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Parshat Chayei Sarah 22 Marcheshvan 5772/November 19, 2011 Vol.3 Num. 8

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Yitzchak in Conversation with G-d R’ Dovid Zirkind As Eliezer, the ever-faithful servant of chance. Seforno's suggestion seems him, saying that his donation is seen Avraham, returns home with a wife for peculiar. Why would the Gemara derive in so positive a light that he is the his master’s son, the Torah depicts a the source for Tefillat Minchah from equal of one who offered his entire scene that is simple and yet Yitzchak if he was unable to complete soul to G-d. simultaneously full of emotion and the prayer? Tefillat Minchah embodies a similar anticipation. Yitzchak is out in the The title of Tefillat Minchah is equally ethic. While the other prayers are field and when he looks up he can see surprising. The morning prayers are bookends at the start and finish of the camels in the distance. Rivkah, appropriately referred to as Shacharit – every day, the central prayer, the too, looks up, and she sees her future morning; the evening prayers are shortest prayer, is the one regarding husband from afar; she falls from her similarly named Arvit – evening; but which the (Berachot 6b) camel in excitement! Minchah does not appear to be titled for reminds us to be most vigilant. More, What was Yitzchak doing in the field? the time of day it is recited. The Baalei the Tur writes (O.C. 232) that the The Rashbam assumes that he was in HaTosafot point out (Pesachim 107a) significance of Minchah is a function field for the very same reason any land that the Minchah (a sacrifice offered of its position in the middle of the day. owner would be, to tend to his crops. from grain) was brought multiple times While it may be easy to remember to But our sages saw much more in this each day, and the afternoon tefillah pray first thing in the morning or small detail of the story. A Gemara does not deserve this title any more before going to sleep, remembering (Berachot 26b) tells us that Yitzchak than Shacharit does! Minchah in the midst of a busy day is was there to recite Minchah, the no small deed. Like the Korban Rav Baruch HaLevi Epstein (Pinsk, prayer which he is credited with Minchah, which on the surface seems 1860-1941) suggests that a closer look establishing. Following this relatively insignificant, Tefillat at the Korban Minchah may shed light suggestion, the Kli Yakar (Bereishit Minchah reflects the consciousness of on its unique connection to this middle 24:63) understands that the story the nefesh that stands to recite it: Tefillah of each day. The owner of an conveys the great power of the Nothing in his day can distract him animal who donates from his herd to Minchah prayer; as quickly as from his awareness of and the Beit HaMikdash is typically Yitzchak completed his prayer, he was conversation with G -d. That described as adam – the person who answered with the arrival of his consciousness speaks louder than any donated the sacrifice (Vayikra 1:2); bride.Seforno disagrees with the Kli prayer, regardless of length. however, when detailing the laws of the Yakar, noting the absence of any Minchah, the Torah refers to the nefesh This returns us to Seforno's depiction reference to Yitzchak’s act of prayer. In – the soul who presented it (Vayikra of the original Minchah as an fact, the Torah tells us “And Yitzchak 2:1). Yitzchak (Menachot 107a) interrupted experience. While we strive went to pray in the field and he lifted explains that the Minchah, which is a to perfect each of the daily Tefillot, the his eyes…” meaning, the arrival of sacrifice of grain, is brought by the poor Seforno reminds us that the greatness Rivkah was prior to the start of his who are unable to afford a more of Minchah is not in its words but in prayer! According to Seforno, Yitzchak expensive animal. By referring to the the connection with G-d it reflects. intended to go and pray in the field, owner as a nefesh the Torah encourages Yitzchak, the founder of this prayer, is but Rivkah appeared before he had the described by the commentaries both as toiling in his field and as preparing Parshah Questions R’ Meir Lipschitz to pray, because the two enhance one another. He is securing his physical (Answers are found on the back page) existence and providing for the family  Who was Keturah? (, Ibn Ezra, Rashbam, Kli Yakar, and Siftei Chachamim to he hopes to lead, all while thinking of Bereishit 25:1) G-d. To focus on whether or not he  How old was Rivkah when she married Yitzchak? (Rashi to Bereishit 25:20, Ibn Ezra had sufficient time to daven that day to Bereishit 23:2, Tosafot Yevamot 61b "v'chen") or what exactly he might have said is  Did Yishmael repent? (Kli Yakar Bereishit 25:1, Rashi Bereishit 25:9, Bava Batra to miss the point entirely. No matter 16b, [Rashi Bereishit 21:9 and 21:17 with Siftei Chachamim], Rosh haShanah 16b, where Yitzchak was, no matter the Ritva to Kiddushin 68b, Ritva to Yoma 38b) weight he felt on his shoulders, his desire to converse with G-d was never  For Children: What do we learn from the way the Torah tells us Sarah‟s age of in question. death? (Rashi Bereishit 23:1) [email protected] [email protected] Hitoriri: Shabbat: Day of Silence? R’ Mordechai Torczyner Jewish Spirituality The Death of Sarah Jewish literature is replete with praise in Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim of Shabbat for its regenerative and 307:1, the latter in Shulchan Aruch R’ Baruch Weintraub social elements: Orach Chaim 307:17. [The latter source " נסמכה מיתת שרה לעקידת יצחק , לפי שעל  Shabbat is a day of rest from does note that Rashba permitted ידי בשורת העקידה שנזדמן בנה לשחיטה [.'creativity, time to curl up with a reading 'books of wisdom וכמעט שלא נשחט , פרחה נשמתה ממנה .good book, time to recharge ומתה" )רש"י בראשית כג,ב( Dedicating Shabbat to pursuit of G-d is  Shabbat is an opportunity to איזה מסר נוכל ללמוד מסיבת מיתתה של connect with spouses, children logical; the origin of the day is in the שרה? ,Divine act which brought our world and friends. נראה , כי חז " ל רצו להדגיש בפנינו כי יש and us, into existence. Would it not  Shabbat is a chance to gather as a ללמוד מנסיון העקדה ותוצאותיו שני make sense for us to focus on our שיעורים שונים זה מזה. השיעור הראשון הוא religious community, for study Creator? Should we not use this day to השיעור שנלמד בשבוע שעבר , בעת קריאת and prayer and – of course – mark ourselves as products of that המלאך לאברהם . שיעור זה מתואר על ידי kiddush. Divine deed, and so create a personal In one example of many in our liturgy, הרב קוק )עולת ראיה(: awareness of our createdness – an the song Mah Yedidut, an educational " רחמי אב ואהבתו בנשמה טהורה היא היא awareness which might then remind us poem traced to 11th century Germany, הנה לבת אש קדש , הולכת ישרה מאהבת of our Divine mission during the rest of describes the day as a time for eating, אלקים הטהורה ורחמיו על כל מעשיו" ?our week singing, sleeping and enjoyment. קריאת המלאך באה להוכיח כי אין כל סתירה בין תחושת המוסר הטבעי לבין הצדק Of course, converts to this view of Nonetheless, a significant stream in Rabbi Chanina, Rabbi Shimon bar האלקי . היפוכו של דבר - הרגשות הטבעיים halachic tradition identifies Shabbat Yochai and Rambam would then need של אהבת אב לבנו הם למעשה אחד as a day to retreat from everything and מהאופנים להתגלות אהבת ד' בעולם. ,to identify other time for recharging everyone, and communicate solely bonding with family and connecting שיעור שונה לגמרי לומד הרב סולוביצ ' יק מן :with G-d with community. However, one who העקדה )בסוד היחיד והיחד(: truly valued those purposes could pare " אף על פי שאני תושב אמריקה זה שנים Rabbi Chanina said: Only with רבות , עדיין לא סיגלתי לי את ההשקפה difficulty did they permit greetings on time from the working week to serve הפרגמאטית על הדת . לדעתי אין האמונה Shabbat. Rabbi Chiyya bar Abba said: them; perhaps family time could mean באה לשרת את צרכי בני האדם ... מעולם לא When Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai saw more than the default "time when work ניסיתי לבאר את תורת ישראל בקטגוריות של ".his mother speaking a great deal, he is halachically prohibited would say, 'Mother, it's בריאות הנפש , שלוות הרוח וכיוצא בהן , אף Whether one embraces the Shabbat!' (Talmud Yerushalmi, על פי שגישה זו רווחת כאן... נפשי בוחלת בכל contemplative version of Shabbat in אלו הדרשות הסובבות סחור סחור לנושא (Shabbat 15:3 entirety or not, this view should give us אחד : שמירת המצוות טובה לעיכול המזון , לשינה מתוקה , לשלום המשפחה ולעמדה One may read nothing on Shabbat or pause. On Friday night, at sunset, we חברתית. Yom Tov, beyond the books of the enter more than a day of joy and Prophets and their explanations. This relaxation. We enter a temporal zone ... הקב " ה אומר לאברהם : " קח נא את בנך identified as Divine territory, we את יחידך אשר אהבת את יצחק וכו ' ..". even applies to works of wisdom and כלומר אני תובע ממך את הקרבן הגדול ,knowledge. (Rambam, Commentary to identify ourselves as Divine creations ביותר .... אל תשיא את עצמך , כי לאחר Mishnah, Shabbat 23:2) and we are blessed with the שתשמע בקולי ותעלה את בנך לעולה , אתן לך opportunity to re-dedicate ourselves to בן אחר במקום יצחק . כשיצחק ישחט על גבי Lest one think these represent views of the Divine mission for which we were המזבח , תשאר גלמוד וערירי ... כמו כן אל .extreme pietists rather than placed in this world תחשוב , כי יעלה בידך לשכוח את יצחק mainstream law, the former is codified [email protected] ולהסיח את דעתך ממנו . כל ימיך תהרהר בו . אני מעוניין בבנך אשר אהבת ותאהב לעולם . לילות של נדודי שינה תבלה ותחטט בפצעיך Mitzvot: Mitzvah 114 613 הנפשיים . מתוך שנתך תקרא ליצחק , וכשתיקץ , תמצא אוהלך שומם ועזוב . חייך Executions on Shabbat ייהפכו לשרשרת ארוכה של ייסורי הנפש . R’ Mordechai Torczyner ובכל זאת אני תובע את הקרבן הזה."

לדעת הרב סולובייצ ' יק , מהווה העקידה Mitzvah 114 instructs Jewish courts The Sefer haChinuch saw an דוגמא לקרבן הנדרש מהאדם הדתי . קרבן not to carry out executions on underlying positive message in this שאין ממנו כל רווח – לא גופני ולא נפשי . Shabbat, but rather to wait until mitzvah, writing, "This may be האדם נתבע לציות מוחלט ועיוור . זהו Sunday. Jewish law maintains that compared to a great king who invited השיעור אותו עלינו ללמוד מתחילת פרשתנו – it is unfairly oppressive to a criminal his citizens to a meal one day, and who מותה של שרה בעקבות העקדה. to delay his execution, but we hold did not bar anyone from entry… G-d

יודעים ומאמינים אנו , כי אלו ואלו דברי up this person’s death until after instructed us to sanctify and honour Shabbat to permit him to participate the day of Shabbat for our benefit and אלקים חיים . ועל כן , שני המסרים חשובים in the national Jewish celebration of merit, and this also honours the day." לנו ביותר : מניעת מותו של יצחק מלמדת Creation. [According to the Rambam Everyone's Shabbat observance is אותנו על ההתגלות העליונה של רצון ד ', Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Shabbat meaningful for G-d, even that of a) ואילו מותה של שרה – על העובדה כי בעולם this applies to other judicial criminal who has met the rigorous ,(24:7 הזה עלינו לעבוד את ד ' תוך מוכנות להקרבה .penalties, as well; all are delayed standards for capital punishment אישית , אף במקומות שבהם אין , ולא יהיה , .until after Shabbat.] Each individual's mitzvot matter כל רווח נראה לעין. [email protected]

2 Visit us at www.torontotorah.com Biography: Rav Shlomo Wolbe Mrs. Elyssa Goldschmiedt Ha’Aretz Torah in Translation Rav Shlomo Wolbe was born in Berlin, Kiryat Ata

Germany in 1914. Raised in a non- Mrs. Michal Horovitz Frumkeit observant Jewish home, he attended the University of Berlin, and he Rav Shlomo Wolbe Kiryat Ata was one of several became interested in Judaism through Alei Shur, Vol. 2 2:4 moshavot established by a company his association with the Orthodox called "Nachalat Yisrael" in 1925. The Translated by R’ Ezra Goldschmiedt Students Union. people who founded the moshava On the narrow path that leads to truth in After completing university, Rav Wolbe came to Israel in the time of the the service of G-d, there is a stumbling learned in the Hildesheimer Rabbinical "fourth Aliyah". The moshava was block called 'frumkeit '. There is no Seminary, the Montreux Yeshiva in named Kfar Ata to match the name of suitable Hebrew [or English - EG] Switzerland, and then the an Arab village, Kofrata, that had translation for this term. of Poland under the guidance of Rav existed there beforehand. Yerucham Levovitz and Rav Yechezkel Frumkeit is a natural, instinctive urge to Those years were very difficult for the Levenstein. Unable to follow the Mir connect to the Creator. This instinct is also new moshavot; Arab neighbours, Yeshiva when it moved into Russia found in animals. King David said, “The agitated by Jewish success in during World War II, Rav Wolbe spent young lions roar after their prey, and seek developing the land that had been the war years serving as a rabbi in their food from G-d.” (Psalms 104:21) “He barren for so long, tried to destroy Stockholm, Sweden, where he lived gives to the beast his food, and to the every new settlement that the Jews young ravens which cry.” (Psalms 147:9) with the family of a yeshiva colleague. built. This was also one of the factors There is no need to understand these After the war, Rav Wolbe created a that led to the 1929 countrywide verses as [mere] figures of speech – school for Jewish refugee girls and pogroms, which included attacks on animals have an instinctive sense that eventually moved to Israel, where he Kiryat Ata. The entire Jewish there exists One who is concerned about served as menahel ruchani at the Be'er population fled the village following their sustenance. This instinct [also] Yaakov Yeshiva for thirty years the 1929 attack. operates in man - on a higher level, of alongside its , Rav Moshe In 1930, a group returned to rebuild course. This natural frumkeit [instinct] Shapiro. Later, he became the the moshava, and in 1934 they assists us in our service of G-d, and mashgiach of the Lakewood Yeshiva in without this natural assistance our service established a textile factory which Israel and opened Yeshivat Givat would would be extremely heavy upon us. became known all over Israel for its Shaul. However, frumkeit, like any other quality. During the War of instinctive urge that operates within man, A unique leader, Rav Wolbe placed an Independence in 1948, an army base is naturally egotistical and self-centred. emphasis on the importance of was placed in Kfar Ata, and from that Accordingly, frumkeit drives a person to do individuality; that each Jew should not point on the Israeli army used the only that which is good for himself – [in view himself simply as a member of the site to protect the rest of the Galil. contrast, positive] actions between man herd, trying to conform to the general Beginning in 1950, Israel experienced and his fellow man, as well as Jewish population. To quote one a wave of Aliyah from many wholehearted actions between man and G- student of his, Rav Wolbe was one of countries, and the Israeli government d are not fuelled by frumkeit. One who the few contemporary who had needed to find housing solutions for bases his service on it alone remains “something unique and important to all the people who came. The egocentric. Even if he were to impose many say to those of us with a Western government decided to create a stringencies upon himself, he would not education.” He died in in number of "ma'abarot"- housing become a man of kindness, and he would 2005. complexes designed for very basic not reach [the level of] altruistic service. [email protected] This is what necessitates that we base our living. The government established service specifically on intellect... yourself. You don't love yourself for the three ma'abarot adjacent to Kfar Ata, and the population grew Intellect must guide our service. The sake of any commandment, but rather [out of] a simple love, and that is how tremendously. moment we abandon intellect and act from frumkeit alone, our service becomes you need to love your fellow man.” This In 1969, Kfar Ata officially became a twisted. This exists even in the levels of approach is completely foreign to city and gained the name, "Kiryat frumkeit. Torah scholars. Let us try to explain: Ata". Today, the city has more than fifty thousand residents. An important part of the service is To learn mussar is, at its core, to learn [email protected] occupied by the commandments between with intellect. One who comes to learn man and his fellow man. Most of the work it from [a motivation of] frumkeit alone A street in Kiryat Ata (Wikipedia) of perfecting character traits involves these will not understand at all that which commandments. A large portion of the he learns. The small amount he does ethical works are dedicated to them. Now, understand – he will immediately draw frumkeit, as we have said, does not drive a it into his self-centred interests. He person towards these commandments, will glorify himself over the additional frumkeit he has added for himself. unless some personal interest becomes gratified in their fulfilment. Our master, The work on character traits, efforts in Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Finkel, the Alter of commandments between man and his Slabodka, said, “'And you shall love your fellow man and the learning of mussar fellow like yourself' (Leviticus, 19:18) – that must be based specifically on intellect. you should love your fellow as you love [email protected]

Visit us at www.torontotorah.com 3 Parshah Answers Russell Levy

Who was Keturah? How old was Rivkah when she  Rashi explains that we can see  Rashi states that Keturah was married Yitzchak? that Yishmael performed Hagar; she was called Keturah  Rashi explains that two events teshuvah, since he let his brother, since her deeds were as sweet as happened after the Akeidah: Sarah Yitzchak, have the primary role in the Ketoret (incense in the Beit passed away, and Rivkah was born. laying their father to rest. haMikdash), as she did not Since Sarah was 90 when Yitzchak  The Gemara in Bava Batra points befriend any man while she was was born and 127 at her death, out that anyone who is described separated from Avraham. Yitzchak was 37 at her death. Since upon their passing as “expiring”  Rashbam disagrees with his Yitzchak married Rivkah at the age and being “gathered unto his grandfather Rashi. He explains of 40, Rivkah was three years old at people” is a tzaddik. Since these that according to the simple that time. words were used to describe meaning, this woman is not  Ibn Ezra claims that Yitzchak was Yishmael‟s death, he must have Hagar, but a new wife. Ibn Ezra around 13 at the Akeidah, and repented. agrees. there is no chronological connection  The Ritva (Yoma) explains that it  The Kli Yakar agrees with Rashi, between the Akeidah, Sarah‟s is fit to name Jewish children but asks why she was referred to death and the birth of Rivkah; we “Yishmael” even according to the by a name that described her can assume that Rivkah was of opinion that Yishmael did not actions. He explains that when marriageable age at the time of her repent, since he was named by Hagar was sent from Avraham‟s nuptials. Hashem. house with her son Yishmael, it  Tosafot propose, based on a Sifrei, was because Sarah said that both that she was 14 at the time of her For Children: What do we learn from she and Yishmael were idol marriage. the way the Torah tells us Sarah’s worshippers. Now that both Hagar age of death? and her son had repented, their Did Yishmael repent? Rashi explains that the Torah sins were transformed from being  The Kli Yakar, as explained in the describes her age backwards to teach a blemish on their souls into a first question above, assumes that us that even at 100 she was without Heavenly offering, similar to the both Yishmael and his mother, sin, and that her appearance was as Ketoret. Hagar, repented. unspoiled as that of a seven year old.

[email protected] Schedule for November 19-25, 22-28 Marcheshvan

Tuesday, November 22 Shabbat November 19 1:30 PM R’ Mordechai Torczyner, Zecharyah: The Menorah, 7:45 AM R’ Baruch Weintraub, Rav Kook on the Parshah, Mekorot, Shaarei Shomayim Or Chaim 7:15 PM R’ Ezra Goldschmiedt, Ramban on Parshah, BAYT 10:20 AM R’ Baruch Weintraub, Parshah shiur, Clanton 8:00 PM Mrs. Elyssa Goldschmiedt, Malbim on , TCS, Park women 1 hour before minchah Yair Manas, Gemara Sukkah, 8:00 PM Yair Manas: Minchat Chinuch, Clanton Park, not this Mizrachi Bayit not this week week 45 minutes before minchah R’ Mordechai Torczyner, Daf Yomi, BAYT Wednesday, November 23 After minchah R’ Mordechai Torczyner, Gem. Avodah 10:00 AM R’ Mordechai Torczyner, Dramas of Jewish History: Zarah: R’ Meir’s Rescue, BAYT Rise of the Rabbis, BEBY, with Melton 6:40 PM R’ Dovid Zirkind, Parent-Child Learning I: 12:30 PM R’ Mordechai Torczyner, Medical Ethics: Stem Cell Angels on Earth, Shaarei Shomayim Research, at the York University Hillel 8:00 PM R’ Mordechai Torczyner, Women’s Beit Midrash at Bnai Sunday, November 20 Torah, Tefillah: Write in Your Siddur! 9:15 AM Hillel Horovitz, Parshah, Hebrew, Zichron 8:30 PM R’ Baruch Weintraub, Rambam: Hilchot Melachim, Yisroel Shomrai Shabbos, men 11:50 AM R’ Baruch Weintraub, Rambam: Hilchot 8:45 PM R’ Dovid Zirkind, Gemara Beitzah Chabura, Shaarei Melachim, Or Chaim, collegiates Shomayim After maariv R’ Dovid Zirkind, Bava Kama: Introduction 9:00 PM R’ Ezra Goldschmiedt, Ethical Questions for to Avot Nezikin, Shaarei Shomayim Superheroes, Week 3 of 6, BAYT After maariv R’ Baruch Weintraub, Halachic issues in Israel: Appointing Judges, Hebrew, Clanton Thursday, November 24 Park, men 9:15 AM R’ Mordechai Torczyner, Supernatural vs. Superstition: Ayin HaRa, 36 Theodore in Thornhill, Monday, November 21 women, free babysitting 8:30 PM Hillel Horovitz, Siddur: In-depth, Clanton Park, men Friday, November 25 8:00 AM R’ Dovid Zirkind, Friday Parsha Preview, Village Shul

4 We would like to thank koshertube.com for filming our shiurim! Visit us at www.torontotorah.com