2019 Torah Wellsprings 111

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Parashas Bamidbar efer Bamidbar is called “Chumash has survived until today. Why don’t they S HaPikudim ” the “Chumash of become áåøá ìèá , lost among the Counting,” though the tallying mentioned multitudes, among the myriads of other in this Chumash is merely a fraction of nations who don’t believe in the Torah? the topics discussed in this Chumash. The answer is, this count saved them. Apparently, it is called “Chumash As the Chidushei HaRim zt’l writes, HaPikudim ” the “Chumash of Counting” “Hakadosh Baruch Hu didn’t want them because the counting is so significant. TorahWellsprings- Bamidbar to become áåøá ìèá among the goyim chas Parashas Bamidbar begins, ...äùî ìà 'ä øáãéå veshalom . That is why He counted them, ...úåîù øôñîá ...ìàøùé éðá úãò ìë ùàø úà åàù , because something that is counted “Hashem said to Moshe… ‘Count the doesn’t become batel , not even in a 111 entire nation of Bnei Yisrael... [gather] thousand (see Beitzah 3:).” the number of their names…” A second gain from this count is that it Rashi writes, “Since He loves them, He reveals to the nation how much Hashem counts them all the time.” A person who loves them — as a nation, and as an loves a certain item, will count it often individual. to make certain nothing is missing, or Therefore, Hashem initiated this count simply because he loves to count them with the words ùàø úà åàù . The Kli Yakar over and over again. Hashem is always (1:2) writes, “Rashi (Shemos 30:12) counting us, which demonstrates that He writes that åàù means ïåáùç úìá÷ , to tally loves us immensely. up the numbers, to know the amount. Hashem counts us úåîù øôñîá , by our The word åàù is specifically used for this names. This means each and every count because åàù also means to raise, to individual is special to Hashem. He isn’t elevate. By counting them, they are merely a number; he is a name with a raised and exalted above all nations, personality, with a mission to because the nations of the world don’t accomplish. He is cherished and beloved have a number. To explain, we draw an by Hashem, and therefore Hashem wants analogy from straw. A farmer isn’t able to count him. to tell you how many stalks of straw he has in his fields [because it is not What is gained come from counting? The important for him to count them. Chidushei HaRim zt’l (Likutei HaRim , Similarly, the nations of the world don’t Bamidbar ) explains that it is truly have a number, because they aren’t phenomenal that the tiny Jewish nation important to count them]…. But Bnei isnt batel even ( דבר שבמנין) The halachah is that an item that is sold by the number .1 when found among a thousand other items. 222 Torah Wellsprings --- Bamidbar

Yisrael are counted… Each of them is instituted the custom that Bnei Yisrael important like an entire nation. As it should read the tochachah [curses/ klalos states (Shemos 19:21), áø åðîî ìôðå , ‘many of parashas Bechukosei ] before Shavuos, will fall.’ [Chazal explain], even if only and the tochachah [curses/ klalos in one Yid dies, Hashem considers it like parashas Ki Savo ] before Rosh many died... 222 This implies…that each of Hashanah. Why? Abaya (and others say them has hashgachah pratis .” Reish Lakish) explains, so the year with This counting of the Yidden called åàù , its curses should end.” raises their spirits and helps them Shavuos is also called Rosh Hashanah, as understand that they are important to the Gemara says, “Yes, also Shavuos is Hahem, who leads them with a new year, as we’ve learned, ‘The hashgachah pratis . A billion people live judgment for fruit is on Shavuos.’” in China, and close to that number live Therefore, we read Bechukosei before in India. Hundreds of millions of people Shavuos, so the year with its curses populate the U. S. We don’t have to be should end, and a new year with its afraid by these numbers, because brachos should begin. Hashem doesn’t count them. Hashem counts the Jewish nation all the time (as Bechukosei is actually read a couple of Rashi wrote) and each individual is weeks before Shavuos. It is never read counted by name. There is special on the Shabbos right before Shavuos. hashgachah pratis for each Yid. This Tosfos (Megillah 31:, úåìì÷ ä"ã ) explains realization ùàø úà åàù , raises our heads, that the reason is, úåìì÷ä êéîñäì àìù éãë and fills our hearts with pride. úøöòì éú÷åçáù , “so the curses of Bechukosei shouldn’t be near Shavuos.” When one knows that he is special and We want to read the curses at the end of counted, he recognizes that his Torah the year, but we also want a separation study is important to Hashem. Perhaps he between the curses and the yom tov . will never become a renowned scholar, Therefore on the Shabbos before but since he is counted, by name, by Shavuos we read parashas Bamidbar to Hashem, we can be certain that Hashem interrupt between the curses and the yom rejoices with whatever strides he takes in tov . 333 Torah. The Gemara (Megillah 31:) states, “Ezra Reb Moshe Feinstein zt’l (Darash

Rachel cries for , רחל מבכה על בניה מאנה להנחם על בניה כי איננו ,(It states (Yermiyahu 31:14 .2 her children. She refuses to be consoled about her children, because he is gone. Notice , כי איננו ,that the pasuk begins speaking in plural, that she lost her children, and concludes he is gone. This hints that each individual is important and special, and the loss of one Yid is too much. 3. Similarly, the tochachach of Ki Savo is never read on the Shabbos prior to Rosh Torah Wellsprings --- Bamidbar 333

Moshe, Shavuos ) writes that also in the because the neshamos are divided into realm of drush , we can explain why we several sparks. But the essence of klal read Bamidbar before Shavuos. He Yisrael is 600,000 souls.) There are also writes, “Parashas Bamidbar is very 600,000 letters in the Torah. The source associated with Shavuos [because of each Yid is in a letter of the Torah. If parashas Bamidbar carries the lesson one letter is missing, the sefer Torah is that everyone should devote themselves pasul . So too, every Yid is indispensible. to Torah]. There are lazy people who No one is superfluous. We count them don’t want to study Torah. Their excuse because each Yid is important. is that they think they will never become Each one of the 600,000 letters of the great in Torah. To correct them, Torah has to be completely surrounded [parashas Bamidbar states] ùàø úà åàù , with white parchment (ìéåâ ó÷åî ). This ‘Count the nation.’ åàù also means to means the letters can’t be connected, not raise the nation. Counting the nation will even a tiny bit. The Rema MiPano raise the morale of each individual. One (quoted in Shlah HaKadosh á"ö÷ äîëç úéá ) sees he is counted as ‘1,’ just as the explains that this hints that every Yid has gedolim , the Torah scholars, are counted his personal shlichus and mission in life, as ‘1.’ Thereby, one understands that he and he shouldn’t try to do the task of has potential to reach high levels. Before others. Shavuos, we read parashas Bamidbar , the parashah of counting, because this The Chidushei HaRim zt’l (Likutei enables us to accept the Torah and to HaRim beginning of Bamidbar ) writes, learn Torah.” “Everyone is a messenger from heaven to serve Hashem... When he fulfills his Chazal tell us that there are shlichus …he merits finding his letter of six-hundred-thousand neshamos in klal the sefer Torah. Because, as the sefarim Yisrael. (Although there are many more teach, there are 600,000 letters in the than 600,000 Yidden in the world, that’s Torah and 600,000 neshamos .” 444

is read then. Once again, this is to separate the curses from the וילך Hashanah. Parashas new year. מונה ,(One's name represents his personal mission in the world. It states (Tehillim 17:4 .4 Hashem] counts the stars by number. Each is called by its] , מספר לכוכבים לכולם שמות יקרא name, because each star has its own mission. Bnei Yisrael is compared to the stars, because every Yid has his individual mission to fulfill. The Chidushei HaRim ztl (Likutei HaRim , beginning of Shemos ) teaches, when one looks at the stars, they appear small and insignificant, because we see them from the distance. Actually, each star is enormous and special. Similarly, people look at Yidden and think their specialness is in their numbers, but individually they arent singificant. Actually, each Yid is an entire world, with his own personal shlichus to accomplish. 444 Torah Wellsprings --- Bamidbar

The Flags make them flags, as they desired…’ In Parashas Bamidbar also discusses the the future, I will redeem you, in the merit banners of the Jewish nation. It seems of the flags.” from the pesukim that there were four It still begs for explanation. What is the flags. To the east of the Mishkan dwelled significance of the flags? Lehavdil , the the tribes Yehudah, Yissachar, and nations of the world have flags so people Zevulan. They were all one group, under will know where to go, to find their Yehudah’s banner, as it states (2:3) ìâã group. Certainly the Jewish nation has a äãåäé äðçî etc. To the south of the far more profound intention in their Mishkan dwelled Reuven, Shimon, and flags. Gad. They were one group, under Reuven's banner (2:10) ïáåàø äðçî ìâã . To Rebbe Yitzchak of Radvil zt’l (Ohr the west dwelled Efraim, Menasheh, and Yitzchak , beginning of Bamidbar ) writes, Binyamin under the banner (2:18) ìâã “It is wondrous that the Torah should tell íéøôà äðçî . To the north dwelled Don, us that they had flags, so each tribe could Asher and Naftali, under the banner find their camp; as in an army, each (2:25) ïã äðçî ìâã . camp has their banner so people can The Midrash Tanchumah says that the know where to go. This can’t be what the flags of the Jewish nation are also flags were all about…” mentioned in the pasuk (Tehillim 20:6), So what is the secret purpose of the ìë 'ä àìîé ìåâãð åðé÷ìà íùáå êéúòåùéá äððøð flags? We can explain, their flags were a êéúåìàùî , “We will sing in Your salvation. reminder that each person, and each With Hashem’s name we will go out group, should serve Hashem in their with our (ìåãâð ) flags to war. Hashem will individual, unique way. Their flags, with fill all your desires.” their different colors and images, represent different approaches to avodas What is the significance of the banners? Hashem . There were four primary groups The Midrash elaborates: among Klal Yisrael, with four approaches to serve Him. “When Hakadosh Baruch Hu was revealed to the nation on Har Sinai, He The Shlah (Parashas Bamidbar ) on the came down with twenty-two thousand words íúåáà úéáì úúàá åìâã ìò ùéà writes in chariots of malachim … They were the name of the Arizal, “Just as there divided into four groups with four flags. were four banners [in the desert] there When Bnei Yisrael saw the flags, they are four different groups, divided by their yearned to have flags like the customs. They are, ,àééðåìè÷ ,æðëùà ,ãøôñ malachim … Hakadosh Baruch Hu told àéìèéà – Sephardic, Ashkenazik, them, ‘You wanted flags, I swear 'ä àìîé Catolonian, and Italian Yidden.” íëéúåìàùî ìë , I will grant you your wish.’ Hakadosh Baruch Hu showed His love to There aren’t many Catolonian and Italian Bnei Yisrael, and He said to Moshe, ‘Go Yidden anymore, so probably, today, the Torah Wellsprings --- Bamidbar 555 four approaches are divided under emphasizes among people, how to different categories and names. There are Hashem. Some excel in tefillah , some four different approaches, and the flags excel in limud Torah , and others excel in are our reminder that each group should chesed, etc. Although everyone is focus on their own special approach. obligated to do all of the above, there They shouldn’t be jealous of others. will be differences where people place Their approach is what Hashem wants their emphasis. particularly from them. People also vary by the type of tests they The Midrash (stated above) teaches that are confronted with. Everyone has their when Hakadosh Baruch Hu came down “peckel” and the yetzer hara of one on Har Sinai, the Yidden saw thousands person isn’t the same as the yetzer hara of malachim surrounding their flags. of another. Many times, people complain, Michoel’s camp served Hashem with “If only I would be like them…?” Or, “If love, Gavriel’s camp served Hashem only wouldn’t have these tests…!” But with fear.Nevertheless, a malach from the goal is to dwell åìâã ìò ùéà , by your Michoel’s camp didn’t strive to attain the tent, and to accept the portion, fear that was signified by Gavriel’s challenges, and avodas Hashem that camp, and a malach from Gavriel’s camp Hashem gave you. didn’t try to emulate the love that was 121212Paths the signature of Michoel’s camp. The malachim were satisfied with the mission The Torah states there were four flags, Hashem gave them. Since they didn’t try which, represents four paths of avodas to be like others, they were able to focus Hashem . However, Rashi (2:2) implies and succeed in their mission. that there were twelve flags. Each shevet had their own flag, with their own color, The Jewish nation yearned to have because each tribe serves Hashem in banners too. They wanted the constant their individual, special way. reminder to be satisfied with the lot The commentaries explain that there Hashem gave them. If they strive to do were four taller banners (the flags of an avodah that isn’t theirs, they will fail Yehudah, Reuvan, Efraim, and Don), on all fronts. They won’t succeed in the which was the primary flag of their side. mission they are trying to adapt, because Additionally, each tribe had their own it is not meant for them. And since they flag. This is because each tribe had their lost focus on their own mission, they will own unique to serve Hashem. fail there, too. But if they will remain ùéà åìâã ìò , by their flag without being jealous Rashi writes, “Each flag…had its own of others, they will succeed to serve color… The colors were the colors of the Hashem true to their unique way. [twelve] stones placed in the choshen . In this way, each one recognized his flag Until today, there are different [and he knew to find his tribe].” 666 Torah Wellsprings --- Bamidbar

Similarly, the Midrash Rabba states that the twelve colors (mentioned above). A there were twelve flags. The Midrash picture of a wolf was drawn on it…” states as follows: The flags taught each tribe to be happy “Each shevet had a colored with the avodas Hashem Hashem gave flag…according to the color of the stones them. Similarly, for the individual, worn on Aharon’s heart… Reuvan’s everyone has his individual mission, stone is íãåà , ruby, and his flag was tests, emphasis, talents, challenges, etc., colored red. The picture of the íéàãåã was and Hashem wants him to serve Hashem drawn on it. Shimon’s stone is äãèô , his the best he can from within those flag was green, and the city Shechem situations. was drawn on it. Levi’s stone is ú÷øá , his flag was a third white, a third black, and Many people wish they were in a a third red. The picture of the urim different situation. Some wish they could v’tumim was drawn on it. Yehudah’s be wealthy, so they could help the poor. stone is êôåð . His flag had the color of the Others wish they would be wiser in heaven. A lion was drawn on it. Torah, and so on. Yissachar’s stone is øéôñ , his flag was But one must know that Hashem wants colored black, almost blue. The sun and him to serve Hashem from exactly the the moon were drawn on it… Zevulan’s place he is at. stone was íåìäé , his flag was white. A ship was drawn on it. Don’s stone is íùì , The Tiferes Shlomo zt’l teaches: There his flag was the color of a sapphire stone, are people who can only study an hour and a snake was drawn on it. Gad’s stone or two a day because they are busy at is åáù , the color of his flag was gray, and work most of the day. If they say, “I an army was drawn on it… Naftali’s anyway can’t invest in Torah properly, I stone is äîìçà , its color was light red, the may as well not study at all,” it is a sign color of diluted wine, and an äìéà is that their avodas Hashem is mostly about drawn on it… Asher’s stone is ùéùøú , the serving themselves and about building up color of his flag was the color of the their ego. That is why, when they see stone that girls use for cosmetics. An that they won’t become a gadol in Torah, olive tree was drawn on it… Yosef’s they give up. If their goal would be to stone was íäåù , therefore Efraim and serve Hashem, then an hour or two is Menasheh’s flags were pitch black. The still better than nothing at all. The same picture of Mitzrayim was drawn on them. is with regards to tefillah . If one feels, “I Additionally, on Efraim’s flag was a can’t daven properly with kavanah , so I picture of an ox (see Devarim 33:17) won’t have any kavanah at all,” this hinting to Yehoshua who comes from means he is interested in his own pride. Efraim, and on Menasheh’s flag a íàø He wants to feel successful. But if his was drawn (see Devarim 33:17). goal is to serve Hashem, he will do Binyamin’s stone was a äôùé , it had all whatever he can. Torah Wellsprings --- Bamidbar 777

And the truth is, the struggles and the Merari tallied 6,200 people. Their task hardships he is enduring is exactly the was to carry and set up the wooden walls place and test that Hashem wants him to of the Mishkan, and their accessories. be. This is the avodah Hashem is awaiting from him. 555 After the three families of Levi’im were counted separately, they were added up Happy with Your Lot and counted altogether. As it states The Levi’im were divided into three (3:29), éô ìò ïøäàå äùî ã÷ô øùà íéåìä éãå÷ô ìë families: Gershon, Kehas, and Merari. íéøùòå íéðù äìòîå ùãç ïáî øëæ ìë íúçôùîì 'ä The family of Gershon tallied 7,500 óìà , “All the counts of the Levi’im, members (3:22). Their task was to carry which Moshe and Aharon counted by and to spread the drapes and coverings Hashem’s command, according to their of the Mishkan. families: Every male, from one month Kehas had 8,600 members. Their task and over, there were 22,000.” 666 We was to carry and to set up the aron , wonder, why did the Torah have to tell shulchan , menorah , both mizbeiachs and us the sub total of all Levi'im? With a their utensils, and the curtain that hung drop of arithmetic, we could have figured in front of the kodesh kadoshim . it out on our own. also elaborates on each persons (ד"ה במדרש The Maor VeShamesh (Bamidbar .5 obligation to recognize his place, and to serve Hashem in his own, unique way. He writes: Although all of the holy Bnei Yisrael must be united with immense love and brotherhood, nevertheless, each person must know his level and who to befriend One must know his leveland among which people he should spend time to attain success in avodas Hashem . If from the gedolim advanced in Torah and avodas Hashem he , בערך הגדולים someone is lowly level people [so I can attain humility] and I , קטני ערך shouldnt say, I will sit among the will be able to serve Hashem better there. Although he thinks he can serve Hashem better by befriending those people and it is possibly true, because he will be humble and then he will perceive G-dliness nevertheless, he shouldnt leave his place and level. He should hope that Hashem will aid him to attain anavah even when he is among gedolim . Similarly, a person who is at a lowly level shouldnt say, I will sit at the head of the table, near the Rebbe, so I can hear his divrei Torah from his holy mouth, so I can know how to serve Hashem and hear counsel how to fight the yetzer hara . Rather, he should stay at the place that is appropriate for him. He shouldnt go beyond his place, and he should hope that Hashem will have rachmanus on him, so he can hear the Rebbes lessons, even from far away. We find that in the desert Bnei Yisrael were a mil away from the aron They didnt push themselves forward to be near the aron , where Moshe and Aharon were standing, in order to hear their divrei Torah . Rather each person remained in his place. 6. Actually, there were 22,300. Rashi explains the reason the final three hundred arent stated in this pasuk . 888 Torah Wellsprings --- Bamidbar

Gershon, Kehas, and Merari would work Hashem gave him…” Because when one for the Mishkan between the ages 30 to fulfills the mission that Hashem gave to 50. The f Levi’im in this age bracket him, he is precious to Hashem, equal were also counted. The totals are listed even to those who are doing holier and in parashas Naso : greater deeds. Kehas had 2,750 males aged 30-50 (see Bamidbar 4:36), Gershon had 2,630 (see The nasi of shevet Gad was ìàåòã ïá óñàéìà 4:40), and Merari had 3,200 (4:44). (see Bamidabr 1:14). This is how his name (with his father’s name) is spelled Then the Torah gives the sub-total of all throughout in Tanach. However, in one the Levi’im in the 30-50 age bracket and location his name is written with a ù"éø . states (5:48), ùîçå íéôìà úðåîù íäéã÷ô åéäéå As it states (Bamidbar 2:4), ïá óñàéìà íéðåîùå úåàî , “Their count was 8,580.” In ìàåòø . Why did his name change? these two instances, why does the Torah The Chida (Chomas Anach , in the name tell us the sub total of all the Levi’im? of Imrei Noam ) explains that his name After telling us the amount of members was ìàåòã ïá óñàéìà . Pasuk (2:4) hints to in each family separately, anyone can Moshe Rabbeinu, since Moshe was Y åòø ì"à figure out the sub. , keviyachol , Hashem’s friend. Gad’s nasi is called ìàåòø ïá óñàéìà because Moshe, the ì"à åòø , was buried in Gad’s The Bnei Yissaschar (Igra d’Pirka 96) property. writes, “The Midrash Rabba (Naso 6:10) How did Gad merit this? states: ‘After the Torah counted the families of the Levi’im, Gershon, Kehas, Bilhah and Zilpah both had two children. Merari, the Torah tallies their numbers Bilhah’s bechor (first born) was Dan and all together to let us know that He loves her second child was Naftali. Zilpah’s them all the same.’ This means although bechor was Gad and her second child Kehas’s service was more exalted than was Asher. Dan, the bechor , became a Gershon’s and Merari’s (Kehas carried leader. For the Torah writes (Bamidbar the aron ), and Gershon’s avodah was 2:25), åéìà íéðåçäå ...íúåàáöì äðôö ïã äðçî ìâã higher than Merari’s, nevertheless, when éìúôð äèîå ...øùà äèî , “The flag of Dan was Merari did the service incumbent on north… Near him lived Asher’s them, it was precious to Hakadosh tribe…Afterwards Naftali’s tribe…” Dan, Baruch Hu, exactly like the service of the Bilhah’s bechor , earned the merit of Kehas family. [Their numbers were being the head of the north side, and counted up altogether, to let us know that carried the flag that was used by three they were all equal in their preciousness tribes. before Hashem.] We learn from this that one shouldn’t be jealous of his fellow Gad lived on the south side of the man, not even in avodas Hashem . He Mishkan, but he wasn’t the head of the should he satisfied to do the service camp. As it states (Bamidbar 2:10), ìâã Torah Wellsprings --- Bamidbar 999

ãâ äèîå ...ïåòîù äèî åéìò íéðåçäå ...ïáåàø äðçî , Finding Your Individual Way ——— Parnassah “The flag of Reuven's camp… next to The Chovas Halevavos (Shaar him dwelled the camp of Shimon… and HaBitochon , end of chapter 3) writes, then the tribe of Gad…” “One shouldn’t pursue every, and any, form of parnassah that comes his way. Gad could have complained, “ Bilhah’s One should choose work that matches his bechor , became the head of his physical strength. Because there are neighborhood, so Gad should also several kinds of parnassah : Some are become the head, because Gad was easy to do, and require only a drop of Zilpah’s bechor .” But Gad didn’t effort. Like: to run a store, to be a tailor, complain. He accepted the fate Hashem or a writer, or to run an agency that gave him, even if it wasn’t the most matches workers with field owners. prestigious. In this merit Moshe Other parnassos require toil, such as a Rabbeinu is buried in his property. tanner (who makes leather), to mine iron and copper out of the ground, to purify Therefore, when the Torah discusses silver from foreign metals, to carry heavy Gad’s humble position around the items, to travel long distances, to till and Mishkan, which implies that he didn’t to plow the ground, and similar hard complain and he accepted his fate, the jobs. Torah writes ìàåòø ïá óñàéìà , hinting to Moshe Rabbeinu, the ì"à åòø , Hashem’s “Those who have strong bodies and weak friend, keviyachol . Because it was in the minds should choose work that requires merit that he was satisfied with his lot hard work (the extent they can handle). that Moshe was buried in his property. Those who have weak bodies and strong minds shouldn’t choose those sources of Let this be a lesson for us. People would income. They should choose easier jobs, prefer to be in a different situation where something they can always do. avodas Hashem would be easier for “[Furthermore] every person has interest them, and where they will have greater in a particular kind of work or business, success. Instead, accept the place more than any other kind of work. Hashem gave you. Hashem chose you to Hashem placed into his heart to love this serve Him from the place you are in, and field [because Hashem wants him to do with the struggles you deal with. Accept that kind of work for his livelihood]. that reality, serve Hashem the best you can, and you will reach high levels. If “This is found in animals, too. For you refuse to accept your fate, and do example, Hashem placed in cats the not value your avodas Hashem from that nature to catch mice, and the nature of place, you won’t exert yourself in vultures is to prey on birds, and for rams Hashem’s service, and you will never to catch snakes, and there are birds that attain the greatness that was meant for only eat fish. Every animal has its nature you. and desire to eat a particular plant or 101010 Torah Wellsprings --- Bamidbar animal. This nature becomes the source Finding Your Individual Way ——— Avodas of the animal’s parnassah and survival. Hashem We discussed how a person should find “Their bodies were created inherent with his individual way when it comes to the means for their survival. For parnassah . The same pattern follows example, Hashem created the bird that when seeking his unique path in avodas catches fish with a long beak and long Hashem . legs. For the lion that eats flesh, Hashem It states (Koheles 11:9), êáì êøãá êìäå , created it with teeth and strong nails. For "Follow the way of your heart.” The oxen and sheep, that eat plants; Hashem Netziv (Ha’amek Davar , end of parashas didn’t give them tools for capturing prey. Shelach ) explains that this pasuk implies that everyone must follow his heart and “Similarly, each person is fit for a find his personal way to serve Hashem. different job, based on his nature and “Because people serve Hashem in how his body is built. When one desires different ways: Some toil in Torah all a certain type of parnassah , and his body day long, others are occupied in tefillah , can handle the toil, this is the parnassah and a third group does gemilus chasadim , that he should pursue. He should make it and all of these paths are leshem the source of his parnassah . He should Shamayim . Even for Torah study, not all endure its sweetness and its bitterness. people should study in the same way. [This means, there will be times when Also, regarding mitzvos, people will vary this means of parnassah will earn him a [where they place their emphasis]. lot of money, and there will be hard Therefore the Gemara (Shabbos 118) times, too. But he should remain with his teaches that the amoraim would ask their choice of parnassah , because it is what friends, ‘Which mitzvah was your father he desires to do, and he was built for this most cautious with?’ One said that his kind of job.] He shouldn’t stop doing this father was cautious with tzitzis, another source of parnassah , even when he isn’t said his father was cautious with earning any money from the job. He Shabbos. Also in gemilus chasadim should trust in Hashem that Hashem will people aren’t the same. If one will ask: support him his entire life.” Since there are so many ways to serve Hashem, which is the correct path? How In review, for choosing a parnassah , one should one study Torah, keep the should consider (1) what can he do? mitzvos, and do chesed ? Koheles What is his physical strength, unique answers: êáì êøãá êìä , see where your talents, etc. (2) what does he want to do? heart pulls you. Your heart will show When he zeros in on what is fitting for you where your strengths are,” and that him, the Chovas HaLevavos says, he is the path you should follow. doesn’t have to seek any other source of parnassah . This is the parnassah that Everyone must study Torah every day Hashem destined for him to do. (ideally for several hours). Everyone Torah Wellsprings --- Bamidbar 111111 must daven with kavanah . Everyone Klal Yisrael, etc., he would take on must do chesed . But people will have himself the affliction of traveling around, different emphasizes, and the Netziv is from one place to another,. pretending he telling us that it should be that way. Your was a regular pauper collecting funds for heart knows what it wants to do, and the himself. path it wants to take to make a nachas Once, he came to the city where the gaon ruach for Hashem. Reb Yusfa zt'l lived. Reb Yusfa was a In his younger years, Rav Meir Shapiro great talmid chacham , knowledgeable in zt’l was rav in Sanik. One Shabbos, Reb all parts of the Torah. Reb Zusha went Meir Shapiro visited his rebbe, Rebbe to hear his shiur . Reb Zusha went over Yisrael of Chortkov zt’l , and the Rebbe to Rav Yusfa after the shiur , to tell him honored him with leading íéëøáî úáù and how much he enjoyed the shiur . “It was mussaf . After the tefillah , the Rebbe worth traveling the long distance from invited Reb Meir Shapiro to eat the my home, just to listen to this sweet Shabbos seudah together with him. shiur …’ When he left the Rebbe’s room, the Rav Yusfa said to Reb Zusha, “I chasidim saw that Reb Meir Shapiro’s understand why you were happy with my face was shining, so they asked him what shiur , but I can't figure out why I’m so happened in the Rebbe’s room. This is impressed by you? At first impression, what he replied: you look like a standard pauper, who goes from city to city collecting money. "As soon as I came in, the Rebbe said to But I perceive that the spirit of Hashem me, 'Ah! Reb Meir! Your tefillah ! Your rests on you. You are surely a great rosh chodesh benching ! It was so talmid chacham .” beautiful.' Several times during the meal, the Rebbe stopped to tell me how much Reb Zusha answered, “Not at all. I'm an he enjoyed the tefillos . I asked the am haa’retz 777…. But perhaps it's because Rebbe, ‘If the Rebbe enjoys my tefillah I know how to daven...” so much, perhaps I should leave Sanik, Rav Yusfa was surprised, “Who doesn’t and become the chazan here?' know how to daven? The people who “The Rebbe became serious, and told me live here don’t know how to daven?” a story of Rebbe Zusha of Honipoli zt'l : Reb Zusha replied, “They know how to As known, Rebbe Zusha would praver daven, but I know how to daven before galus . This means, for the sake of the Ribon HaOlamim [Master of the purifying himself, and for the benefit of World].”

7. Reb Zusha said this because of his humility, but he was a great talmid chacham . In his younger years he served as rav for several years. 121212 Torah Wellsprings --- Bamidbar

Rav Yusfa asked, “Maybe you can teach intelligence and all other traits necessary me how one davens ‘before the Ribon to succeed. You do your service and HaOlamim’? teach Torah to Yidden, and I will do my service, to daven to Hashem.” “I can teach you, but not in front of everyone. Let’s go into a private room It was after this Shabbos that Reb Meir and I’ll teach you.” Shapiro decided to open Yeshivas Reb Zusha taught the Rav the secrets of Chachmei Lublin. He understood that he tefillah , how to pray properly before must channel all his talents and abilities Hashem. Rav Yusfa was very inspired, to teach Torah to Yidden. This was his and he said, “Perhaps I should leave my mission, and he invested all of his rabbanus and my yeshiva, so I can energies to succeed on his own always daven properly?” individual path. Reb Zusha told Rav Yusfa, “Hakadosh When Reb Meir Shapiro was rosh Baruch Hu created thousands of people yeshiva of Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin, he in the world, and although everyone was was offered a prestigious position in the created with the same two eyes, two ears, Polish government, where he could a nose and a mouth, everyone still potentially do a lot of chesed for the appears differently. Chazal tell us, ‘just Yidden of Poland. He wrote a letter to as their faces differ, so are their minds the Chortkover Rebbe, to ask him different.’ Why did Hashem do this? It's whether he should accept the position. because Hashem wants each person to The Rebbe replied, “One can know what serve Him in his own way, according to Hashem desires from him through the who he is, in accordance with his talents Hashem gave him. I hear you are strengths and talents. Therefore, you a good at teaching students Torah, so this continue in your path of avodas Hashem , is certainly what Hashem wants from to teach Torah to Yidden, and I will you. On the other hand, the position you continue along my path, the path of were offered is an important job because tefillah ." it’s possible that you can do a lot of The Chortkover Rebbe finished this story chesed . My advice is that you don’t do and said to Reb Meir Shapiro, “Hashem anything to get this job. If they will come wants you to teach Torah to Yidden. after you, and hire you, that is a sign that That's what Hashem chose for you. For this is what Heaven wants from you that He gave you the talents, willpower, now." 888

8. Each person must serve Hashem with the talents Hashem gave him. The Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni Mishlei 932) tells that Chiya, the nephew of Reb Elazer had a beautiful voice, and Reb Elazer would always tell him, Chiya, my son, stand up and honor Hashem with what Hashem gave you Navos (mentioned in Sefer Melachim ) had a beautiful voice. When he would go up to Yerushalayim, all the Yidden would gather around and listen to Torah Wellsprings --- Bamidbar 131313

Finding your Child’s Individual Way ——— become either a mohel , or a shochet , or Chinuch a doctor.” Instead of training the child When it comes to children, it is against his nature, it is better to important to remember that each child understand his tendencies and channel has his own individual talents and them for avodas Hashem . Once again, character traits. Not all children will end we reiterate, every child (and every up with the same avodas Hashem . As adult) must study Torah, invest in they mature, one will take on the path of tefillah , and do chesed , but everyone has Torah as his primary focus, another will a specialty that should be developed and put his strengths into tefillah , a third will nurtured, so he can reach his maximum excel in chesed , and so on. A wise parent potential. will seek to understand the child’s tendency and strengths, and direct him to A wealthy person came to a rosh yeshiva succeed on that path. If the parent will and said, “Who is the best bachur in try to force onto the child a path that your yeshiva? I am looking for a isn’t his own, it will not endure. shidduch for my daughter, and I am prepared to pay a large dowry…” It states (Mishlei 22:6 ), åëøã éô ìò øòðì êåðç åðîî øåñé àì ïé÷æé éë íâ , “Educate a child The rosh yeshiva replied, “I have seventy according to his way, so even when he best bachurim .” becomes old he will never leave it.” The There were seventy bachurim in the Vilna Gaon zt’l explains, “Train the child yeshiva, and the rosh yeshiva considered to perform the mitzvos according to his all of them “the best bachur of his nature, because then, even when he will yeshiva.” This is because every bachur is become old, he will not leave them. But best in another way. One was best in if you train him against his nature, he chesed , another was best in hasmadah , a will only listen to you now because he is third was best in middos , a forth is best afraid of you. But when he reaches in Torah knowledge, etc. independency, when he will not have to listen to you anymore, he will not be able If we can find the specialty of our to go against his true nature.” children, we will be able to train them ìò åëøã éô , and they can then blossom and The Vilna Gaon quotes the Gemara maximize their potential. (Shabbos ) which states, “Someone who was born under the mazal maadim , with Consider the following mashal : Someone a nature for shedding blood, should with one hundred keys on his key ring him sing. One time he didnt go up to the Beis HaMikdash for yom tov . Because of this sin he was punished. (Achav killed him when he didnt want to sell him his field. But the real reason he was punished was because he didnt do his service, to sing in the Beis HaMikdash.) He didnt serve Hashem with the talent he had. Similarly, everyone should find the talent Hashem gave him, and use it for Hashems service. 141414 Torah Wellsprings --- Bamidbar was told that one of those keys fits the should know that my heart will break if lock on a certain door. He had to open you go there.' I immediately told my that door, so he tried ninety-nine keys, grandfather that I won't go to the theatre; but the door didn’t open. That's when he not then, and not ever." Rebbe Shlomke lost his patience and knocked down the found the key and the words that opened door. This person is foolish. Why didn’t his grandaughter's heart. There’s a key he try that last key? That was the key for every child, may we merit finding it. that would have opened up the door. The Benefits ofofof Poverty The nimshal is there's a key to each The Chofetz Chaim zt'l asked the child's heart. Even if you tried many chevrah kadisha to bury his deceased approaches, and your child’s heart wife next to a poverty-stricken woman, remains closed, it doesn’t mean that who passed away shortly before her. The there’s no hope. It is only that you didn’t Chofetz Chaim explained, “It states find the right key. When you find the (Tehillim 109:31), ïåéáà ïéîéì ãåîòé éë , right approach, your child’s heart will 'Hashem stands at the right-side of a open and will be receptive to the lessons pauper.' It doesn’t state that Hashem you are trying to teach him. 999 stands at the right side of a tzaddik or of a gaon , only at the right side of a pauper. My father was once in Los Angeles, in Since Hashem is near the pauper, I want the home of Reb Eliezer Adler z'l . my wife to be buried there.” Rebbetzin Adler asked my father, "If your daughter would ask you for money By the same token in his ethical will, to go to the theatre, what would you do?" Reb Shlomo Kluger zt’l requested to be buried near a poor person, provided that My father didn’t know what to answer. he was a yarei shamayim . He never encountered anything similar to This is because many qualities come with such a request before. She said, "When I being poor. The poor are constantly was growing up in Yerushalayim, my turning to Hashem for help; they are friends planned to go to the theatre, and aware that they can’t do anything without they convinced me to join them. So I Hashem’s assistance. They are humble. asked my grandfather, Rebbe Shlomke of Poverty isn't as negative as people tend Zvhil zt',l for money to pay the entrance to consider it. fee. My grandfather gave me the money, and I was thrilled. Just as I was about to A bachur once came to the Chofetz leave the room he called me back and Chaim to discuss a shidduch . The said, 'You asked me for money for the Chofetz Chaim advised him to visit the theatre, and I gave it to you. But you girl’s family.

9. Sometimes, it is recommended to continue using the same approach of chinuch again and again. It is like a key that doesn't work the first time you try. But after you try again and again, and jiggle the key around a little bit, the lock opens. Torah Wellsprings --- Bamidbar 151515

The bachur returned to the Chofetz humility and awareness of Hashem, and Chaim and told him about the poverty he therefore didn’t consider it a fault. That saw in that home. “The house is teeny; isn't how people generally look at the roof leaks when it rains; there aren’t poverty. any chairs. When they want to sit, they turn over a crate…" In heaven good is measured differently than in this world. The Gemara The Chofetz Chaim said, "Nu , tell me (Pesachim 50.) states that Rav Yosef the another quality…!” The Chofetz Chaim son of Reb Yehoshua ben Levi was considered the poverty an asset in the niftar [perhaps, what people call today shidduch . 101010 clinical death]. When he was resurrected, The Mesilas Yesharim (1) writes, "A his father asked him, 'What did you see?' person is in the midst of a very difficult Reb Yosef replied, 'I saw an war, since everything in the world, the upside-down world. íéðåúçúå äèîì íéðåéìò good and the bad, are tests for mankind. äìòîì ." Poverty on one side, and wealth on the Rashi explains, "Those who are other side. As Shlomo said, éúùçëå òáùú ïô, important here in this world [because of é÷ìà íù éúùôúå éúáðâå ùøåà ïôå 'ä éî éúøîàå , their wealth], I saw that they aren't "Lest I become wealthy and I deny respected in that world…" And those Hakdosh Baruch Hu and say 'Who is who aren't respected here, because they Hashem…' and lest I become poor and I are poor, are appreciated in heaven. will steal and I will swear in Hashem’s name falsely …' (Mishlei 30:9)." The In heaven, a truer yardstick is used to Chofetz Chaim, Reb Shlomo Kluger, and measure people. One's devotion and zeal virtually all tzaddikim, recognized the to keep Torah and mitzvos gives a benefits of poverty, how it leads to person value, not wealth or power. When

10. The Chofetz Chaim himself married a poor girl his step-fathers daughter. Being astute, the Chofetz Chaim realized that if he wouldnt marry her, it would create shalom bayis problems for his mother, so he agreed to the shidduch . The Chofetz Chaim's older brother felt the Chofetz Chaim was losing out, since he could have easily married a wealthy girl. But the Chofetz Chaim wouldnt do that to his mother. In retrospect the Chofetz Chaim acknowledged that the poor shidduch was better for him. The Chofetz Chaim had a friend who did a wealthy shidduch and soon after the wedding he went into business and lost all the money. The Chofetz Chaim said that if he would have also done a wealthy shidduch , he would also been drawn into the business world, which would take him away from learning Torah. And it was likely that he would lose his money, as his friend had. But he married a poor girl, his wife worked and supported him, and he was able to study Torah and print his many sefarim . He said that he probably wouldnt accomplish all that had he married a wealthy girl. 161616 Torah Wellsprings --- Bamidbar considered under such terms, being poor in the judgment in heaven. As it states, isn't necessarily a bad thing anymore. 111111 åùôð éèôåùî òéùåäì ïåéáà ïéîéì ãîòé éë , "Hashem stands at the right side of the poor, to There was a poor man who was save him from the judgment..." (Tehillim perpetually jealous of the wealthy. One 109:31). day he said, "If only whatever I touch would turn to gold." To a poor person, who was bitter with His prayers were answered. He picked up his fate, the Chofetz Chaim encouraged an object, and it became gold. He him with the awareness that when he will touched the table and it turned into a go to heaven and stand before the piece of gold. He went around his home heavenly court, he will have Hashem touching things, becoming wealthier each serving as his lawyer, helping him to get moment, and calculating his potential a good place in Gan Eden, as it states, éë wealth, and what he would do with all åùôð éèôåùî òéùåäì ïåéáà ïéîéì ãåîòé … “What his money. could be better than Hashem being your lawyer, speaking in your benefit?” He was hungry, so he took a piece of bread. It turned to gold. He tried to drink The Chofetz Chaim elaborated: "Who a cup of water. It turned to gold. Fearing will speak on your behalf in heaven? he would die from hunger, he shouted, Let's say you want the Rambam to be "Hashem! Take this curse away from your lawyer. But what connection do you me!" That is when he finally realized that have with the Rambam, that he should be there’s more to life than gold and money, your lawyer? Even if you did learn a lot and he should be thankful for the of Rambam and/or you printed a new, blessings Hashem gives him. 121212 beautiful edition of the Rambam — and the Rambam agrees to speak on your AtAtAtYour Right Side behalf in the celestial tribune — that still One of the benefits of poverty is that doesn’t guarantee that you will be found Hashem stands at their side, to help them virtuous in the judgment. Because even

11. The Nesivos Shalom zt'l writes that when they were building the Slonimer Yeshiva in Eretz Yisrael, they were confronted with many hardships. The founders of the yeshiva and the roshei yeshiva would periodically meet to seek solutions to all their obstacles. They would conclude these meetings with the following words: We are umbeholfeners , and the der Aibershter helft umbeholfeners . Translation: We are helpless. And Hashem helps those who feel helpless. 12. The Maharshah (Bava Basra 25:) discusses a similar scenario. He writes, "I heard when one loves silver, he will never be" , אוהב כסף לא ישבע כסף , on the pasuk בדרך צחות satisfied" (Koheles 5:9). There was a person who loved silver, immensely, and he prayed to Hashem that whatever he touches should turn to silver. Hakadosh Baruch Hu accepted his prayers, but when he wanted to eat, he touched bread and it turned to silver and he didnt ".he can't be satiated with silver , אוהב כסף לא ישבע כסף have anything to eat. This is implied by Torah Wellsprings --- Bamidbar 171717 if the Rambam is your advocate in disagree with a navi , having a navi as heaven, and tells the court your virtues, your advocate doesn’t necessarily mean and explains that your sins aren't entirely success. your fault (when taking into account the lowliness of the generation, and the "But if you're poor, Hashem, Himself, strong yetzer hara that you had to deal will be your advocate. As it states, ãåîòé éë with, and so on) but what will happen if åùôð éèôåùî òéùåäì ïåéáà ïéîéì . He will testify another rishon comes to court and for you in court! And when Hashem is disagrees with the Rambam? The Raavad your advocate, you have nothing to fear." often disagreed with the Rambam. What will be if the Raavad comes to court and The Dubno Magid zt'l taught the same disagrees, and claims that you’re guilty? lesson with a mashal : Two people were You now have a 'machlokes rishonim' in jail for a long time, waiting their trial. and your fate isn't certain anymore. Finally, dates for their trials were set. They had a few days to hire lawyers to plead their case. One of these men was "And even if you merit that an amorah poor. He couldn’t afford to hire a lawyer, testifies for you, what will be if a tana so he arranged for his relative who was disagrees with him? A tana is greater a judge to preside over the case. The than an amora , and has stronger other man was wealthy, and he hired a influence in heaven. very costly, top-notch lawyer to plead his case. "Even if a navi testifies in court and sings your virtues, this still doesn’t The poor person said to his fellow guarantee your acquittal, because cellmate, "I’m jealous of you, because Hashem can veto the navi's opinion. This you hired the best lawyer around, while is what happened when Shmuel HaNavi I couldn’t afford a lawyer at all." came to Yishai's family in Beis Lechem "On the contrary," said the wealthy one, to anoint one of Yishai's children to be "I’m jealous of you. Because your king. Shmuel saw Eliyav, and thought he relative is the judge and he will certainly was the one Hashem had in mind. rule in your favor. You will surely be Hashem told him, "Don’t look at his acquitted, while my fate remains appearance, and at his tall height, uncertain. I have a good lawyer, but it is because I am disgusted with him. It isn't up to the judge to decide…" as people see. Man sees with his eyes but The Dubno Magid explained that this is Hashem sees the heart" (I Shmuel 16:7) from the benefits of being poor. ãåîòé éë and Hashem told him to anoint Dovid. ...ïåéáà ïéîéì . Hashem is his judge and will So we see that at times, Hashem will certainly be victorious in his judgment.