  s

What is the first a boy does when he e 1. becomes Bar Mitzvah ? l (Vilna Gaon, Be’ar Hatev) d d How will one benefit when his davening takes longer i 2. than other people? R ( Berachos 54b, Chasam Sofer) & & s n o i t s

"!h,tmnu h,gdh" e

(“I worked on these questions, u

and I found these answers!”) Q

The first mitzvah you do after your Bar or Bas Mitzvah is to believe in Hashem! 1. Don’t take this for granted. The Yetzer Hara tries very hard to make people oblivious of the Almighty Hashem. As a matter a fact, the Rambam wrote that there is no mitzvah that he enjoys talking about as much as the mitzvah of believing in Hashem. I tell my children that the first mitzvah you do when you wake up is to believe in Hashem. We must always be “Maimons” in Hashem! One who prays long will merit to live long! Also one who davens frequently 2. will see more yeshuos (Divine help) in life .

lhbck o,bbau ibj,tu ,arp 377 s e l Which two techniques can make your tefillos From where can we see that “tefillos (prayers) are d 3. answered quicker? 7. (Sefer Chasidim 130-131, See Devorim Raba 2-12/17) considered even greater than good deeds! ”? d

i (Gemara Berachos 32b, ) Why was the Chasam Sofer not concerned that his very R 4. long tefillos might be considered “ bitul ?” Which people do not need to say “ Keriyas Shema Al & (Iturei Torah, Berachos 32b, See Shabbos 10a) 8. Hamita” for protection? s ? (Gemara Berachos 4b,Tana D’vei Eliyahu, Gemara Sotah 21a) n What happened to King Yuzgider of Persia when he o 5. i banned the from saying Shema? How should Jews divide their Torah learning time into t (Beis Yosef Orach Chaim Siman 423) 9.

s three distinct parts? (Gemara Kidushin 30a, Tosfos) e Which letters of the Shema should be pronounced in an u When should a Rebbe trick his students? 6. elongated manner? Why?

Q 10. ( Yoreh Deah Hilchos Melamdim 222) (Gemara Berachos 13b, Tur, Maran Beis Yosef 61-6) Why are there 248 words in Keriyas Shema? 11. ( Vayera 5, Tikunim 18, Maran Beis Yosef 61-3)

If one does not have enough merits to get his tefillah answered, he should do one The fact that Hashem told Moshe not to keep praying for permission to enter 3. of the following things: He should keep praying again and again, and the quanti - 7. Eretz Yisroel implies that his tefillah could have overrode the gezeirah more ty of his tefillos will bear fruit, or he should say, “Hashem please help me … for Your than any of his other great merits! sake!” (For example: please give me money so I can hire the best tutors to teach my A Talmid Chacham doesn’t need to say Shema at bedtime for protection. The son Your Torah.”) 8. Torah that he learns protects him! The more he learns the more angels are The Chasam Sofer, who davened very long, explained that since one who prays sent to watch him, and when he learns even more, Hashem watches him directly. 4. long - lives long - he will then have more time in his life to learn Torah later . The Gemara advises that a Jewish man should divide his lifetime into 9. three types of learning: 1/3 of the time to learn Tanach , 1/3 of the time to ! Once Yuzgider , the king of Persia, decreed that no could say Shema . 5. [Maybe he didn’t want anyone to say that Hashem is the only Power, since he learn Mishnayos & 1/3 of the time to learn the Bavli . explains this means to dedicate two days each week for each part of the Torah. Tosefos wanted to flaunt his own “power.”] The Chachomim prayed to Hashem that this say that a thorough learning of Gemara gives you all three flavors since the king be stopped. They also added the first pasuk of Shema to the kedusha of Mussaf s Talmud Bavli is filled with Tanach, Mishnayos, and Gemara. Fortunate are Daf- t

on Shabbos so that the children should not forget this important mitzvah . Hashem Yomi- Goers who merit fulfilling this dictum on a daily basis! c then made an alligator climb out of the moat around the king’s castle. It miracu - In order for a Rebbi to sharpen his students, he should occasionally trick a lously climbed up the wall and ate the king. His decree against Shema was thus 10. them. By making a “mistake” he will be able to discern who is really F revoked. In order to remember this miracle we still say Shema in the kedusha of listening and understanding. This will also keep the students on the ball. & Mussaf every Shabbos . &

The 248 words of Shema correspond to the 248 bones and limbs in the s When you say Shema you should lengthen the pronunciation of the word 11. body. There are also 248 mitzvos in the Torah. It is the fulfillment of the r “E chaaddd ”, (which consists of the gematrias: 1, 8 & 4) in order to concen - 6. mitzvos and the pronouncing of Shema that protects a person from danger. Not e trate that Hashem is the Sole Master over the seven heavens and Earth, and over only that, but when one says Shema on his bed at night he is protected as if he w the 4 directions of the world! (Some even have the custom to move their head has a virtual sword by his bed to ward off any danger. The Gemara even says s around to arouse their kavana .) It is a segulah for you to live longer! Chazal also that if you say Shema slowly and distinctly, Gehinnom will be cooled off for n said that one who is careful to say Shema and daven will be spared from Gehinnom! you . (Now who wouldn’t want an air conditioner down there?) A

378 Torah Show’s Questions & Riddles Va’eschanon lhbck o,bbau ibj,tu ,arp 379 s e l Why didn’t the Bnei Yisroel daven for Moshe Rabbeinu How can the remind us of all the 613 Mitzvos? d 12. to enter Eretz Yisroel ? 17. (Olas Tamid, The Taryag Mitzvos pg. 257) (Toras HaTefillah) d i Why did Yehoshua Leib Diskin take the liberty R How does one fulfill the mitzvah of ” Ahavas Hashem” 18. 13. (Loving G-d)? to use the charity funds of his orphanage to purchase & (Yoma 86a, Sifrei, R. Bechaya, Tana Dbei Eliyahu 28, Rashi) and distribute mezuzos for his community? s ? (Mayanos Hanetzach) n Will “loving Hashem” bring one to “fear Hashem”? o 14. (Rabenu Bechaya – Kad Hakemach) i What happens to someone whose mezuzos are pasul? t 19. (Gemara Shabbos 32b, Kav Hayashar 55) s Do most people serve Hashem out of love, or out of fear? e 15. (Rambam) u 20. What should you bear in mind when seeing your

Q ? Why is there an official angel in charge of making (Rambam, Kav Hayashar 55, Yesod Yosef) 16. people forget their Torah knowledge? (Koheles Rabasi 1-34) Which Jewish homes will be airlifted to Eretz Yisroel 21. in the near future? (Kav Naki 72-34, Yesod Yosef) Perhaps the Bnei Yisroel felt that if Hashem did not accept Moshe’s heartfelt 12. pleas to enter Eretz Yisroel why would He accept their petitions? But that was not the right rationale. The tefillah of the community never goes back empty-handed! They should have stormed the Heaven to cancel the gezeirah against him ! The two Shin’s on the Tefillin are b’gematria 600, plus the 8 straps and The best way to show one’s love for Hashem is by studying His Torah. A Gadol 17. the 5 compartments equals 613. Alternatively, the two Shin’s equal 600, 13. once said, “When you pray, you talk to Hashem. When you learn, Hashem talks to you!” Naturally, good communication fosters love! Also, one who learns, should the gematria katan of two Shin’s is six, plus the seven straps, totals 613. act with good middos and treat others nicely. People should be able to say, “Look how Rabbi Yehoshua Leib explained that if people would have kosher mezu - !nicely that person acts! Praiseworthy are his parents and teachers who taught him 18. zos they would live longer and the orphanage would have less orphans Torah!” This makes a great , because people will want to follow his to take care of. example. But if one studies Torah constantly and despises others , he causes Chillul Heaven forbid, one whose mezuzos are invalid, endangers his life and Hashem and contempt for the Torah. It’s very important for all of us who go to 19. the life of his family. Some communities have Bnei Torah who are dedi - Yeshiva or Bais Yaakov and learn Torah to make a Kiddush Hashem wherever we go! cated to making house calls and check all the Mezuzos . I have seen one Sofer s When you truly love Hashem it brings you to fear Hashem as well . () advertise as the “ Mezuzah Doctor” or the “ Mezuzah Man”. It is also t 14. important to check that they are affixed tightly to the door, and they are placed c The Rambam states that most people who serve Hashem do so out of fear, at the correct height , which is the bottom of the top third of the doorway . a 15. not out of love . This is a pity, because Hashem has so much unconditional It is not sufficient to put up a mezuzah and forget about it. It must serve F love for His people. To serve Hashem from love is an extraordinary level, which is

as a constant reminder to accept the Kingdom of Hashem, and obey His &

20 . & attained by outstanding tzaddikim , such as Avraham Avinu. [If you want to see if

orders with love and fear, pride and joy . If you glance at your mezuzah and you s someone really serves Hashem with love, see if that person smiles during bentch - are inspired to go learn some Torah then you are very perceptive. r ing or pesukei d’zimra . One who serves with love will serve with joy! ] In the future days of Moshiach all of Klal Yisroel will return to Eretz e Lest a person think that once he completed learning the whole Torah, he 16. could now study other forms of wisdom, he is caused to forget - by an angel! 21 . Yisroel. The and yeshivos will be airlifted as well. Some say w s The purpose of this “amnesia” is to require everyone to keep on reviewing. This will if you designate an area in your home for the exclusive use of avodas Hashem , keep them occupied and away from the Yetzer Hara’s plans. then such a house will also be transported to Eretz Yisroel. n A

380 Torah Show’s Questions & Riddles Va’eschanon lhbck o,bbau ibj,tu ,arp 381 s e l Why is the mitzvah of “training our children in Why did Zeresh tell Haman to hang Mordechai first d 22. Torah” written right next to the mitzvah of “tefillin”? 27. thing in the morning? d (Yalkut Shemoni 1056)

i (Talilei Oros - Rabbi A.M. Alter of Ger)

R Should one say Shema with the Ta’amim (trup - the Why didn’t the Chasam Sofer give Semicha 28. & traditional melodious cantellation)? 23. (Rabbinical license) to a certain man although he s ? (Maran Beis Yosef 61-24, Rama, Ben Ish Chai)

n was a Baki (expert) in Shas and Poskim?

o (Kav Naki 55-10)

i Why is the mitzvah to “Love your fellow as yourself” t 29. (Vayikra 19:18) mentioned before the mitzvah to

s How can we love Hashem even with our Yetzer Hara!?

e 24. (Berachos 54a, Chazon Ish) “Love Hashem your G-d” (Devorim 6:5)? (Iturei Torah) u Where does it say in the Torah that we must Q 25. frequently review our learning? Why do we thank Hashem for giving us the Torah, (Torah M`tzion) 30. in middle of Bentching? (Shomer Torah) 26. Why was Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi once seen running in the street without his traditional Rabbinical head Zeresh told Haman to hang his archenemy Mordechai first thing in the attire? 27 . morning, before he would have a chance to say Shema . She knew that (Gemara Kiddushin 31a) once he says Shema he would be protected, and their assassination plan would fail. It’s amazing how many times in Tanach we find that even the Goyim knew Just as you must constantly be aware of the tefillin when they are upon the power of our Torah and tefillah! 22 . you, you must constantly be vigiliant with your children to ensure that It is preferable to say Shema with the trup (traditional melody). Many they’re following the right path. 28 . Sephardic congregations customarily read the Shema aloud together, Once when a young scholar came to the revered Chasam Sofer to get following the traditional tune that it is read during Keriyas HaTorah. It is a great 23 . semichah , the Rabbi declined him that honorable title. The man was star - Kiddush Hashem , and demonstration of unity and love for Hashem. It is real tled, because he had already “mastered” the Talmud and its commentaries. The Hiddur Mitzvah! The Rama says that Ashkenazim are not strict with this, but Gaon explained that when he walked in, he did not kiss or even notice the there are those who are meticulous to read it with the tune. mezuzah . This reflected a lack of yiras Shamayim , which disqualified him from the Fifty chapters before Hashem gave us the mitzvah of ahavas Hashem (in s

! t prestigious position of Rabbanus . 29 . Parshas Vaeschanan), He already commanded us with ahavas Yisroel (in c We are commanded to love Hashem with our entire being, even with our Parshas Kedoshim) ! Our relationship to our fellow Bnei Yisroel reflects right 24 . Yetzer Hara. How? By sometimes doing a mitzvah even with an ulterior back to Hashem. When you love a king, you love his children. We see from the a motive, such as giving just to achieve social status and honor. order of these two mitzvos that Hashem would rather we first show love to His F children, the Bnei Yisroel, regardless of their affiliation. Incidentally, the major - & The Torah demands that we be proficient in Torah. This can only hap - & ity of mitzvos are between man and his fellow man . 25 . pen if we apply ourselves to its countless lessons, and review our men - s tal databanks frequently. While we thank Hashem in birkas hamazon for providing us with food for r our bodies , we thank Hashem for providing us with “food for our souls” e One morning Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi was seen rushing through the 30 .

as well. As the Chofetz Chaim points out in his hakdama to the Mishna Berurah , w 26 . streets without his Rabbinical attire on his head. He explained that he had all the Torah one learns during his lifetime is the spiritual food that will sustain s to rush his little son to Yeshiva. This was more important than taking care of his

him in Olam Habah . n honorable appearance. A

382 Torah Show’s Questions & Riddles Va’eschanon lhbck o,bbau ibj,tu ,arp 383 s e l Why should Jews have a happy disposition? Which words are appropriate to say next to the mezuzah? d 31. (Berachos 54a, Tehillim 100:2, Chovos Halevavos, Atara Lamelech) 36. (Kav Hayashar) d i Why was it good that Moshe Rabbeinu was buried Who fasted 40 days to become smarter and more R 32. 37. knowledgeable? outside of Eretz Yisrael? (Yalkut Shimoni Mishlei 929) (Meam Loez) & s ? Which mitzvah can prevent the Jews from being n Who fasted 180 fasts (some say 120 fasts) that his 38. attacked by their enemies? o 33. (Sotah 42a)

i children never stop learning & discussing Torah? t (Gemara Bava Metzia 88a) s Why must we all write notes about the Torah? e Which air makes you smarter? 39. (Sefer Chasidim 530, Chida, Maharsha Baba Basra 11b) u 34. (Gemara Bava Basra 151, Kesuvos 75a)

Q How many berachos must men and women say everyday? What happened to a Talmid Chacham who died, and 40. (Ben Ish Chai, Brisker Rav) 35. the Beis Din Shel Maalah held him accountable for not having sufficient kavanah when he pronounced 5) that whenever you mention the Name of Hashem you must remember that the Name of Hashem? Hashem is the Master of All , always! The Heavenly Court gave him a choice: (Chayei Adam) either he goes to Gehinnom or is reincarnated as a gilgul . ( Let’s ask ourselves : when was the last time we had this kavanah when we said Hashem’s Name? We It is an honor to a king when his servants are happy . It shows that they are mention the Name of Hashem over 1,000 times a day. What an awesome respon - 31 . proud to be subservient to him. When we are happy, it shows that we sibility we have to infuse kavanas halev into the words of our mouths. ) believe that gam zu letovah , “All Hashem does, is for our best !” We should be happy It is a midas chasidus to recite a prayer as you pass a mezuzah to the effect for being Banim l’Makom (Hashem’s Children). Klal Yisroel must also trust in their 36 . of “Hashem yishmor tzeiseinu uvo’einu l’chaim tovim ul’Shalom ,” may beautiful and bright future in the days of Moshiach! True, we must mourn over Hashem watch our comings and goings and grant us a good and peaceful life . (My the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash and the dispersion of Am Yisroel through grandfather, Hacham Sion Maslaton , z’tl , used to stop by his mezuzah each morn - the world; nevertheless , we must serve Hashem with joy and confidence. ing and make many long prayers as he mentioned the names of his loved ones.) In order that Hashem revive the dead outside of Eretz Yisroel in the days Shlomo Hamelech fasted 40 days that he acquire great wisdom and under - ! of Moshiach , Moshe Rabbeinu was buried outside of Eretz Yisroel. When 32 . standing . 37 . s Moshiach comes, he will lead the Jews into the Holy Land. The Gemara says that even if the only mitzvah the Jews kept was Shema t c Rav Zeira fasted very frequently that his descendents excel in Torah 38 . it would be sufficient merit not to fall to their enemies ! a 33 . scholarship. Parents must daven often that their children should have a When you write notes about Torah it as if you brought a korban to F cheshek (desire) to learn Torah and shteig (grow) in avodas Hashem. 39 . Hashem! It is such a great mitzvah , that when you write notes you merit & The air of Eretz Yisroel is conducive for one to learn Torah better there. that even the sheidim (demons) bless you. Simply speaking, it’s much easier to &

34 . Besides that the Israeli oxygen is helpful to acquire wisdom , just living remember something if you write it down. As my Rebbi, Rabbi Yechezkel Munk s

there will give one a better command of the language and then acquire a faster shlita, always says, “ hishamer lecha pen.” Fortunate will be those who record r comprehension of the Torah. their Torah thoughts, when they will carry those to heaven! e

Once a certain Talmid Chacham was niftar, and he went up to heaven. Both men and women are required to bless Hashem a minimum of 100 w 35 . When the Beis Din Shel Maalah was judging his life, they found him guilty 40 . berachos a day. The Brisker Rav , zt ’l, used to keep a mental record s of only one thing: He didn’t follow the law mentioned in Shulchan Aruch (Siman throughout the day to be sure he never fell short of this obligation. n A

384 Torah Show’s Questions & Riddles Va’eschanon lhbck o,bbau ibj,tu ,arp 385 s e l Is it a mitzvah to brush our teeth every single day, Why did Moshe Rabbeinu daven 515 times to enter d 41. since there is a mitzvah to guard our health? 45. Eretz Yisroel and then stop asking? d

i (Dental Health Association, Mentchlichkeit) (Rashi, See Malbim parshas Devorim) R Why did Moshe wish he could enter Eretz Yisrael Must you wear a safety helmet when riding your bike & 42. even as a bird or a fish, if in reality, he wanted to do 46. or scooter? Must you wear a seat belt when driving s ?

n the mitzvos in the land? in an automobile? (Torah Safety Commission; Police Department)

o (Gemara Sotah 14a, Beis Hamedrash 124, Maran Rav Shach z’tl

i quoted by HaRav Yerucham Olshin, shlita) t Why was the first pasuk of Shema embroidered onto s Why did a Chasid’s mother once ask him for water if 47. e Shevet Reuvein’s red flag? 43. she wasn’t even thirsty? (Bamidbar Rabbah) u (Kibud Av V’em)

Q How can we cling to Hashem [with deveikus ]? Is a Jew or a gentile allowed to make a doll or 44. (Kesuvos 111b) 48. a sculpture in the image of a person (such as a ventriloquist dummy)? (See 4-19, Rambam) My dentist says, “You don’t have to brush all of your teeth- only the ones you 41 . want to keep!” Teeth not only help one eat, they help one speak clearer. It is truly a mitzvah to form good health habits. Clean teeth make you more pleas - How did the Avos exemplify loving Hashem? ant to look at (yellow teeth are revolting). It is also important so you don’t get bad 49. (Rabenu Bechaya) breath which could be a “bor b’reshus harabim” (public hazard). When the Gadol Hador, Rav Shach , zt ’l, was at an advanced age, it pained 42 . him that it was difficult to see , hear and learn Torah as he wanted Hashem told Moshe to stop praying, because if he would have contin - (although he surely learned by memory constantly). But he said a Yid must serve 45 . ued praying, he would have entered Eretz Yisroel, and that was not part !Hashem b’simcha . He then asked this question about Moshe Rabbeinu. Why did of the Master Plan. he daven to be able to enter Eretz Yisroel even as a bird or fish? He answered The Torah demands us to take care of our bodies which serve as the that Moshe was saying , “Hashem , if I can’t lead Klal Yisroel as their Manhig , 46 . hosts for our souls. Therefore, we are required to do whatever is nec - maybe I can enter Eretz Yisroel as a regular Jew; if I can’t merit that, then at least essary to guarantee better safety, for us and for our environment. Statistically, as a baal chai that can serve Hashem by singing shira and recognizing Your won -

seat belts save lives. Police started giving out tickets for drivers who aren’t s

ders and kindness .” Also , perhaps the very Kedushah that one receives in Eretz wearing seat belts. Now seat belts save lives and money ! t

Yisroel was what Moshe Rabbeinu craved. c Since Reuvein was the oldest of the Shivtei Yisroel, it was his sacred duty Once a chasid’s mother asked him for a drink of water even though she a 47 . to remind his brothers of the right direction in life . The pasuk of Shema , wasn’t really thirsty. She explained that she didn’t need the water, but she F 43 . which is our nation’s mission statement, was embroidered on his flag. knew that if her son honors his mother’s wishes, he will merit arichas yomim , a & long life. She therefore requested this favor just so he would live longer. We are not permitted to make a sculpture resembling the human body, & 48 . lest it be deemed an avodah zarah. [Interestingly, when I introduced s

One way to cling to Hashem is by clinging to those who fear Him. As an r Yossi the ventriloquist-dummy as a virtual talmid who interrupts my presen - 44 . old saying goes , “If you touch an anointed one, you get anointed too!” I envy e tations with his questions, I had to first remove one of his wooden ears.] the Chasidim who constantly get to bask in the presence of their Rebbe every week The Avos never forgot Hashem for a second. Every action of theirs w

by the tisch . The Rebbe is their link to Hashem. Similarly, the Gemara praises one s 49 . was perfect as befitting for one who is in the presence of a mighty and

who marries off his daughter to a Talmid Chacham , or supports a Torah scholar n with his wealth. It’s considered as if he clings to Hashem. glorious king. A

386 Torah Show’s Questions & Riddles Va’eschanon lhbck o,bbau ibj,tu ,arp 387 s

e Why should we say Shema when davening Maariv l Of which sins did Hashem tell Yirmiyahu that the Jews 55. before dark, if it’s actually before the Z’man Keriyas d 50. were guilty before the Churban Beis Hamikdash?

d Shema, and the mitzvah can’t be fulfilled then anyway? i (Galuyos Yisroel) (Rashi Berachos 2a, Devorim Raba 2-10) R When is it a mitzvah to go on a diet? How is it possible that two people say Shema at the & 51. (Fit For Life) 56. s ? same time and place, and one fulfills the Shema of the n night and the other fulfills the Shema of the day?

o Why did Rabbi Yeshaya Pik complete learning the (Berachos 8b) i 52. entire Shas precisely 42 times? t (Iturei Torah) s When is the best time to say Shema in the morning? e 57. (Berachos 9b) u How much of Shema must you concentrate on in order 53. to fulfill the mitzvah ? Q (Berachos 13b, Rambam) Whose eyesight was much better than 20/20? 58. (Midrash Hagadol 32-51) Why is it by the Shema of the evening you may recite 54. it all night, but by the Shema of the morning you only From where do we learn that one should say Shema have three hours to recite it? 59. right before passing away? (Kesef ) (Berachos 61b)

Hashem told Yirmiyah that the Jews were beaten, killed, and exiled It is generally advised that one learn Torah before davening as a merit 50 . because they transgressed all of the Ten Commandments. It was clear that 55 . that the tefillah bear fruit, and since Shema is the main part of the the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash was a heavenly decree. Gentile persecu - Torah, we say it before praying as a merit to have our tefillah answered.. tion and anti-Semitism is not a coincidence. It is heavenly ordained to keep the If two people are saying Shema between dawn and sunrise, one can ful - Bnei Yisroel from stumbling with sins. 56 . fill the mitzvah of saying the nighttime Shema , while the other can ful - It is healthy for a body to exercise and sweat, and not be overweight. It is fill the mitzvah of saying the Shema of the morning. It ’s a neutral time, since 51 . therefore sometimes a mitzvah for one to go on a diet to ensure better health. some people are laying down, while some are getting up. (It would also make one less lazy to do mitzvos, and more presentable as an Eved The best time to say the morning Shema is right before sunrise, and to ! s

Hashem .) 57 . pray the Shemoneh Esrei exactly at sunrise. This is no small feat , especial - t

The Torah commands us to learn Torah, as it says “vedibarta bam”. So since ly in the summer. The reward for those devout and strong Jews who pray Vasikin c

52 . the gematria of “bam” is 42, Rav Yeshayah Pik aimed to finish Shas forty- is truly phenomenal. They are also guaranteed that they won’t get hurt that day. a

two times. He then used his vast knowledge of Shas to author the Mesores Hashas , An extraordinary tzadik can see from one side of the world to the other. F a valuable reference to find the sources of topics discussed throughout Shas . 58 . They have the special light which was originally in the world during & the Days of Creation. Moshe stood outside of Eretz Yisroel, but with this &

There is a dispute in the Gemara regarding how much of Shema you must s supernatural vision, was able to see all its beauty and glory. 53 . concentrate upon. The main requirement is at least the first pasuk, Shema . [ It r

would be a great public service to design signs for Shuls with this required kavanah .] Rabbi Akiva was murdered by the wicked Romans, yemach shemam , e 59 . and it was then that he said Shema . He told his talmidim that all his life The Torah says to say Shema when people lay down to sleep and when they w

he waited for this because he wished he could prove to Hashem that he loved s 54 . get up . Now people lay to sleep all night , even luxurious princes are awake Him with all his sou l. This is probably the source for the custom of a person by the end of the third hour of the day. n to say Shema on the deathbed. A

388 Torah Show’s Questions & Riddles Va’eschanon lhbck o,bbau ibj,tu ,arp 389 s e l Can one fulfill the obligation to learn Torah day From where do we see that only one who learns or d 60. and night by saying Shema in the morning and in 64. supports Torah will merit Techiyas Hameisim ? d i the evening? (Alshich, Baal HaTanya) (Menachos 99b) R Whose mother placed his baby carriage in the Beis

& When did Hashem open the sky to show the Bnei 65. Midrash so he should grow up familiar with hearing s ?61. Yisroel that He is the only Ruler of the entire the holy words of Torah? n universe? (Avos 2:8, Yerushalmi Yevamos 5:1) o (Devorim Rabah) i t How can we get others to love Hashem? s Which people does Hashem want us to fear? 66. (Yoma 86a) e 62. (Gemara Kiddushin 31b) u How is it possible that two people do the same mitzvah,

Q How many mitzvos are mentioned in Shema? 67. but one gets rewarded 1,000 times more? (Orchos Tzadikim) 63. (TorahShows - Shema: Our Mission Statement) How did Rabbi Akiva fulfill the mitzvah to: “Love 68. Hashem with all his heart, soul and might”? (Gemara Kesuvos 62b, Berachos 60b) You may fulfill the requirement to learn Torah day and night, by saying 60 . Shema . But this is confidential information. It ’s better not to tell this to It says in Shema , b’shuchbecha u ’vikumecha , which can be understood as people lest they merely fulfill the mitzvah of Talmud Torah with the saying of 64 . follows: Learning Torah will cause one, after his demise, to “rest and Shema , when really they should be learning much more of the vast Torah ! One rise, ” meriting techiyas hameisim as a reward for learning Torah. who learns just by saying Shema is like a person surviving on an ounce of water and food a day. That’s not healthy, and it’s life threatening! Rabbi Yehoshua ben Chananya’s mother was extra concerned that her 65 . son grow up to be a Torah Jew. So when she was pregnant with him, At Matan Torah in the year 2448, Hashem opened the very heavens to she went to the Batei Midrashos and asked that the Rabbonim bless her that 61 . show the Bnei Yisroel that there are no other powers in the world. He her baby becomes a Ben Torah. After her baby was born she used to keep his ! alone is the only Creator and Controller of everything. Ein od milvado! baby carriage inside the Bais Midrash so his tender and impressionable heart Hashem wants us to fear . If a student doesn’t respect his teacher, could become acquainted with and proficient in Torah.

62 . how can he possibly learn from him? It is a pity that teachers are told, not When you act “ mentchlich” to others, having respect and empathy for s t to hit, nor to hug their students. How can the Rebbi instill discipline and love? 66 . them, this causes others to admire your ways. If they like you , they will c This is why there are so many juvenile delinquents nowadays. Teachers are not praise the Torah , and they will come to love Hashem as well. a able to discipline nor endear their students enough; that’s why there’s chutzpah . One who does a mitzvah with love for Hashem will be rewarded much F Over 20 mitzvos are mentioned in Shema . The fact that we must repeat 67 . more than the one who serves Hashem out of fear. It has been said that & 63 . the Shema over fifty thousand times in a lifetime, and have Shema one who serves Hashem with joy will merit reward 1, 000 times more than one & placed upon our head, our heart, and our home, attests to the extreme impor - who serves from fear ! s tance of these mitzvos . The mitzvah that rings out loudest is to learn Torah as Rabbi Akiva served Hashem with all his heart , as he demonstrated when r e much as possible. It is very ironic that we have so many reminders on our 68 . he left his beloved family to learn Torah for 24 years away from home. He

doorways and how often people still forget to learn Torah enough. One must served with all his soul when he was willing to risk his life to teach Torah . And w live Shema, not just say it! Lucky is the one who takes the messages of Shema he always accepted whatever happened in his life with faith that everything s to heart throughout his lifetime! Hashem does is for the best! This was demonstrated in the famous story with the n rooster, candle and donkey. A

390 Torah Show’s Questions & Riddles Va’eschanon lhbck o,bbau ibj,tu ,arp 391 s e l What connection is there between Tisha B’Av and d 69. Parshas V’eschanan? d (Rav Uren Reich shlita) i R 70. Why did the Jewish soldiers want to bring Korbanos

& after the war against Midyan? (S’forno) s ?   n o i t s e u Which famous Rabbonim descended from Geirim (Converts)?

Q 1. (Toldos Tannaim V’Amoraim) s On Tisha B’Av night, after hearing the Meraglim’s (spies) evil report, the Why don’t we lift up our hands while we daven? e

69 . Jews cried that they did not want to go to Eretz Yisroel. This was a big 2. Surely, it would make our tefillah much more dramatic, l contrast to Moshe Rabbeinu who, in Parshas V’eschanan, wished to enter Eretz ? d emotion-stirring and passionate!

Yisroel. d

(Eicha 3:41, Berachos 16b, Yisroel Torah, Rabbi Akiva Eiger Yorah Deah 89-1) i The Jewish soldiers felt bad that they did not protest the immorality of 70 . Zimri. Pinchos was a hero who protested and saved the day. Now after the R war against Midyan, they wanted to bring korbanos to atone for their passiveness & &

! of not having protested that . "!h,tmnu h,gdh" s

(“I worked on these questions, n and I found these answers!”) o i t

Many of our greatest Rabbonim were descendants of converts! It is no wonder s

1. why Hashem frequently warns us to be sensitive to the feelings of Geirim. You e

never know which ‘jew ’els will come from them. Surely, Hashem rewards their self- u sacrifice with great distinction. The first Ger was Avrohom Avinu. He was the first ( official Jew! (Before him, Adam, , Shem, Ever, Chanoch, Mesushelach etc. were Q “unofficial Jews.” That’s how I explain it to my children and students. ) A few Tannaim Dedicated by that either descended from Geirim, or were Geirim themselves, included Shemaya and MR. & MRS. JOEY CHEHABER and Family Avtalyon, Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Meir, Onkelos, and Rabbi Yochanan ben Torta. Even Malchus Beis Dovid , Rav Yehuda HaNasi, and Moshiach all descend from the convert, and by Rus Hamoaviah . MR. & MRS. JOEY SHAMES and Family Really, we should lift our hands heavenward in prayer. The Gemara praises such 2. an act of devotion to Hashem . However, since many people sin with their hands ( (such as by stealing), it is better not to lift those hands up after all. The can use them against the one praying, and no one wants any kateigor (prosecutor) to disrupt their tefillos .

392 Torah Show’s Questions & Riddles Va’eschanon lhbck o,bbau ceg ,arp 393