Ubaruch to all those who join! Shaharit #2 7:30am Followed by Seudat Shelishit, Youth Shaharit 8:45am Children’s/Teenager Program, & Arvit Early Minha/Arvit 6:30pm Shabbat Ends: 8:57pm 2nd Minha/Arvit 7:55pm Rabbenu Tam 9:28pm Shiur in Spanish 7:00pm

We would like to remind our Kahal Kadosh to please Donate wholeheartedly towards our Beautiful Kehila. Anyone 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, Please contact the Board

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!

• Dr. Jean Paul Courchia • Mr. Mordechai Saban • Dr. Ronny Aquinin • Mr. Daniel Belecen • Mr. Charles Sayegh

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

Torah Teasers (AISH) 1. In this parsha, what letter is written in a way that would usually render a Torah scroll invalid? 2. Which Jews mentioned in this parsha died in the desert on account of their sins? (7 people) 3. Which two first cousins have the same name? 4. Which two of Yaakov's granddaughters are mentioned in this parsha? 5. In this parsha, regarding which two people does the Torah state that they died in the land of Canaan? 6. In this parsha, regarding which group of people does Torah state "they did not die?" 7. In this parsha, which verse contains the names of 11 different people? 8. In this p arsha, what law is Moshe unaware of, leading him to consult with Hashem about what to do? What other three laws in the Torah does Moshe not know? 9. In this parsha, where does the typical phrase, "Hashem spoke to Moshe saying" appear, but in a different order? 10. In what context is a shepherd mentioned in this parsha? 11. Which offering must be brought "in its set time" (bemo'ado)? What other offering must be brought "in its set time"?

Answers 1) The letter vav of the word shalom (Numbers 25:12) is split. Although this would ordinarily render the entire scroll invalid, in this instance it is required (Talmud - Kidushin 66b). 2) Zimri (Numbers 25:14), Datan and Aviram (26:9-10), Korach (26:10), Nadav (26:61), Avihu (26:61) and Tzelafchad (27:1-3) all died in the desert on account of their sins. (Addit ionally, Moshe and Aharon died in the desert due to their actions at the "waters of Meriva" -Numbers 20:12.) 3) One of the sons of Shimon (Numbers 26:19) and one of the sons of Yehuda are both named Zerach. 4) Serach the daughter of Asher (Numbers 26:46) and Yocheved the daughter of Levi (26:59) both appear in this parsha. 5) The Torah states that the two eldest sons of Yehuda, Er and Onan, died in the land of Canaan (Numbers 26:19). 6) The Torah states explicitly that "the sons of Korach did not die" (Numbers 26:11). 7) These names all appear in Numbers 27:1: Tzelofchad, Chefer, Gilaad, Machir, Menashe, Yosef, Machla, Noah, Chagla, Milca, Tirtza.

8) According to the simple reading, Moshe did not know which relative inherits a person who dies with surviving daughters, but no sons

(Numbers 27:5). Elsewhere in the Torah, Moshe did not know (1) the laws of Pesach Sheni (Numbers 9:6-8), (2) the punishment given to the

Shabbat wood -gatherer (Numbers 15:32-36), and (3) the punishment given to the one who curses Hashem (Leviticus 24:11-12). Only

regarding inheritance did Moshe actually ask Hashem; in the other cases, Hashem informed Moshe of the law as soon as it became clear

that Moshe did not know it.

9) In Numbers 27:15, when Moshe asks Hashem to appoint a worthy successor to lead the Jews, his request is introduced with the words,

"Moshe spoke to Hashem saying." This is the only place in the Torah where this language is found.

10) When Moshe asks Hashem to appoint a worthy successor, he reasons that the Jews should not be left "like a flock of sheep without a

shepherd" (Numbers 27:17).

11) The daily offering (Tamid) must be brought "in its set time" (Numbers 28:2). The Passover lamb, mentioned in parshat Beha'alotecha,

also must be brought "in its set time" (Numbers 9:2).

בס''ד Community Announcements (It is YOUR Community, make the most of it!)

Miscellaneous Announcements:

• This Week’s Congregational Kiddush/Seudat Shelishit & Breakfast has been Cancelled

• 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 Announcement s

• 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.

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

Community Calendar:

• The program for Teenaged Boys ages 13-18 Started again with Great Succes with Shiur & Supper on Sunday Evenings

After Arvit at around at 6:30 pm With Supper. New Participants Welcome! Anyone wishing to sponsor this Shiur Please

contact the Board. Tizke Lemitzvot! In Recess

• We have started the Mishmar Program Every other Thursday evening at 8:00 pm with Chulent, Beer, & Snacks. Everyone

is welcome!

Avot Ubanim: This Mosae Shabbat at 7:45pm In Recess

Youth Minyan

• We are very proud of our YOUTH/TEEN MINYAN lead by our Dear Dr. Ari Benmergui geared to train and teach our

future generations on the different Tefillot and Parashiyot. Please encourage your children to come early & participate.

Looking forward to seeing lots of Nahat from them!

Refuah Shelema List Men Women

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

• Yosef Haim Ben Mesouda • Haim Ben Marcelle, • Rachel Bat Sarah, • Alegria Simha Bat Esther, • Mordechai Ben Brucha Malka • Yizhak Ben Simja • Nina Bat Rachel, • Naomie Bat Rarel Adda, Shmalo, • Reuben Ben Eta, • Gitel Rina Bat Yael, • Malka Bat Joyce Simja,

• Yizhak Abraham Ben Sheli, • Michael Ben Aliza, • Miriam Bat Sofy, • Sivan Simha Bat Yehudit, • Yosef Yizhak Ben Sara Hana, • David Ben Freha Rina • Rahma Bat Simha • Natalie Rachel Bat Nancy, • Mordechai Ben Miriam, • Refael Ben Clara • Esther Bat Fortuna • Abigael Haya Bat Esther • Meir Raymond Ben Mathilde • Netanel Sayegh Ben Rosa • Malka Bat Dina • Madeleine Bat Esther • Menahem Ben Shira • Shalom Gibly Ben Fortuna • Raizel Bat Miriam • Nurit Jacqueline Bat Rahel • Aviv Ben Luba Miriam • Yaakov Ben Simha Alegria • Leah Bat Rivka • Marcelle Mesoda Bat Alegria • Mordechai Ben Mercedes • Camouna Bat Fortuna • Eva Bat Yael Khayat • Sol Bat Perla

בס''ד

בס''ד

בס''ד

בס''ד

We would like to Whole Heartedly Thank our Dear Friends, Mark & Max Aquinin for generously Donating the TORAH LEARNING of Tamuz 5780 Leiluy Nishmat their Dear Mother Esmeralda Haya Bat Rahel z”l 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 Happy Anniversary To • Gabriel Ammar – Shabb. July 11th, th • Esmeralda Aquinin – Shabb. July 11 , Nahalot • Yaacov Perez – Sun. July 12th, • Flora Berdugo Bat Camila z”l the 22nd of Tamuz • Abraham Benhayoun – Tue. July 14th, (Mother of Mrs. Camila Benmergui & Mrs. Fortuna • Devorah Luna Amram – Thurs. July 16th, Mamane) • Sr. Abraham Guenoun – Sun. July 19th, • Shemuel Taieb Ben Moshe z”l the 24th of Tamuz • Michal Elmaleh – Sun. July 19th, (Grandfather of Mr. Frank Taieb) • Avraham Benhayoun – Tue. July 21st, • Saada Bat Hasiba z”l the 26th of Tamuz • Joseph Ammar – Wed. July 22nd, (Great Aunt of Mr. Jacky Werta)(Next Shabbat) • Mrs. Sheri Benchetrit – Wed. July 22nd,

• Mrs. Caroline Cohen – Wed. July 22nd, Next Shabbat: • Moshe David Perez – Thurs. July 23rd, • Esther Ayache Bat Nedjma z”l the 29th of Tamuz • Esther Hannah Nahon – Shabb. July 25th, (Grandmother of Mrs. Esther Sitbon) th • Hillel Elmaleh – Sun. July 26 , • Shlomo Michael Bar Aziza z”l the 6th of Av. th • Mrs. Naama Maya – Mon. July 27 , (Father of Mr. Ronen Michael) th, • Esmeralda Aquinin – Thurs July 30 • Mordechai Lahmi Ben Bah’la z”l the 8th of Av (Grandfather of Mr. Haim Lahmi)

בס''ד • Simja Ayash z”l the 9th of Av (Mother of Mr. Mordechai Ayash z”l) (Shabbat)

Community Shiurim

Weekday mornings:

• 7:45AM to 8:45AM: Daf Yomi Masechet SHABBAT. NEW DAF YOMI MASECHET! New participants are welcome! It is a great time to start learning the Daf and join thousands of Jews across the world in this incredible project.

• 8:45 AM to 9:45 AM: Mishna Berura Learning in Depth Halacha & Conduct finishing the Second Helek soon. New participants welcome!

Weekday afternoons:

• After Arvit: o Monday through Thursday: Shiurim in Spanish by Rabbi Tenenbaum on assorted topics.

Shabbat: • Shabbat night before Arvit: Short lecture on the Parasha of the week. • Shabbat Morning: Short Lecture on the Parashah of the week. • Shabbat Morning: Lecture on the Parashah of the week after Kiddush • Shabbat Afternoon – Shiur at 4:30pm • Teenager Shiur – with Isaac Benmergui During Seudat Shelishit. • Children’s Program – During Seudat Shelishit • Seudat Shelishit: Short lecture on the Parasha of the week. • Abot Ubanim Father & Son’s Program – Mosae Shabbat with Prizes

Sunday: • Teenager Shiur – After Arvit with supper served. • Children’s Program – After Arvit Mishnayot Program with Rabbi Cash

בס''ד on the right hand if one is left-handed), and WEEKLY INSPIRATION thus represents frailty and vulnerability. We are required to wear both the Tefillin Shel Rosh and the Tefillin Shel Yad to remind Serving G-d Under All ourselves that we must remain committed to Conditions Hashem at all times – both in times of strength, when we are successful, and in times of (Rabbi Eli Mansour from Daily Halacha) weakness, when we find ourselves beset by Parashat Pinhas is, in the vast majority of troubles and hardship. years, read during the period of the Three When G-d revealed Himself to Moshe for the Weeks, when we begin observing certain first time at the burning bush,, and restrictions in solemn commemoration of the commanded him to return to Egypt and inform destruction of the Bet Ha’mikdash. Beneh Yisrael that their redemption was Rav Abraham Yehoshua Heschel of Apta imminent, He instructed Moshe to tell the (1748-1825), in his work Oheb Yisrael, people that "Eh-yeh Asher Eh-yeh" (literally, "I suggests a connection between this Parasha shall be that I shall be") sent him to speak to and the three-week period we observe during them (Shemot 3:14). The Midrash, as Rashi this time of year. The latter portion of the cites, explains this to mean, "I shall be with Parasha, he notes, lists the special occasions them now, and I shall be with them in future when a Musaf ("additional") sacrifice was to be crises." The Name "Eh-yeh" has the numerical offered in the Bet Ha’mikdash. Specifically, value of 21, such that the phrase "Eh-yeh this sacrifice is offered on Shabbat, Rosh Asher Eh-yeh" may refer to the two periods of Hodesh, the seven days of Pesach, the day of 21 days – the 21 festive occasions, and the 21 Shabuot, the two days of Rosh Hashanah, days of mourning for the Bet Ha’mikdash. On Yom Kippur, the seven days of Sukkot, and the eve of the Exodus from Egypt, one of our Shemini Aseret – a total of 21 days. These 21 nation’s most glorious moments, G-d was days, the Apta Rebbe taught, correspond to informing the people that life is not always the 21 days of the Three Weeks when we going to be joyous and festive. Nobody has a mourn the destruction of the Bet Ha’mikdash. perfectly smooth life, without moments of Appropriately, then, Parashat Pinhas is disappointment, hardship and pain. We all go virtually always read towards the beginning of through different "21-day periods" – periods of the Three Weeks. joy and success, and periods of hardship. We are told that Hashem is with us throughout it One approach we might take to explain this all, that He is always helping us, and that we, correspondence is that it teaches us a crucial in turn, must be devoted to Him throughout it lesson about our Torah observance – that it is all, both in happy occasions and in difficult required under all circumstances, both in times. joyous times, and in difficult times. The 21 festive Yamim Tobim are compared to the 21 In the "Baruch She’amar" prayer which we days of solemn reflection on our national recite each morning, we proclaim, "Baruch tragedies to remind us that we are to faithfully Gozer U’mekayem," which is commonly serve Hashem under all conditions, that even understood to mean, "Blessed is He who in life’s more difficult periods, we must be decrees and fulfills His decrees." But this strong and resolute, and retain our devotion to passage has also been explained to mean, G-d. "Blessed is He who decrees and sustains." When G-d issues a "decree" that a person We wear Tefillin both on our arms and on our must face a certain challenge, He "sustains" heads. The Tefillin Shel Rosh, worn on the top that person, providing him with the strength, of the head, resembles a crown, and signifies fortitude and resilience he needs to overcome pride, confidence and prestige. By contrast, it. G-d never gives us a test we cannot pass. the Tefillin Shel Yad is worn on the weaker When He places us in a difficult situation, He hand (on the left hand if one is right-handed, gives us the emotional strength to prevail.

בס''ד We must not break when conditions are the send it back to the speaker. Rather than difficult, because Hashem believes in us and come to terms with the fact that we are wrong, "sustains" us throughout it all. And so even in we insist that it is the one criticizing who acted hard times, we must remain steadfastly wrongly. committed and devoted to Him, no less than It is far easier for a Rabbi to tell his we are during periods of joy and prosperity. congregation that they are perfect, that there are no problems, that nothing they do is wrong, and that there’s nothing they need to do differently. A Rabbi would feel much more Letting Our Leaders Do comfortable giving these kinds of speeches all the time, without ever having to criticize. But if Their Job he did this, he would be failing to do his job. (Rabbi Eli Mansour) Obviously, Pinhas’ violent act was the exception rather than the rule, but it shows that In the opening Pesukim of Parashat Pinhas we every so often a leader must take a difficult, read of the reward G-d promises to Pinhas for unpopular stand in defense of truth. And as in his heroic act that saved Beneh Yisrael. As we the case of Pinhas, he can anticipate angry read at the end of last week’s Parasha, the reactions and accusations. But it has to be nation of Moab lured Beneh Yisrael to sins of done. immorality and idol worship, and in response G-d unleashed a devastating plague that killed We have to allow our leaders to do their job, 24,000 people. The plague came to an end and avoid the tendency to instinctively reject only when Pinhas, the grandson of Aharon and resent criticism. It is not easy for Rabbis Ha’kohen, arose and killed Zimri – the tribal to get up and say the unpopular thing, but leader of Shimon – and Kozbi – a princess of every now and then, this is what the job Midyan – who were committing a public sinful requires. In order for us to grow and improve, act. G-d proclaims that because of Pinhas’ we need to be told when things aren’t quite courage, “Lo Chiliti Et Beneh Yisrael right. And therefore we only help ourselves by Be’kin’ati” – “I did not annihilate the Children being open to and embracing criticism, rather of Israel in My rage.” Were it not for Pinhas, it than instinctively rejecting it. seems, the nation would have been destroyed. We might have assumed, then, that the people We Never Lose By reacted by congratulating Pinhas and hailing Performing a Misva him as a hero, who saved them from annihilation. Surprisingly, however, the Sages (Rabbi Eli Mansour from Daily Halacha) teach us that the precise opposite occurred. Parashat Pinhas begins with G-d promising The people actually protested Pinhas’ act, great reward to Pinhas, who ended the plague loudly condemning his violence perpetrated that had killed thousands among Beneh against a prominent leader. “What right does Yisrael because of their sins. The people had he have to kill the leader of Shimon!” they begun sinning with the women of Moav, and cried. They accused him of killing for ulterior then a prominent member of the nation, Zimri, motives, of acting violently without any who was the leader of the tribe of Shimon, took reasonable justification. G-d therefore had to a woman from Midyan for the sake of speak to Moshe to make it clear that Pinhas committing a forbidden act. Pinhas promptly acted appropriately under the circumstances, arose and killed both Zimri and the woman, and even saved the people from destruction. and this ended the plague. G-d told Moshe Hazal here give us an important insight into that He would be rewarding Pinhas for human nature. We don’t like to be criticized, rescuing Beneh Yisrael, as had it not been for and so when we are criticized, we turn around his act, G-d would have annihilated the nation.

בס''ד And the reward Pinhas would be receiving was Even when it seems as though we are “Beriti Shalom” – G-d’s “covenant of peace.” sacrificing by performing a Misva, we are, in truth, doing the best thing we could ever do for What exactly is this “covenant of peace”? ourselves, something which yields The Nesiv (Rav Naftali Sevi Yehuda Berlin of immeasurable rewards and benefits for all Volozhin, 1816-1893) offered an explanation eternity. based on the concept that human nature is affected by a person’s actions. Growing accustomed to acting a certain way has the effect of molding our characters. Thus, for Pinchas Did Not Daven – example, the Rambam writes that it is He Engaged in preferable to give a small amount of charity each day than to give one lump sum on rare Argumentation occasions, since the act of giving impacts (Rabbi Frand from Torah.org) upon one’s character and makes him more selfless and generous. The very act of taking A pasuk in Psalms says, “Vaya’mod Pinchas a coin from one’s pocket and putting it in a vaYefalel, va’Teaztar haMageifa” [Tehillim charity box has an impact, and makes a 106:30] . This is commonly translated “And person more kindhearted. Pinchas stood and prayed and the plague stopped.” However, the Talmud questions this Therefore, given the effect that our actions translation of the pasuk: “Rav Eliezer says have upon our characters, Pinhas may have the pasuk does not say ‘vaYitpalel’ [he feared that his courageous act of slaying two prayed], but rather ‘vaYefalel’” [Sanhedrin sinners would negatively affect his nature, and 44a]. The nuance of this unique form of the make him a somewhat violent person, or make root word, according to Rav Eliezer, teaches him less sensitive and kind to other people. To that Pinchas argued a case before the allay these concerns, G-d promised Pinhas Almighty (translating the word vaYefalel from His “covenant of peace,” guaranteeing that he the word pelilim, which connotes judges and would remain a peace-loving, kindhearted judgment [as in Shemot 21:22]) VaYefalel person despite the violent act he had just does not mean Pinchas prayed, but rather committed. Since this marked a rare, Pinchas presented a compelling case before extraordinary occasion when killing the Master of the Universe, he contended with constituted a Misva, the violent act would have Him. no effect on Pinhas’ nature, and he would continue to be a peaceful, kind, gentle person. The Gemara presents Pinchas’ argument according to Rav Eliezer: “Because of these This insight is an example of the broader two people (Zimri and Kozbi), twenty-four concept that we never lose by performing a thousand people should be killed? (And even Misva. Sometimes, parents feel uneasy about more people were going to be killed before setting rules and guidelines for their children, Pinchas ‘intervened’). It is not right!” fearful that they might become mean people. But if the rules and guideline are appropriate, We can add an interesting observation. and are instituted for the sake of properly The Sefer HaIkrim from Rav Yosef Albo educating their children, then they have discusses a very fundamental question: How nothing to fear. Businessmen are often afraid and why does prayer help? If a person is sick, to take time out from their work in the Heaven forbid, that means that the Almighty afternoon to recite Minha, as they are busy ruled regarding this person that he should be with customers and with managing their sick. How then is prayer supposed to help? Is enterprise. Many people are reluctant to make our intention to change the Ribono shel time for Torah study because of their busy Olam’s Mind? Is the expectation that after we schedules. We need to remember that we pray, the Almighty will say, “Do you know never lose by performing Misvot. Taking time what? I never thought of that! I will change my from work for a Misva can only benefit us. decree regarding this person?” Obviously,

בס''ד when the Almighty does something, it is Jewish nation. The language he uses, “Yifkod Perfect and Righteous. So what is the whole Hashem Elo-ke haRuchot l’chol basar, Ish al point of davening? ha’Edah” [May Hashem, G-d of the spirits of Rav Yosef Albo’s answer to this question is all flesh, appoint a man over the assembly] that something happens to the person who [Bamidbar 27:16], is itself somewhat peculiar. Tanach prays. When a person davens, he becomes a There is only one other place in where different person. The law or the decree that the the Almighty is referred to by the unique Eloke HaRuchot l’chol basar Almighty issued regarding ‘Ploni son of formulation “ ” [G- Ploni’ was for a different person. Because of d of the spirits of all flesh] [Bamidbar 16:22]. the person’s prayers and his drawing closer to Chazal take note of this unique expression. the Almighty, he changes into a different The Medrash comments in this context: “Just person upon whom the decree was never as people’s faces are dissimilar to one issued. another, so too their opinions are different one This explains something else, which with from another.” This is a very famous Chazal. some understanding of a bit of the rules of No two people think alike, act alike, or have Hebrew grammar, is most enlightening. The the same personality. People can share Hebrew verb for praying is mispallel, which is features and personality traits but no two a reflexive grammatical tense (hitpa-el). For people are identical. Every person has his own example, it becomes similar to the opinion, outlook, and perspective. This, the expression Ani mitlabesh – I am dressing Medrash explains, is why Moshe invokes here myself – which is also a reflexive verb. the expression “G-d of the spirits…” You know However, why in conjunction with prayer is the what makes every single human being tick. verb reflexive (hitpa-el)? You know how every individual is different. Your children each have their own opinion The answer is because the person who prays about matters. When I am now departing from undergoes a metamorphosis of sorts. He them, I plead with You to appoint for them a becomes a different person. This is one of the leader who will be sensitive to the theories of how prayer helps – it is because idiosyncrasies and uniqueness of every through your prayers and your intense single individual. The leader should be able to communication with Hashem, you change! If relate to the whole spectrum of humanity that that is the case, it is very appropriate why over makes up Klal Yisrael. here the verb form is not reflexive (hispa-el) but it is (pea-el), vaYefallel. Pinchas did not There are two observation I would like to share need to change. He was a Tzadik [righteous on this. The first is an observation I once heard person]. Pinchas did not engage in prayer in in the name of Rav Shlomo Eiger. Rav Eiger order to change himself. Rather, he engaged notes – if Chazal want to say over here that in dispute and argumentation with the people are different, why did they use the Almighty, as vaYefallel connotes the idea expression “Just as their faces are different, so of Pelilut [seeking justice before Judges]. too their opinions are different”? Why could the Rabbis not have stated simply – “People are different?” There must be some significance in the formulation of the simile comparing “Eloke HaRuchot” Is the differing faces to differing opinions. G-d of Unique Spirits Rav Shlomo Eiger asked, “Do you have anything against me because you do not like (Rabbi Frand) my face?” The assumption of course is that the When Moshe Rabbeinu was given the decree fact that my face is different than your face that he was about to die, in the spirit of all great should not bother you in the least. The fact that Jewish leaders, he was not necessarily people’s appearances are different from one worried about himself, but requested that G- another does not bother anyone. On the d appoint an appropriate successor to lead the contrary, everybody wants individuality. I do

בס''ד not want anyone looking exactly like me. When Moshe Rabbenu entreated Hashem to Similarly, it should not bother anyone that appoint a leader to succeed him, Hashem another person does not think like him either! answered, "Before you command Me This is the idea that Chazal are trying to concerning My children, command My convey – just as people’s faces are different children concerning Me." Moshe proceeded to from one another and no one cares, so too a command the Jewish people concerning the their attitude about opinions should be the laws of the daily and holiday sacrifices. same. Why, then, are people so intolerant In order to understand this Midrash (Yalkut when someone else has a different view? Shimoni Bamidbar 228), we must first Somehow, people cannot tolerate it when understand the function of a Torah leader. someone sees matters differently from them. When the Jewish people feared that Moshe “It has to be my way or the highway!” would not return from Har Sinai, they I saw a second related observation from the beseeched Aharon to make them a leader who writings of Rav Dovid Povarsky, zt”l: There are would walk before them. They viewed a leader no two human beings in the world who look as one who goes "before," accomplishing what exactly alike. That means that even people his followers cannot. Thus when Moshe such as fathers and sons, brothers, and even delayed they felt helpless and in need of a new identical twins who basically look alike, there intermediary. are always at least slight ways to tell them But when Moshe requested that Hashem apart. Now consider, how many people have choose a leader to replace him, he described walked on the face of the earth since the the leader as one "who will go out before them beginning of time? Billions upon billions — and and who will bring them out and bring them in." nobody looks the same. The leader was not to walk "before" the Why is that? It is because we all have a people, rather he was to remain in constant different shoresh neshama [root soul]. Our contact with them. He could help bring them in physical bodies are a reflection of our souls. and out by serving as a model to be emulated Since our souls by definition are different, our and as a guide and teacher, but the actual faces need to be different as well. This going in and out they would have to do for explains why (even according to those themselves. opinions that they have some type of pseudo The Gemara (Baba Batra 116) anstant contact soul) animals do not have different with them. He could help bring them in and out appearances. Have you ever looked at by serving as a model to be emulated and as squirrels? Examine any two squirrels – they a guide and teacher, but the actual going in look exactly alike! Even cows who might have and out they would have to do for themselves. spots or markings distributed differently over their bodies, is the face of one cow so different The Gemara (Baba Batra116a) instructs us that from the face of another cow? when a family member is sick one should go to a sage and ask for mercy. Meiri explains The answer is that just as animals lack that from the sage one learns the ways of sophisticated souls with nuances of difference prayer so that he himself can ask for mercy for and variation, so too their outward physical his sick relative. The ideal is not that the sage manifestations similarly lack distinction and pray in one's place but that one learn from variety. Humans are totally different. Our tMoshe was like the sun, that of Yehoshua like opinions differ from one another and are not the moon. Woe for such a shame and such a alike because our inner root souls are different disgrace." Yehoshua faithfully reflected the from one another. light of Moshe, as the moon reflects the sun,

and thereby disgraced all who did not. Yehoshua showed that he understood that a The Function of a Leader Jewish leader does not act instead of the (Rabbi Zev Leff) people, but rather provides a model to follow. Because he understood this more clearly than

בס''ד any of his contemporaries, he was chosen to The greatness of our leaders is succeed Moshe. commensurate with the caliber of their followers. May we be on a level to appreciate The Jewish leader has another crucial function uniting the people in a common cause. Korach authority and to emulate our leaders in order contended that if the entire congregation is that they be as the leaders of old, culminating holy, then there is no need for a leader to rule with our ultimate leader, Mashiach Tzidkeinu. over them. He presented his challenge with Reprinted with permission from Artscroll Mesorah Publications, ltd. This article is provided as part of Shema Yisrael Torah Network Permission is the homily of a tallis that is wholly techeles, granted to redistribute electronically or on paper, provided that this notice is which, he argued, should not require tzitzit. He included intact. For information on subscriptions, archives, and other Shema Yisrael Classes, send mail to [email protected] contended that is a person is totally developed ethically, to the point where his clothing, his middot and honor are represented by the techeles of G-d's throne, then the tzitzit, the Food for thought reminders of the Mitzvot, are superfluous. Similarly, a leader, whose purpose is to coax and direct the people towards the proper Tzelofchad’s Daughters goals, would also be unnecessary to one who Typify the Concept of is fully developed ethically. “Righteous Women” Korach failed to appreciated the communal nature of Klal Yisrael, whose perfection is only The Medrash comments that in the reached through a united effort, one in which Generation of the Wilderness, the women each Jew fulfills his unique role. The leader fixed that which the men ruined. The first serves the function of an orchestra conductor, example cited is the fact that the women did guiding each player so that the entire not want to give their jewelry for creation of the orchestra plays together. Even one who Golden Calf; only the men were interested in middot are perfect still needs a leader to show donating this gold to make that idol. Similarly, him how he can function and fulfill his part in with the Spies – the men were the ones who harmony with the community. believed the spies and did not want to go into the Land of Israel; the women did not fall for Thus tzitzit are a reminder of all 613 Mitzvot the slander. On the contrary, they made that the community as a whole is capable of independent attempts to gain inheritance in performing, not the limited number of Mitzvot the Land. any individual can perform. It is for this reason that the section of the Hashem told Moshe, "Before I appoint a daughters of Tzelofchad is recorded adjacent leader to succeed you, first you must to the death of the generation of the command the people concerning the Wilderness. This demonstrates that they had sacrifices." An appreciation of the necessity of a different attitude than that of the generation communal striving necessarily preceded the who had just died out when it came to the Land appointment of a leader. Just as the korbanos of Israel. of individuals only have meaning in the context of the person's striving to draw closer to The point of this Medrash is to underscore the Hashem, so too, the communal sacrifices concept of the Nashim Tzidkaniyot [righteous require the collective striving of Klal Yisrael for women]. Women have a more innate sense of unity and harmony in service of Hashem. The faith (Emunah) than do men. Men may study Kohen is necessary for achieving this unity, in Kollel and become bigger Torah scholars, but he cannot substitute for the striving of the but it is the women who have the innate sense people themselves. For this reason, of what is right and wrong, and who stand up representatives of the Levi'im and the Tribes for what is right. also had to be present at the bringing of each The women did not accept the negative of the communal sacrifices. attitude toward Eretz Yisrael. That was the

בס''ד pattern throughout the years of the of the Bet Yaakov movement, which is both a Wilderness. by-product of and a producer of Nashim Tzidkaniyot. I recently read the following incident involving the Brisker Rav. Never underestimate the power of the Nashim One year there was a movement in Brisk to Tzidkaniyot. introduce a certain “modern innovation” in the High Holiday service. On the High Holidays, they used to have a choir in the shul in Brisk. You are the Best Parent for The tradition was that the members of the choir stood in immediate proximity to the Your Child Chazan, in a semi-circle around him. The That's why God chose to give this child proposed “modern innovation” was that the specifically to you. members of the choir stand on a balcony, off to the side. The Brisker Rav felt this was an The word "parenting" yields 239,000,000 inappropriate imitation of “foreign sources” results on Google. I got a tsunami of links to (pirtza). The Brisker Rav came into the shul parenting articles for babies, toddlers, and saw the choir members in the balcony and teenagers and every age in between. ordered them down. They dutifully came down And no question, there are many techniques to the main shul. The Gabaim of the shul were and styles that can help parents reach their upset at having their innovation nullified and children more effectively, but there is also a they ordered the choir members back to the subliminal message: You are not a good- balcony. The choir members dutifully went enough parent. back to the balcony. We think that if we don't choose one specific Seeing what happened, the Brisker Rav went parenting style and stick to it no matter what right back up to the balcony and ordered them our kid does, then we're ineffective. We down. The Gabaim then ordered them back second-guess every decision we make: Was up. This went back and forth several times, telling Noam that he can't go with his friend to until finally the Brisker Rav turned to the the mall authoritative or authoritarian? Should women in the Ezrat Nashim and pleaded with I speak to Rachel's teacher about her difficulty them “Holy Jewish women, please order your with fractions, or is that helicopter parenting? husbands downstairs where they belong.” The women started yelling at their husbands to We feel guilty enough without that subliminal listen to the Rabbi and not the Gabbaim and message. We feel guilty because we're sure the men stayed downstairs next to the that we don't spend enough time reading them Chazan. They were more afraid of their wives books or playing on the floor with them. We than of the Brisker Rav. think we lose our temper too easily and we get annoyed too fast. We're confident that we're We see, however, that when push came to too lenient or too strict – or, most probably, shove — to whom did the Brisker Rav turn to we're both of those together at the very same help enforce his ruling? He turned to the time. Nashim Tzidkaniyot, the righteous Jewish women who intuitively have a better Don't let guilt and self-doubt get in the way understanding than their male counterparts of good parenting. about the moral propriety and appropriateness Our guilt and self-doubt get in the way of good of certain spiritual matters. parenting. It is a well known fact that if there were not a Effective parenting means we need to interact Bet Yaakov movement there would never with our children with confidence, and this have been a Kollel movement in America. confidence isn't based on the number of Someone needs to take the responsibility to parenting courses we've taken or the help a husband sit and learn. This is a product parenting style that we decide to choose.

בס''ד This confidence is based on a very basic point: are 100% certain that, imperfect as we are, we God chose to give me this child. are still the #1 choice of parents for our children, we will feel comfortable guiding them The Talmud tells us that there are three us as a family partners in the creation of a human being: his according to what works for , father, his mother and God Himself, who gives without the hesitations and doubts that our the child his spirit, soul, appearance, sight, children interpret as reason not to listen. hearing, ability to walk and his understanding Yes, there could still be times during which we and intelligence. will be overwhelmed, and there will still be God is Omniscient. He knows everything there times when we will want to ask advice about a is to know about us. He knows that we prefer child's behavior and there are times when we talking to adults instead of playing memory; He will need to learn and practice new parenting knows that sometimes we lose our temper; skills. We are not aiming to be perfect parents; and He knows that we're not always sure we're aiming to be good enough parents. what's the correct plan of action. Once we have the confidence that we are the And even though He knows all our quirks and right parents for our children, despite our human deficiencies, He's sure that we will flaws, we will be able to more objectively sift make the very best parents possible for our through the reams of parenting advice to find children. ideas that make sense for us in our specific situation and work on applying them calmly If He didn't believe this, He wouldn't have and confidently. given them to us. He could have given our children to that fastidious neighbor whose house is never strewn with Lego and Ten Signs of Emotionally playmobile; He could have just as easily given our children to that friend who reminds her kids Healthy Relationships "to use their indoor voice" without ever getting Is this relationship healthy? (By Rabbi Dov upset; and He could have given them to the Heller, M.A.) cousin whose kids prefer carrots over candies. Many people don’t understand what an But He didn't. He gave them to us. Because emotionally healthy or mature, romantic He knows that we are the best parents for relationship looks like. As a result, they can get these children. He knows that our children, into unhealthy relationships and wonder why with their individual character traits, will be they’re having so many problems. These ten able to grow and thrive with us as their parents points can serve as a check list to help you - despite our flaws. create a healthy relationship. Evaluate each of We are the very best choice of parents to raise the ten points on a scale from 1 to 10. our children. We are the parents who are most 1. They keep things positive capable of giving our children what they need in order to grow and thrive. Emotionally mature couples maintain what relationship expert Dr. Jon Gottman calls, Before we start confusing ourselves with “consistent positive override.” The emotional choosing a parenting style and making color of their relationship is mostly positive. ourselves guilty while learning about parenting Emotionally mature couples monitor the mistakes to avoid, we must knock this emotional quality of their relationship and if awareness into our heads: Even though I they go into a negative place, they have the make mistakes and am not perfect, I am the skills to deal with what’s going on and get back very best mommy for my child. I am the very to a positive place. They never stay in a best daddy for my child. negative emotional place very long and are Once this awareness is firmly entrenched in certainly back on track within 24 hours. our minds, we will be able to interact with our 2. They have complete trust in each other children confidently and assuredly. Once we

בס''ד Emotionally mature couples trust each other 7. They are good problem solvers completely. There is no doubt in either Emotionally healthy couples solve the person’s mind that the other person can be problems they can and accept the one’s they relied upon. They trust each other with their can’t. They are able to consistently reach win- feelings, needs, money, safety, possessions, win solutions because they understand the boundaries with others, and judgment. Each importance of being collaborative as opposed knows the other person has his back. to being adversarial. They also know the signs 3. They are open, honest, and vulnerable of escalation and know when to call a time-out with each other so as not to escalate, returning to the Emotionally mature couples are not afraid to conversation at another time when they are share how they feel with and about each other. both calmer. They feel safe and are not afraid of being 8. They build each other up shamed, rejected, or emotionally punished for Emotionally healthy couples are guardians of expressing themselves. As a result of being each other’s self-esteem. They look for ways emotionally open, they experience closeness to encourage each other to become the best and a high level of intimacy person he or she can be. They identify each 4. They provide a relational home for other with their virtues while accepting their each other’s feelings faults. They are not threatened by each other’s Emotionally healthy couples feel safe with success and take pleasure in each other’s each other because they provide what a call a accomplishments. They avoid talking in a relational home for each other’s feelings and disrespectful way to each other and don’t perceptions. They are especially skilled at curse at each other, threaten, or shame each listening to each other without being reactive other. They are especially careful to talk or interrupting each other. They are able to positively about each other in social settings, give each other a complete hearing. As a never putting the other down or making “well result, their disagreements never escalate into meaning” jokes about each other. They are ugly fights, turning themselves into bitter very careful not to push each other’s buttons. enemies. 9. They laugh, have fun, and are playful 5. They are assertive Having a good sense of humor is sign of Emotionally healthy couples communicate in emotional maturity. They know how to relax an assertive manner. They are direct and clear and have a good time with each other. When in letting each other know what they need things get tense, they know how to use humor because they are not ashamed of their needs. to lighten the stress rather than becoming They therefore avoid getting into passive- overwhelmed and depressed. aggressive communication patterns. 10. They are committed to personal growth and character refinement 6. They are emotionally responsible Emotionally mature people take full ownership Emotionally healthy couples are trying to and responsibility for their feelings and don’t become better people. There is a well-known blame others for “causing them to feel a Jewish principle which says, If you’re not certain way.” They can tolerate intense and moving up you’re going down. There is no uncomfortable emotional states and don’t such thing as status quo in human nature. dismiss, numb, or lie to themselves about how Therefore, each person is committed to they feel. Instead of being afraid of their becoming the best version of themselves by feelings, they are curious about them and working to refine their character. They process them in order to learn and grow from understand that the most important of all them. Living an emotionally responsible life character traits is kindness. As a result of their helps them to feel good about themselves commitment to self-improvement, they are which creates positive energy between them. consistently upgrading themselves, giving

בס''ד each other the gift of a better version of It's tempting to think that there must be themselves which results in greater respect, something we can do. It’s tempting to believe admiration, and love. in the imminence of a vaccine. But there’s an important distinction between desire and hope and what we’d like to see happen. Of course, a vaccine would be nice. What am I saying? It Man plans and God… would be amazing. But it too will come (or not, What? God forbid) according to the Almighty’s timetable – no matter how many scientists are Everything happens on the Almighty’s working on it and how much money is being schedule, not mine. (By Emuna Braverman) thrown at it. Man plans and God…well I don’t know if He’s I definitely believe that all major “natural” actually laughing but He’s certainly doing disasters and all new diseases come to something; perhaps demonstrating Who is reinforce one important lesson – we are not in really in charge. charge or, to put it more succinctly, God runs After three months of literally going nowhere, the world. Perhaps we forgot for a minute. we were just starting to venture out. We were Perhaps we got carried away with the power even beginning to imagine a trip to the east of our own intelligence. Perhaps we began to coast to see the children and grandchildren we believe in our own actions. Perhaps we forgot have missed during this time. It may still to give credit where credit is due. I don’t know. happen (I’m praying) but when California was I just know that we need to recognize God as added today to the list of states whose citizens the Ultimate Planner, the One Who is in are prohibited from visiting New York, New charge and running this show. Jersey or Connecticut, the prospects definitely Among my favorite Dr. Seuss books are “If I became dimmer. Ran the Zoo” and “If I Ran the Circus”. Not And I was reminded of an idea that I know to only did they give his imagination free reign to be true but sometimes forget: Everything create ever newer and wackier animals with happens on the Almighty’s schedule, not corresponding silly names but they also mine. Whether it’s marriage and children, their allowed all of us to imagine being in charge, to marriages and their children, jobs – and now think how things would be different, to ponder the ending of this pandemic and the re- alternate choices, even alternate realities. opening of the country, nay the world, it’s all We all tend to think that if we ran the world, we going to happen whenever the Almighty would do it differently, read: better. I’m not decrees it should – and not a moment before sure we would populate with the type of or a moment after. creatures Dr. Seuss chose but I’m sure we all Young children can’t wait to be older but that imagine a kinder, gentler reality; we all have a doesn’t speed up the aging process, thank fantasy. God. We all know there is a reason that the One of the challenges in situations like this is proverbial watched pot never boils. It reminds not just recognizing our lack of control but us of this same lesson. And it seems we need understanding that this particular situation is to learn it over and over again. We can rail actually good for us, that the way the Almighty against it. We can lash out in frustration. We is running the world is the best way to do so. can “rage, rage against the dying light” as Sometimes (all too often) we forget this. So Dylan Thomas advocated, but none of these sometimes the Almighty has to remind us. It’s actions will change reality. None of them will truly impossible to plan right now. We just make any difference to the facts on the have to give ourselves over to the reality of the ground, although they may have an adverse moment, to let ourselves relax in the effect on our character. Almighty’s arms and bask in His embrace.

בס''ד I still hope to go east to visit my kids soon, but midwives for Beneh Yisrael, and she I know that it will happen whenever God wants courageously defied the royal edict and it to happen, whenever it is good for me, my delivered the babies. She was rewarded family – and the world. And not a minute “measure for measure” with long life and with before. I might as well be calm and relax and three children who brought spiritual life to let go…(Seriously? Who am I kidding?!) Beneh Yisrael. She had brought life to the newborn infants, and G-d therefore bestowed upon her the blessing of life. Learning From Yocheved Our generation has a lot to learn from (Rabbi Eli Mansour from Daily Halacha) Yocheved. She rescued Jewish children during the time of Egyptian bondage, a period In Parashat Pinhas we read about the census of suffering and persecution. She brought life that was taken shortly before Beneh Yisrael to these children – even though it was a life of entered the Land of Israel. The Torah goes hardship. Some people in her position might through all the tribes, listing the major families have chosen to comply with Pharaoh’s edict, if of each, and informs us of the tribe’s for no other reason than to spare these population. In telling of the census of the tribe children the life of slavery that awaited them. of Levi, the Torah, curiously, found it But Yocheved understood the central necessary to make a brief interruption to importance of bringing Jewish children into the mention Yocheved, the mother of Moshe world, without making calculations. She was Rabbenu: “The name of Amram’s wife was rewarded for her commitment to our nation’s Yocheved, the daughter of Levi who begot her growth despite the hardships to which they for Levi in Egypt, and she begot for Amram were subjected. Aharon and Moshe, and their sister, Miriam” (26:59). Today, unfortunately, many young couples find all kinds of reasons to delay having That Yocheved was deemed worthy of special children, or to have only one or two mention by the Torah in this context should children. More often than not, these are indicate to us that she was a unique and only excuses. Raising children is hard work, exceptional woman. Indeed, the Sages teach and so couples come up with reasons to spare that she lived an unusually long life, well over themselves this “burden.” Nobody’s situation two hundred years. Moreover, she received today is as difficult as Beneh Yisrael’s more “Nahat” than any Jewish mother could condition during the Egyptian bondage. If ever imagine. She was the mother of Moshe Yocheved insisted on bringing many children Rabbenu, the greatest leader and prophet our into the world during that period, then today’s nation has ever known, and of Aharon families can certainly manage to raise Ha’kohen, the righteous Sadik, Kohen Gadol, sizeable families. and progenitor of the eternal priestly tribe. And her daughter Miriam was a beloved and For good reason, the command of “Peru revered prophetess and teacher of the women U’rbu” (procreation) is the first Misva in the of Beneh Yisrael. Torah. Simply put, without Jews, there is no Judaism. Begetting and raising children has What was the source of Yocheved’s Zechut always been Am Yisrael’s highest priority, and (merit)? Why was she worthy of living an it must continue to be our highest priority. exceptionally long life and seeing her three children emerge as outstanding Sadikim and It must be emphasized that “Peru U’rbu” leaders? means not only having children, but also directing them toward a life of Torah The source of her merit is told toward the commitment. The word “Rebu” has two beginning of the Book of Shemot, where we meanings – multiplying and directing. read of Pharaoh’s decree that all newborn Yishmael, for example, was a “Robeh Kashat” males among Beneh Yisrael must be put to – an archer (Bereshit 21:20). The term death. Yocheved was one of the two primary “Robeh” in this phrase means directing an

בס''ד arrow to a specific target. The obligation of student. Rabbi Abahu sharply condemned the “Rebu” similarly demands that we direct our teacher, noting that “Keteb Meriri” was standing children toward a “target,” toward a life of right behind him with an iron rod, ready to strike. religious commitment. This story shows the dangers of administering any type of corporal punishment during this period, Let us learn from the great Sadeket, when we are exposed to the dangers of “Keteb Yocheved, and commit ourselves to the Meriri.” continued growth – both in quantity of quality The Aruch Ha’shulhan (work by Rabbi Yehiel – of the Jewish nation, and may we then be Michel Epstein, Byelorussia, 1829-1908) cites worthy to see our children, too, grow to authorities who limit this Halacha to uninhabited become outstanding Sadikim who illuminate areas, such as forests and the like. Inside a city, the world with their piety and Torah however, the presence of many people, as well as scholarship. the presence of Mezuzot on the doorposts, offers

a degree of protection from this harmful spirit. On one level, this restriction essentially renders this Halacha practically irrelevant nowadays, when we usually spend our time in towns, cities and other Daily halacha inhabited areas. Nevertheless, this Halacha demonstrates the importance of avoiding danger during this three-week period and keeping a “low Halachot & Minhagim of the profile,” as this period is particularly suited for mishaps and calamity, Heaven forbid. It is Three Weeks therefore advisable to remain in safe, secure (Daily Halacha & Magen Avot) quarters during the three weeks, especially between the fourth and ninth hours of the day.

Avoiding Danger During the Three Weeks • It is customary to nickname the days of Ben The Midrash Shoher Tob (Tehillim 91) speaks Hamesarim (The Three Weeks - from the 17th about a dangerous “demon” called “Keteb Meriri” of Tamuz until the 9th of Ab) with special that is covered with scales and hair, has eyeballs names in order to show that we are moving all over its body, and sees from the eye situated on from "light" to "heavy" days: We call, in Arabic, its chest. It generally resides in areas that are the days from the 17th of Tamuz until Rosh partly sunny and partly shady, and moves by Hodesh Ab "Tiz'a Zghrira" (the Small Nine), the rolling like a ball. Anyone who comes near this days from Rosh Hodesh Ab until Tish'a Beab demon, the Midrash comments, exposes himself "Tiz'a Kbira" (the Big Nine), and the day of to great danger. The Midrash in fact relates that Tish'a Beab itself we call "Yom Tiz'a." Some there were schoolchildren who suffered harm as a give this sad day a nice name so as to not call result of “Keteb Meriri.” It is specifically during the it by its sad name, "Yom Lmbarekh" (The three weeks of between Shiba Asar Be’Tamuz and Blessed Day). This is all in order to remind the Tisha B’Ab, the Midrash teaches, that this harmful Nation, the women, men, and children that spirit surfaces and poses danger. these days are ones of mourning and the mourner continues his mourning until the bitter It is very uncharacteristic for the Shulhan Aruch, day of Tish'a Beab when both Baté Miqdash which was written as a strictly Halachic code, to were destroyed, the crowns on our heads and include Kabbalistic concepts in presenting our glory gone with them. Halachic guidelines. Yet, the Shulhan Aruch indeed writes that during the three weeks one • Reading of the Three Haftarot of Rebuke should not go outdoors to partially shady areas (Telata Depur'anuta) between the fourth and ninth hours (referring to The minhag is to read the haftarot on the Halachic hours) of the day, when this demon is three Shabatot directly prior to Tish'a most threatening. He adds that during this period, Beab (known as the Telata Depur'anuta, parents should make a point not to hit their children, and teachers should likewise refrain from starting this Shabat) with a special, smacking students, in order to avoid risks. The mournful melody different from that used Midrash tells the story of Rabbi Abahu who saw a during the rest of the year. teacher with a branch ready to hit an unruly

בס''ד This is an old minhag, already mentioned in the Refael Barukh Toledano zs"l (Qisur Shulhan responsa of the Ribash, who lived in the Middle 'Arukh p.246) and Ribi Shalom Messas zs"l Ages. Many Jewish communities have similar (Shemesh Umaghen Part 3, Chapter 54). customs- Tunisia (see Zé Hashulhan, p.145) and Egypt (see Nahar Misrayim), as well as the • Listening To Music During the Three Ashkenazim, who read these Haftarot with the Weeks melody used for Meghilat Ekha. Some It is forbidden to listen to music for enjoyment contemporary halakhic authorities have during the three weeks between Shiva Asar spoken against this minhag, saying that it Be’Tamuz and Tisha B’Ab. This applies to constitutes a public display of mourning on both live and recorded music. Shabat. However, the Ribash, mentioned above, and other early authorities did not seem • New Clothes to find any fault with this custom. Rather, it It is forbidden to purchase new clothes for seems they reasoned that since the Sages had oneself or for somebody else during the nine instituted the reading of these three Haftarot in days, regardless of whether they will be worn order to arouse the people to repentance, and before Tisha B’Ab. One may purchase clothes to further facilitate this it became customary to on sale during the nine days if the sale ends read the Haftarot in a special tune. before Tisha B’Ab. It is permissible to purchase • We have the minhag not to eat new fruits inexpensive clothes during this period, and to during the Three Weeks, even on Shabat. purchase shoes for Tisha B’Ab. It is forbidden The reason is not because these are days of to sew a new garment or to have a new mourning, but rather because these are days garment sewn during the nine days, but of tragedy and loss and one cannot say the garments and shoes may be fixed during the berakha of "Sheheheyanu" where it says nine days. "vehigi'anu lazeman hazé" - "and you brought Hitting or Travelling us to this time" because this is not a good time • to be brought to. See QS"A Ribi Toledano zs"l Extra caution must be taken to avoid danger p. 249, Birké Yosef by Maran HaHida Siman during the Three Weeks. In particular, one 50:9, and Vayomer Yishaq by Ribi Yishaq should not hit anybody – including children and Bengualid zs"l (Heleq 2 Siman 11). students – even gently, and one should not travel unnecessarily. It is especially important • Engagements and Weddings During the not to travel to deserted areas between the Three Weeks hours of 9:30am-3:30pm during the Three The minhag is not to get engaged or Weeks. married during the three weeks from the • Purchasing a New Home or Furniture Seventeenth of Tamuz until Tish'a Beab, despite the fact that many Sefaradim One may purchase a new home during the permit engagements and weddings until Three Weeks, the Nine Days, and even on Rosh Hodesh Ab. See Ribi Refael Barukh Tisha B’Ab. One may not paint a home during Toledano zs"l (Qisur Shulhan 'Arukh 387). the Nine Days. One should not purchase or This is because throughout this time we even order furniture during the Nine Days, should be decreasing our happiness unless the price will go up if he waits until after Tisha B’Ab. One should not buy new books in conjunction with our mourning over the during the Nine Days if he does not need them destruction of Jerusalem. As it says, "All until after Tisha B’Ab. those who mourn Jerusalem will merit seeing its redemption," speedily in our days, Amen! • Halacha requires reciting special Haftarot on the Shabbatot during the three weeks before • Cutting One's Hair During the Three Tisha B’Ab, and during the seven weeks after Weeks Tisha B’Ab. The common practice among Many have the custom to not have their Sepharadim is to read these Haftarot even in a hair cut beginning from the Seventeenth case where Rosh Hodesh falls on Shabbat, of Tammuz. whereas Ashekenazim generally afford preference to the special Haftara for Shabbat Most Tora scholars were strict and started Rosh Hodesh in such a case. from the Seventeenth of Tammuz. See Ribi

בס''ד • The question was asked if it is permissible to make the Beracha of ‘Shehechiyanu’ during Daf yomi the 3 weeks. It is brought down in Sefer Chasidim which was authored by Rabbi Yehudah HaChasid (1150 – 1217), that there Daf Yomi Masechet Shabbat were men of stature, (who Rav Yehuda calls (Daf Notes) Chasidim), that were careful during the 3 weeks not to make the Beracha of A Rebbe’s Actions, a Student’s Decision Shehechiyanu. Not on new fruit, not on a new If one sees his Rebbe performing a specific clothes, and not on items for which we would normally say Shehechiyanu. The logic is action, can he assume that this is the correct obvious. How can one say the Beracha of halachah and this is how he himself should Shehechiyanu, which in essence means that act? we are happy that we are brought to this time? The Gemora recorded that Rabbi Yitzchak The 3 weeks is from the ugliest of times in our Nafcha ruled like Rabbi Eliezer with regard to history. So how can we rejoice during such a shuttering a window on Shabbat. Rabbi period? Eliezer maintains that it is not enough that the There is then a whole debate if it would be shutter is prepared before Shabbat, but the permissible to recite Shehechiyanu on a shutter must be attached to the building and Shabbat that falls within the 3 weeks. So, we the rope must be suspended. Only if these know that there are many Chachamim that conditions are met do we say that it does not were lenient to make Shehechiyanu on Shabbat, and thus you can rely on those appear that one is adding on to the building opinions. But they were only referring to the and one would be permitted to shutter the Shabbats in the month of Tamuz. Once the window. Rav Amram objected to this ruling, as month of Av arrives, it would not be right. That we find that Rabbi Tzadok’s father and Abba Shabbat in Av falls into the period of the 9 days Shaul ben Bitnit were lenient with regard to preceding Tisha BeAv, and one should not shuttering the window and they did not require make Shehechiyanu on that Shabbat. So for that these conditions be met. The Gemara’s the most part, you would have 2 Shabbats response was maaseh rav, practice is greater where you can make Shehechiyanu. proof than an ordinary ruling. Since the Mishna It should be pointed out however, that the great cited by Rav Amram based its ruling on the Mekubal Arizal, and many other Mekubalim as actual practice of Tanaaim, it is more brought down by Rav Chida, were each careful authoritative. not to make Shehechiyanu even on Shabbat during the 3 weeks. So therefore it would be From the Gemara it appears that if one better to delay new items and its witnesses his Rebbe performing an action, Shehechiyanu until after Tisha BeAv. For this is proof of the correct halachah, and one example, it would be better for a person to put can act leniently, even if the Rebbe did not off wearing a new Shabbat suit until after Tisha render a verbal halachic decision, and there is BeAv. But nonetheless, a person may and has room to say the Rebbe acted this way only in what to rely on if he wants to wear the new suit this specific situation. on Shabbat. Another example would be if a person bought a new Talit, and he wants to The Rishonim ask from a Gemara that implies wear for the first time on Shabbat and make a that one cannot learn a final ruling from one’s Shehechiyanu on Shabbat. In this case it Rebbe's actions unless the Rebbe informs him would be better to wait until after Tisha BeAv, that this a conclusive ruling. however he has what to rely on and may wear it for the first time on Shabbat and make the From Rashi and the Rishonim on that Gemara Shehechiyanu. But again the Mekubalim are it is clear that while studying, one cannot strict not to make Shehechiyanu on Shabbat at render a halachic decision, even if the Rebbe all within the 3 weeks, and that would be best. offers an example, because there is room to

say that the Rebbe was only using an example based on the current topic being studied.

בס''ד If the student witnesses the Rebbe performing When Balak sensed that the Jewish people an action one time only, they should clarify if were threatening to destroy his nation, he this is the halachah. If they determined that didn't spring into action, but rather hired other this is what should be done, then this is people (Bilam and the people of Midyan) to try definitely the practical halachah and this is to stop the Bne Yisrael. We see here what a what occurred in our Gemora, where the lazy person Balak was. students verified that one can be lenient On the contrary, Pinchas was a "doer." When regarding shuttering the window. there was a call for action, he immediately The Ritva, however, maintains that if a Rebbe stepped in to do what had to be done. He didn't performs a certain action and does not inform wait for someone else to come along and try his students that this is a specific situation, to save his people - he felt the responsibility then the students can determine that this is the was his. halachah and they do not have to wonder Pinchas personified what Hillel Hazaken (the further. Elder) teaches in Pirke Avot, Perek 2, Mishna

5: "B'makom She'en A'nashim, Hishtadel L'hiyot Kidz Corner Ish." "In a situation where there are no leaders, try Interesting Midrash to be the leader." (from Torah Tots) "Pinchas Ben Elazar Ben Aharon HaKohen, What`s in a Name (Pinchas, the son of Elazar, the son of Aharon The Parasha of Pinchas starts with: "And the Kohen)." Hashem spoke to Moshe saying: Pinchas Ben Why does the Torah need to list Pinchas's Elazar Ben Aharon HaKohen, (Pinchas, the yichus (lineage) all the way back to Aharon son of Elazar, the son of Aharon the Kohen), HaKohen? turned My anger away from the Children of Israel b'kano et kin'ati (in that he was jealous There were some people in Bne Yisrael who for My sake and avenged my vengeance). weren't happy that Pinchas took revenge [25:10-11]" against Zimri in order to sanctify the name of Hashem. They therefore embarrassed him At the end of last week's Parsha, Pinchas and poked fun at the fact that his mother was comes forward to sanctify Hashem's name a descendant of Yitro (the father-in-law of and in his merit the terrible plague that was Moshe) who was known to be a priest for idol ravaging the camp of Bne Yisrael was worshippers before he converted to Judaism. stopped. The Shevatim (tribes) were suspicious of There are only five Parshiot in the Torah that Pinchas, saying that he killed Zimri because bear the name of a person, and each teaches the trait of cruelty was embedded in him from us a very important lesson about that person. his idol-worshipping ancestors. It is interesting that this week's Parsha is Therefore, the Torah wanted to focus on named for Pinchas who was a very great Pinchas' great grandfather, Aharon Hakohen, tzaddik, while the Parsha right before this is who was known to be a person who ran after called Balak, after the king of Moav who was peace. (Ohev Shalom V'rodef Shalom). The not a good person. (Why? - That's a different Torah traces the lineage of Pinchas back to Midrash). Aharon, about whom Hillel said in Pirke Avot, There must be something significant that we (1:12), "Be of the disciples of Aharon, loving can learn by comparing Pinchas to Balak. peace and pursuing peace, loving people, and bringing them closer to the Torah."

בס''ד Pinchas inherited this trait from Aharon, and sins], I will bring their sin to account against when he took revenge for Hashem it was only them" (Ex. 32:34). in order to restore peace and the honor of Similarly, after the sin of the spies, the Hashem. Israelites were also not punished immediately. Due to Moshe' intercession, their punishment was spread out over 40 years. Kid’z Korner (Revach) Pinchas, on the other hand, did not just delay their punishment. When the Israelite men Pinhas saves the Day cavorted with the Moabite women and (Adapted from Mishlei Yaakov pp. 363-364) worshiped their idols, the entire nation was in Jake owed large sums of money to several grave danger. The low point of this people. Lacking a steady job, he was unable catastrophe took place when Zimri, a prince of to pay back his loans. However, his friends the tribe of Shimon, publicly took a Midianite came to his rescue, convincing the lenders to princess. "And they were weeping at the give Jake more time to pay back his debts. entrance of the Communion Tent" (Num. 25:6). When this extension ran out, the lenders again demanded their money back. Once again, Pinchas killed Zimri and arrested the plague. "Pinchas... was the one who zealously took up Jake's friends spoke with them and were able My cause among the Israelites and turned My to obtain an additional postponement. anger away from them, so that I did not The days passed, and this date also arrived. destroy them" (Num. 25:11). Moshe only His friends had run out of excuses. What more delayed Israel's punishment with his prayers. could they do? But Pinchas, like Jake's friend in the parable, succeeded in completely annulling the Divine But Jake had a very close friend. This friend decree against Israel. now approached the lenders. Rav Gedalia Schorr - Why Did Pinchas "Of course, you are right - you lent money and Have To Wait To Become A Kohen? it should be returned. But what can be done when the borrower has no money to give Pinchas was rewarded, and became a Kohen, back? after he courageously defended Hashem's honor by killing Zimri. Although his father was "Look here, I am willing to give Jake a sum of Elazar, and his grandfather Aharon HaKohen, money. I calculate that it is enough to cover he, himself, was not a Kohen since Hashem 15% of all his debts. I suggest that you agree only bestowed the Kehuna on Aharon, his to take 15%, and sign that you relinquish all children, and the grandchildren born claims on the rest. Otherwise, you will end up thereafter; whereas Pinchas had already been losing even that!" born. The Maharal MiPrague asks, "Why did The lenders unhappily agreed to this solution. Hashem do this strange thing and rob him of the stature that he rightfully deserved from the In the end, who helped Jake the most? The beginning?" other friends, who used all sorts of excuses, were only able to delay the repayment date. Rav Schorr answers that the reason why But his closest friend succeeded in cancelling Pinchas earned the Kehuna was that this all claims and wipe his debts clean. killing was considered an act of chessed. Any act done L'Shem Mitzva will have the opposite Moshe and Pinchas of the detrimental effect that would logically After the sin of the Golden Calf, Moshe prayed follow (e.g., getting rich from giving tzedaka). in defense of the Jewish people. G-d agreed Although murder is the ultimate cruel act, not to punish them right away, but to "collect when done in a manner that would be a the debt" little by little in future generations. mitzva, it is the ultimate chessed. "But on the day I make an accounting [of their

בס''ד However, the halacha remains that a Kohen fighting haskala, zionism, communism, and who murders may not perform Birchat the other ills of the generation. Kohanim. By not giving Pinchas the status of Reb Elchanan was in his mid-60s when the a Kohen, he earned it with the killing of Zimri. war broke out. He had spent a great deal of Had Pinchas already been a Kohen, that very time in America collecting for his Yeshiva in same act would have made him forfeit his right Baranovich. Although he was quite fond of the to serve as a Kohen few Bnei Torah he met in America and held Rav Moshe Feinstein - What It Takes To Be our great hope and promise for their future, a Kana'i nevertheless he resisted their pleas to remain Pinchas got up and decided on his own to in America and chose to return to a Europe defend the honor of Hashem and kill Zimri. He that was about to engulfed in flames. As Rosh acted in accordance with the halacha of Yeshiva and the conscience of the Lithuanian "Kana'im Pog'im Bo". Had he asked Bet Din for Yeshiva world, he felt personal and public permission, he would not have been told to kill responsibility to be with his flock in their time him. A Kana'i cannot get permission from Bet of need, come what may. Din. He must act on his own. This halacha is Tragically Reb Elchanan fell victim to the Nazi quite unique and contrary to the general Torah collaborators on 11 Tammuz 5701/1941 when Hashkafa. Why is this so? he was murdered AL Kiddush Hashem along Rav Moshe Feinstein says in Darash Moshe that with his son and a handful of talmidim and while it is important to do mitzvot with pure other Rabbanim. Sadly, his death did not intentions, nevertheless, a mitzva done with come together with the Talmidim he chose to ulterior motives and for the sake of personal return to from the safe shores of America. He benefits, is still worth doing. However, when it was taken in Kovno while on a short trip to take comes to punishing others, this can only be done care of some documents in order to secure if carried out with 100% pure intentions and visas for escape. totally L'Shem Shamayim. Judging a person's intentions are not within the abilities of another Reb Ephraim Oshry who was 27 years old at human. Only Hashem can know a person's that time, was one of the few that managed to thoughts. Therefore, in the case of Kana'im escape. He related the following about the last Pogim Bo, Bet Din can never render an opinion thing Reb Elchanan told them. if a particular person can carry out "Nikmat When they saw the end was near Reb Hashem". This is between the person and Elchanan got up and spoke to them. He spoke Hashem alone. the same way he always did, he was calm and This was the gripe of the Shevatim against there was no indication of panic. He said the Pinchas. They doubted his sincerity until following. Hashem testified on Pinchas 's behalf, and awarded him the Kehuna and a Bris of Sholom. "In Shamayim it seems that they consider us to be tzadikim, because we have been chosen Reb Elchanan Wasserman's Last Drasha, to be Korbanot for Klal Yisrael. Therefore, we We Are Saving The Yidden in America must do Tshuvah now. We don't have much Reb Elchanan Wasserman was one of the time. We must keep in mind that we will be great pre-war Roshe Yeshiva in Europe. He better korbonos if we do tshuvah. In this way learned in Telz Yeshiva and joined the Chafetz we will save the Yidden in America. Let no Chaim's Kodshim Kollel later on, where he foreign thought enter our minds, Chas learned B'Chavrusa with Rav Yosef Shlomo V'Shalom, as that will make us pigul, an unfit Kahaneman the Ponevezher Rov. During this korban. We are now fulfilling the greatest period he became very close with the Chafetz mitzvah. Yerushalayim was destroyed with fire Chaim whom he considered his Rebbi. Reb and will be rebuilt with fire. The same fire that Elchanan was the Chafetz Chaim's spiritual will consume our bodies will one day rebuild heir, becoming the ultimate arbiter of Daat Klal Yisrael." Torah for the pre-Holocaust generation

בס''ד

Israël en raison du péché public de Zimri. Pour Les Francophones Désormais, Pinhas savait qu'il devait passer à l'action afin de sauver le peuple du châtiment (Rav Itzhak Nabet) céleste. Il s'empara de la lance de Moché, cacha la pointe sous ses vêtements, fît L'importance du Coeur semblant d'être un partisan de Zimri et rentra dans la tente de ce dernier. Puis il planta sa Dans la paracha de la semaine, Pinhas, la lance à travers leurs deux corps. Di-u effectua Torah témoigne que Pinhas, le fils d'Eléazar, de nombreux miracles afin de protéger Pinhas le grand prêtre et petit fils d'Aaron, sauva les et de punir Zimri. A la suite de cet événement, bné Israël d'une destruction totale. En effet, la plaie cessa, comme il est écrit au début de lorsque Bilam vit qu'il ne pourrait pas les notre Paracha " Pinhas fils d'Elazar, fils maudire, il avoua à Balak qu'ils étaient d'Aaron le Cohen, a apaisé ma colère contre intouchables tant qu'ils respectaient la Torah les bné Israël grâce à la jalousie qu'il eut pour et les Mitsvot. Le seul moyen d'avoir une Moi et Je n'ai pas détruit le peuple juif." chance de les atteindre était de les faire fauter. Ainsi Balak installa de nombreuses tentes aux Nous allons essayer de comprendre pourquoi la alentours du campement des bné Israël. Les Torah précisa que c'est grâce à sa jalousie hommes trouvèrent des vieilles femmes qui qu'Hachem annula son décret. Pourquoi la vendaient des vêtements. Lorsqu'ils rentrèrent Mitsva qu'il fit ne suffit-elle pas pour sauver le dans "les magasins", des jeunes filles peuple ? Pourquoi fallait-il que cet acte provînt du plus profond de son cœur, d'une jalousie qui dévêtues commencèrent à les séduire et leur le poussa à sacrifier sa vie pour Hachem ? proposèrent du vin. Cette boisson aphrodisiaque fit perdre la raison aux Le rav Yaacov Hades chlita explique qu'il y a hommes. Elles promirent de se livrer à eux une grande leçon à apprendre de cela. s'ils se prosternaient devant leurs statues. La Comme nous le savons, les mitsvot que nous plupart de ceux qui péchèrent étaient accomplissons ou les fautes que nous originaires du Eirev rav, peuple qui sortit avec commettons ont des répercussions dans les les juifs d'Egypte et fit semblant de se sphères supérieures. Ainsi, lorsque nous convertir. Cependant, de nombreux juifs de la prions, étudions ou accomplissons la volonté tribu de Chimon fautèrent également. Di-u Divine, nous construisons des mondes ordonna à Moché rabénou de juger et de tuer célestes. A l'inverse, lorsqu'un homme faute, il les coupables. La tribu de Chimon ne resta détruit des entités spirituelles. Plus un homme pas muette face à cette décision qui atteint des niveaux élevés dans le service concernait beaucoup de sa famille. Alors le Divin, plus son influence sur les mondes chef de cette tribu, Zimri ben Salou, prit la fille supérieurs est grande. Zimri ben Salou était le de Balak traversa le camp à ses bras. prince de la tribu de Chimon. Il était un des piliers du monde. Malgré ses centaines Il alla voir Moché Rabénou et demanda : "cette d'années de service Divin, de Mitsvot...il fit femme m'est-elle permise ?" " Elle t'est cette faute, qui devait certainement être interdite,” répondit-il." Puis il répliqua : "Tu dois beaucoup plus fine et plus profonde que nous admettre que ta femme aussi t'est interdite car l'avons expliqué. Quoi qu'il en soit, l'erreur de elle est fille d'un prêtre de Midian". Moché ce Tsadik détruisit tellement de mondes garda le silence. Bien qu'il se fût marié avant spirituels qu'Hachem décréta la destruction du le don de la Torah et que son épouse se fût peuple juif. Or, pour réparer cela, il fallait convertie, face à l'audace de Zimri, Moché resta muet de stupéfaction. Zimri amena la femme arriver à reconstruire tout ce qui avait été sous sa tente. Brûlant d'indignation, Pinhas le détruit. La Torah nous dévoile par quel moyen petit fils d'Aaron, voyant que personne ne Pinhas parvint à faire cela : grâce à la jalousie réagissait, n'hésita pas à mettre sa vie en qu'il eut pour Moi. Puisqu'il fit cette Mitsva de danger pour défendre l'honneur divin. tout son cœur, de toute son âme, alors Soudain, une plaie éclata parmi le peuple. La l'impact de celle-ci monta aussi haut que la colère Divine s'était enflammée contre le Klal faute de Zimri.

בס''ד sans même demander aux sages et aux « S’affairer » à la Torah prophètes, ils auraient su la raison de l'exil. Ainsi Dans notre paracha, Pinhas, la Torah raconte la guémara enseigne que la faute de cette comment la terre d'Israël fut partagee. Elazar, génération était qu'elle ne faisait pas la Elazar, le cohen gadol, dénombra les juifs par bénédiction avant d'étudier. En d'autres mots, tribu et par famille. En fonction de la quantité de les sages étudiaient mais la Torah n'était pas familles et d'habitants par tribu, importante à leurs yeux. Hachem distribua la Terre Sainte. Cinq sœurs Un homme qui est le chef d'une entreprise, ou de la famille de Menache demandèrent à Moché responsable d'un magasin, pense toute la d'hériter de la part de leur père Tsélofrade qui journée à son affaire. Du matin au soir, il vit pour n'avait pas eu la chance d'avoir de cela. Même lorsqu'il n'est plus au travail, il passe fils. Hachem accepta et elles héritèrent d'une des coups de téléphone sur la route, le soir et terre en Israël. le week-end. Et si au milieu de la nuit, il pense à Alors Moché Rabénou pensa, dit le Midrach : " quelque chose, il se lève et l'écrit de peur de Si ces filles héritèrent de leur père, peut- être l'oublier. Hachem reprocha aux enfants que mes enfants pourront, eux aussi, hériter de de Moché Rabénou de ne pas s'affairer à la mon statut de chef spirituel" Il demanda ainsi Torah. Il est évident qu'ils étudiaient la Torah. Ils à Hachem de choisir un successeur pour guider étaient sûrement les plus sages et les plus les bné Israël. Hachem lui répondit : " Celui qui instruits puisque Moché pensa à eux pour le protège le figuier mange les fruits." Tes fils ne se remplacer. Cependant Hachem lui dévoila que sont pas affairés à l'étude de la la Torah n'était pas toute leur vie. A l'inverse, Torah. Yéhochoua, quant à lui, t'a beaucoup Yehochua s'affairait à la Torah ! Il était le aidé : il t'a donné des honneurs. Il fut toujours le premier au cours et le dernier à sortir. Il installait premier à arriver et le dernier à partir de tes les chaises et les bancs, malgré son âge et sa cours. C'est lui qui mettait les chaises et les position sociale, afin de ne pas perdre quelques bancs en place. Puisqu'il t'a servi de toutes ses minutes des enseignements de Moché, son rav. forces, il mérite de servir les bné Israël. Ainsi, même si Yehochua n'était pas le plus De nombreux commentateurs s'interrogent intelligent, par son amour de la Torah et son devant ce Midrach (Raba, 21, 14) : comment dévouement corps et âme, il parvint à devenir le Moché Rabénou pensa-t-il que ses enfants chef spirituel de cette génération. pouvaient être aptes à le remplacer s'ils Nous nous trouverons bientöt dans les trois n'étudiaient pas la Torah ? Nous savons qu'il n'y semaines de Ben Amétsarim, entre le pas de piston ni de succession dans la Torah. 17 Tamouz et le 9 av, dans lesquelles nous Alors comment comprendre la demande de portons le deuil du Temple et de Jérusalem. En Moché Rabénou ? outre, une des raisons de notre exil provient du Pour répondre à cette question, nous allons manque d'importance que nos ancêtres avaient essayer de comprendre un enseignement du donné à la Torah. Alors si nous désirons Talmud qui concerne la période de accélérer la délivrance et mériter de voir la Ben Amétsarim. Il est écrit dans le traité reconstruction du Temple, nous devons faire de de Yoma (9, b) que le premier Temple fut détruit la Torah notre entreprise, notre principal centre à cause de l'idolâtrie, du meurtre et des relations d'intérêt. En réparant la faute de nos aïeuls, interdites. Et pourtant, le traité de Nédarim (81, nous pourrons enfin accueillir le visage de notre a) enseigne que personne ne connaissait les Libérateur amen ken yéhi ratson. raisons qui avaient entraîné l'exil et la Inspiré d'une dracha de rav Baroukh Rozenblum destruction du premier Temple. Jusqu'à chlita. ce qu'Hachem Soi-même dévoile que les bné Israël furent punis car ils avaient abandonné la Torah. Le Ran explique au nom de Rabénou Yona qu'il est certain qu'à cette Reflexion semanal époque les maisons d'étude étaient pleines. Car si les gens avaient cessé d'étudier la Torah, (Rav Yonatan Gefen)

בס''ד Por qué Di-s eligió a Yehoshúa enseñarás a tus hijos” y “se las enseñarás detalladamente a tus hijos”. De estos Hacia el final de la parashá, encontramos el relato mandamientos, el Rambam aprende que una del pedido que hizo Moshé a Di-s para que persona debe estudiar Torá, y que la razón designe un sucesor idóneo que lidere al pueblo principal del estudio es enseñarles Torá a sus judío durante su entrada a la tierra de Israel. Di-s hijos. Vemos de aquí que la mitzvá de Talmud le respondió que Yehoshúa, su fiel estudiante, era Torá involucra tanto enseñar como aprender. Más la elección adecuada. El Midrash se explaya sobre aún, el Rambam cita una fuente rabínica que dice el diálogo entre Moshé y Di-s, explicando que que “hijos” incluye también estudiantes, y que Moshé pidió que sus hijos lo sucedieran como parte fundamental de la mitzvá es enseñarles a líder, pero que Di-s se negó porque “tus hijos se personas incluso si no son su progenie (6). De esta sentaron y no fueron osek beTorá (absorbidos en forma, es bien entendible que Rav Eliashiv estudio de Torá) (1), mientras que Yehoshúa era el traduzca osek beTorá como causar que los demás legítimo sucesor porque “llegaba temprano y se estudien Torá. iba tarde de tu beit midrash (casa de estudio) y Otra fuente para el concepto de que estudiar Torá acomodaba las sillas y cubría las mesas” (2). incluye intrínsecamente hacer que otros también Este Midrash presenta dos dificultades. estudien se encuentra en la Guemará de Avodá (7) Primero, que si los hijos de Moshé no eran osek Zará . La Guemará dice que la historia mundial beTorá, ¿cómo pudo Moshé esperar que lideraran está dividida en tres períodos de dos mil años: El al pueblo judío? (3). Y segundo, que parecería que primer período es llamado “los dos mil años de Di-s comparó a los hijos de Moshé con Yehoshúa vacío”, y el segundo “los dos mil años de Torá”. en la misma área de conducta: ser osek beTorá. Los comentaristas explican que los años de vacío Sin embargo, Di-s alabó a Yehoshúa destacando reciben su nombre debido a la ausencia de Torá que acomodaba el beit midrash, algo que no en el mundo durante ese tiempo, mientras que los aparenta tener relación con ser osek beTorá. años de Torá marcan el comienzo de la presencia ¿Cómo se explica la comparación de los hijos de de Torá en el mundo. La Guemará dice que los Moshé con Yehoshúa? años de Torá comenzaron cuando Abraham comenzó a enseñar Torá, y que su comienzo está Rav Yosef Shalom Eliashiv ztz”l explica que los marcado por las “almas que hicieron en Jarán”. hijos de Moshé eran efectivamente eruditos de Sin embargo, decir que los años de Torá Torá y que habían aprendido lo suficiente para comenzaron en ese momento presenta una liderar al pueblo judío. Por esa razón Moshé creyó dificultad: se sabe que hubo gente grandiosa que que eran candidatos adecuados para sucederlo. vivió antes que Abraham que estudiaba Torá (8), y Sin embargo, Di-s contestó que eso no era a pesar de eso, la época en la que vivieron es suficiente: cuando dijo que se sentaban y no eran descrita como “vacía de Torá”; y más aún, osek beTorá, implicó que se sentaban y Abraham mismo estudió Torá mucho antes de estudiaban para sí, sin ser osek (ocuparse) en comenzar a enseñarla, y la era de Torá comenzó Torá con los demás. En contraste, Yehoshúa recién con las “almas que hicieron (9) en Jarán” (10). organizaba la sala de estudio y facilitaba el estudio ¿Por qué? Rav Zev Leff explica que Abraham hizo de los demás, por lo que se le consideró osek algo que sus ilustres predecesores no hicieron: beTorá (4). enseñó Torá. La era de Torá comienza recién De la explicación de Rav Eliashiv pueden cuando la Torá se estudia y también se enseña, derivarse muchas enseñanzas importantes (5). Sin porque sólo así tiene la oportunidad de esparcirse (11) embargo, su explicación pareciera tener una . dificultad particular: la lógica nos hubiera dictado Hemos visto varias fuentes que muestran que que ser osek beTorá implica sólo estudiar Torá estudiar y enseñar Torá pertenecen a la misma para uno mismo; ¿dónde encontramos la alusión categoría. Pero todavía debemos explicar por qué a ayudar a estudiar a los demás? estudiar Torá es tan fundamental para el Para responder a esta pregunta necesitamos pensamiento judío. El Ben Ish Jai brinda un primero entender la definición básica de la mitzvá entendimiento más profundo a este tema, (12) de talmud Torá (estudiar Torá). El Rambam trayendo una Guemará en Sanedrin que cita el escribe que la mitzvá tiene dos fuentes: “Se las versículo en Shelaj que dice que una persona que le sirve a otros dioses ha “degradado la palabra de

בס''ד Di-s” (13). A continuación, la Guemará describe entre las enseñanzas de Abraham y las de Shem y Éver. otras formas de comportamiento que merecen la También Shut Jatán Sofer, introducción a Yoré Deá, y Jomat Hadat del Jafetz Jaim, quien amplía sobre las diferencias entre (14) misma devastadora acusación . Abraham y los hombres grandiosos que lo precedieron. Otra Sorprendentemente, la Gemará agrega que el posible diferencia entre Abraham y Shem y Éver es que ellos les versículo incluye a “quien estudia y no enseña”. El enseñaban a personas que ya eran rectas, mientras que Abraham cambiaba drásticamente la dirección de la vida de los Ben Ish Jai pregunta por qué la Gemará habla con demás, algo apoyado por cita en la Guemará del versículo que tal dureza sobre quien estudia pero no enseña, y se refiere a las almas que hizo Abraham, sugiriendo que explica que la Torá es eterna y que su eternidad enseñarle Torá a una persona no es el objetivo final, sino un es preservada al transmitir sus enseñanzas a la medio para hacer que la persona cambie su vida utilizando para ello la Torá que se le enseñó. Rav Yaakov Emden escribe que generación siguiente. Sin embargo, escribe que cuando la Mishná en Pirkei Avot (4:6) dice que el nivel más “una persona que estudia, pero no asume la carga elevado es “lilmod al menat laasot”, significa estudiar para hacer de enseñarles a sus prójimos, daña la naturaleza que los demás cumplan, y que esto es considerado un nivel superior a “lilmod al menat lelamed (aprender para enseñar)”, eterna de la Torá, porque la Torá que estudia no porque el objetivo de enseñar es causar una mayor observancia puede pasarse a la generación siguiente… de mitzvot. (12) Sanedrín, 99a. (13) Shelaj, 15:31. (14) Incluido entendiéndose así por qué los rabinos describen a en esta lista está quien afirma que la Torá no tiene origen Divino. este hombre de manera tan severa, ya que (15) Benyahu, Sanedrín, 99a, citado en Peninei Ben Ish Jai, Shelaj, p. 212. interrumpe la cadena de transmisión de la Torá de generación en generación y anula la cualidad eterna de la Torá” (15). Shimón y Leví Esto también ayuda a entender la razón de por qué era importante que el líder del pueblo judío La parashá de esta semana comienza con Di-s hiciera que los demás estudien Torá: su rol era recompensando en gran medida a Pinjas por su preservar y continuar la transmisión, preservando acto de fervor al matar a Zimrí y a Cozbi, quienes de esta forma la naturaleza eterna de la Torá. estaban cometiendo un grave pecado. Pinjas era de la tribu de Leví, mientras que Zimrí era de la Vimos cómo enseñar Torá es una parte intrínseca tribu de Shimón. Esta no es la primera vez en la de la mitzvá de estudiar Torá. Más aún, a pesar de Torá en que estas tribus se asocian una con la que enseñar Torá es una gran bondad con los otra; Rav Yaakov Kamenetzky nos provee un demás, también queda claro que es un elemento esclarecedor relato sobre la historia de estas dos muy importante del desarrollo de la persona tribus y sobre cómo se desarrollaron de forma tan misma, ya que ayuda a desarrollar la valoración diferente una de la otra (1). de la naturaleza eterna de la Torá y a formar parte de su transmisión a la generación siguiente. En parashat Vaishlaj la Torá nos cuenta cómo Shejem secuestró a Diná. Todos los hermanos

Notas: (1) Esto se traduce literalmente como estar ocupado en conspiraron para recuperarla; su plan era Torá. Trataremos las ramificaciones de este término más persuadir al pueblo de Shejem para que se adelante en este ensayo. (2) Bamidbar Rabá, 21:14. (3) Esta circuncidaran y entonces irían y recuperarían a pregunta la hace Rav Yosef Shalom Eliashiv ztz” l en Dibre Agadá, p. 319. (4) Ibíd. (5) Ver su continuación en Dibre Diná mientras ellos se sanaban. Sin embargo, Agadá, pp. 319-320, donde amplía sobre la necesidad de Shimón y Leví planearon un curso de acción más compartir la Torá con quienes están distantes del camino de la drástico: consideraron que todo el pueblo de verdad. También aprendemos de esta explicación que la Shejem era culpable por su rol en el secuestro de capacidad y la voluntad para compartir Torá con los demás es un rasgo clave para determinar a un líder efectivo. (6) La Mishná Diná y por lo tanto asesinaron a toda la ciudad en en Pirke Avot 1:1 nos dice que debemos “erigir muchos el proceso de salvarla. Yaakov estuvo en alumnos”. El Tiféret Israel escribe que no es suficiente con desacuerdo con lo que hicieron, temiendo que la enseñarles a los hijos propios, sino que también se debe acción de Shimón y Leví podría dañar la enseñarles a otros judíos. (7) Avodá Zará, 9a. (8) Los rabinos dice que Adam HaRishón, Nóaj, Shem y Éver estudiaron Torá. reputación de su familia. Shimón y Leví (9) “Ellos” se refiere a Abraham y Sará. (10) Abraham tenía 52 defendieron sus acciones, diciendo: “¿Debería años cuando comenzó la era de Torá. Ver Rashi, Avodá Zará nuestra hermana ser tratada como una 9a. (11) Podría decirse que Abraham no fue el primero en enseñar Torá; Shem y Éver tuvieron yeshivot donde les prostituta?”. enseñaban a sus estudiantes. La diferencia es que Abraham les Pasaron muchos años hasta que Yaakov les dio enseñó Torá a quienes, de no haber sido por él, no hubiesen deseado estudiarla, mientras que Shem y Éver esperaban que su reprimenda final a los dos hermanos. En personas deseosas de estudiar Torá llegaran a ellos. Ver parashat Vaiejí —en las bendiciones a sus hijos— Rambam, Hiljot Avodá Zará 1:3 con los comentaristas Raavad y , criticó a Shimón y a Leví por su impulsividad. Es Késef Mishne, quienes amplían sobre la diferencia cualitativa más, los castigó diciendo: “Los separaré en

בס''ד Yaakov y los dispersaré dentro de Israel” (2). El la tribu de Shimón, expresó el fervor de su entendimiento superficial de este castigo es que ancestro de manera prohibida, traspasando los su propósito era separar a los dos hermanos para límites de lo que permite la Torá. evitar otra escalada de violencia. Sin embargo, ¿Cómo fue que estas dos tribus se desviaron tanto Rav Kamenetzky advierte que Rashi da una la una de la otra? Rav Kamenetzky explica que, explicación diferente: Shimón y Leví serán sofrim mientras que la mayoría de Klal Israel fueron (gente que escribe rollos de Torá, tefilín y mezuzot) esclavos en Egipto, la tribu de Leví tuvo libertad y maestros de Torá de niños, que viajarán de para estudiar Torá. Y fue precisamente ese ciudad en ciudad para reparar los ítems sagrados período de internalización de los valores de la y enseñarle Torá al pueblo judío (3). Torá el que les permitió a los levitas canalizar su ¿Por qué el futuro de la educación del pueblo judío fervor de forma adecuada. En contraste, los fue puesto deliberadamente en manos de Shimón miembros de la tribu de Shimón nunca tuvieron la y Leví? ¿Cuál es la medida por medida aquí? oportunidad de estudiar Torá de esa forma, lo cual Rav Kamenetzky responde que Yaakov vio que generó que su fervor no tuviera guía y que se Shimón y Leví poseían un rasgo de carácter expresara por lo tanto de maneras prohibidas. positivo que los otros hermanos carecían. Una lección vital que podemos aprender de la Reconoció su motivación para destruir a Shejem: explicación de Rav Kamenetzky es la forma en ellos habían estado dispuestos a arriesgar sus que debería manifestarse el fervor. El verdadero vidas para defender el honor de su hermana. Los fervor debería generar en la persona un gran otros hermanos también vieron la terrible situación sentimiento de dolor cuando la gente actúa de en la que estaba Diná, pero sólo Shimón y Leví manera detestable. El Alter de Kelem zt”l, un gran sintieron el dolor como si fuera propio. Rav sabio de Torá, expresó este sentimiento durante Kamenetzky escribe: “Yaakov vio que sus toda su vida: En una ocasión, él y otro rabino acciones emanaron de un dolor interno y de una vieron a un judío tomando heno de la carreta de empatía genuina con el dolor del otro, y fue eso lo un gentil. Después de eso, el Alter estaba triste y que los llevó a un fervor sin límites… Sólo durante todo el día tuvo cara larga. Esa noche, el hombres con ese carácter, que sienten el dolor de otro rabino le preguntó cuál era el problema. El su compañero como si fuera propio, sólo ellos Alter pareció sorprendido por la pregunta: “¿Cómo pueden mostrar suficiente auto sacrificio y puede una persona estar tranquila cuando ve renunciar a sus recursos físicos para viajar de tanto pecado en el mundo?”(4). ciudad en ciudad esparciendo la Torá de Di-s por Además de sentir dolor por determinado el mundo y enseñándoles a los niños de Israel”. comportamiento, la persona debería motivarse a A pesar de que Shimón y Leví aplicaron de mala sí misma a intentar rectificar el problema en la forma su fervor en el incidente de Shejem, Yaakov medida de lo posible. A los grandes líderes del vio en ese rasgo un potencial que podía ser pueblo judío no les basta con expresar dolor por utilizado con un objetivo muy positivo: esparcir la las áreas imperfectas, sino que hacen todo lo Torá en el pueblo judío. posible para mejorar la situación. Sin embargo, en la parashá de esta semana Que todos ameritemos aprender de nuestros vemos cómo los descendientes de estos dos hijos grandes líderes y que podamos ayudar a resolver de Yaakov siguieron caminos muy diferentes: los numerosos problemas que enfrenta el pueblo Pinjas, un miembro de la tribu de Leví, logró judío en esta época, ya sea la asimilación en canalizar su fervor para hacer la voluntad de Di-s masa, la pobreza o la amenaza en contra del (su acto de violencia puso fin a la plaga que mató a Estado de Israel. miles de personas). Di-s lo recompensó de gran manera para demostrar que Pinjas había Notas: (1) Emet LeYaakov, Vaishlaj, pp. 188-9. Vaiejí, pp. 237-8. (2) Vaiejí 49:7. (3) Emet LeYaakov, Vaishlaj, ibíd. (4) actuadode esa manera sólo en honor al Cielo. Ibíd. p.76. Pero por otro lado, Zimrí, quien era un príncipe de

Facebook and Dignity How much sharing is, as they say, TMI (too much information)? They shouldn’t be an oxymoron. Is it the former GSA Pacific Rim administrator (By Emuna Braverman) posting a picture of himself in the bathtub with a

בס''ד glass of red wine during his scouting trip to Las Daniel Henninger of the Wall Street Journal Vegas? (It’s almost a party game deciding which suggests that we’ve lost all sense of discretion as aspect of this photo is the most disturbing one!) Is it well as many other crucial and valuable character Roseanne Cash (the famous singer’s daughter) traits (WSJ 4/26/12): “Discretion, before its recent tweeting to her 43,000 plus followers about the death, had many allies – judgment, common challenges in her marriage? Is it pictures of the sense, prudence, reticence and the two better fancy gourmet dinner your friend made last night selfs, self-control and self-discipline.” that surely puts the rest of us to shame? Is it I would venture further. Discretion is an aspect of pictures from your exotic vacation? (We stayed modesty. In the midst of serving the body, we’ve home and repaired the roof but we’re glad you enjoyed lost our souls. We’ve stopped thinking before we – really). Is it possibly even just pictures of our speak. We’ve ceased carefully examining our children? words before using them. We no longer worry Almost anything could qualify, depending on about material excess or bodily indulgence. We’ve context and viewers. stopped trying to preserve our inner core. We’ve We begin our morning prayers with the blessing stopped noticing our inner core. When everything uttered by the non-Jewish prophet, Bilaam, “How is public, as my husband would say, “There is no goodly are your tents O Jacob, your dwelling longer any there there.” We’ve lost touch with our places, O Israel.” He wasn’t praising our camping souls. We’ve lost track of what’s truly important skills or our artistic talents. What he noticed, the and of who matter’s the most. commentaries suggest, was the sense of modesty Apparently young couples are now negotiating and privacy inherent in the structure of the social media rules – what is okay to share and community. No one’s door faced into anyone what isn’t. This should be obvious but we’ve lost else’s home. What happened inside was not for perspective. Traditionally, the more precious sharing, wasn’t anyone else’s business, was something is, the more we want to protect it – and private and sacred. A sense of dignity was vice-versa. preserved. We live in an upside-down world where the most Nowadays, everywhere we look, the opposite is important personal details are revealed almost true. We’ve opened the doors and rolled up the before we say hello – and frequently on national shades, revealing all to the world outside – without television. a second’s thought or a moment’s sense of shame. But we don’t have to participate. We can take a No one stops to question whether it is appropriate. step back. We can build some fences. We can try We’ve forgotten that our home and our family are leaving Facebook and Twitter and Pinterest and all something special, something to safeguard and social media out of our marriages and personal preserve. We’ve stopped noticing that something lives. (I dare you!) We can build our inner world precious has been lost with each further and have the confidence that it can withstand the encroachment on our privacy. buffeting of the outer one. The most egregious examples are the easiest to We shouldn’t post or tweet about our marriages. It learn from. How can we preserve our marriage if coarsens and devalues this holy institution. It we are willing to let 43,000 strangers in on our embarrasses our partners. And we shouldn’t post struggles? Not to mention the fact that in Jewish or tweet about ourselves. We should have too consciousness, embarrassing someone is like much self-respect and self-esteem to invade our killing them. (Our jails today don’t have near enough own privacy in that way. If we could really exercise room for all the guilty parties!) and promote this level of restraint, we would How can we maintain a healthy relationship with change society. True, some magazines might go our children if we reveal their foibles for the world out of business and some shows off the air but the to see – on our daily television show, newspaper public discourse would be on a higher level and we column, or online blog? would all be able to rediscover our spiritual centers. And most importantly, how can we maintain our own sense of self-respect if all of our life Our ancestors were on to something. We need experiences, all our innermost thoughts and goals goodly tents and dwelling places – not just for along with every momentary impulse are shelter, but in order to preserve our essential expressed on our Facebook page? Facebook humanity and sense of self. seems to have the dubious distinction of making exhibitionism and voyeurism socially acceptable.