KKiinnddeerr TToorraahh © P a r a s h a s K i S a v o Oy, I Need to Learn More He may have Pray For Others learned a lot, but there is so, so much more to learn. There “C lass, we have a special treat to- are so many sugyas (subjects); each one “A nd you will answer and you will day. A very big talmid chochom will be of which contains a myriad of explana- say before Hashem your G-d, ‘[Lavan the] coming to speak to us. When he finishes, tions, interpretations, halachos, and min- Aramean sought to destroy my father’” you may ask him any questions that you hagim. A person has to feel distressed. (Devarim 26:5). This is the beginning of like.” ‘Oy, there is so much Torah that I do not the declaration made upon bringing the “Wow, Rebbe. What a privilege! We are know! Oy, I need to learn more! More bikurim (first fruits) to the Beis HaMik- fortunate enough to hear a talmid cho- and more and more!’ A person’s worry dash (Holy Temple). Rav Zalman Sorotz- chom speak and will be able to ask him about his lack of Torah knowledge com- kin zt”l points out that the Kohen (who questions.” pels him to complete each sugya. He will accepts the fruit offering) does not speak “Boruch Hashem, class, you have this not rest until he learns all of the different on behalf of the one who brought the unique opportunity.” interpretations of the Gemora. Then he bikurim. Rather, each and every Jew is A short while later, the Rav enters the goes on to the later explanations and able to speak directly to the G-d of room. Everyone stands up, giving him the learns the halacha. Mishnayos, Tanach, Heaven and Earth, without any interme- proper kovod (honor). He begins to mussar, are all included in his study. He diary. Hashem listens to his prayers. speak. does not and will not stop. Why? Because he is lacking. No one can rest when he R av Sorotzkin continues to explain “Young men, I would like to thank your feels that he is lacking something essential. that with each additional prayer, Hashem Rebbe for inviting me here to be with brings Himself closer and closer to the you today. It is a real privilege for me to “T herefore, young men, I want to worshipper. This concept is reflected in speak to a class of such fine students. I give you a big blessing. You should al- the prayer that we say three times, each would like to discuss with you the ways feel pain over your lack of Torah time in a different order. “I look towards parashas ha’shavuah. Our Holy Torah knowledge. The Torah that you do not Your salvation, Hashem.” “Towards You, states, ‘Moshe and the Kohanim, the know should bother you. With this moti- Hashem, I look for Your salvation.” Leviim, spoke to all Israel, saying: “Listen vation, you will always find yourself in “Hashem, I look forward to Your salva- carefully, and hear, O Israel; this day you the Beis HaMedrash learning, learning, tion.” The first time we say Hashem’s have become a people to Hashem, your and learning. May each and every one of name at the end of the prayer, then in G-d”’ (Devarim 27:9). The Gemora (Bro- you become great talmidei chachomim!” the middle of the prayer, and finally at chos 63b) darshens the word ‘haskes’ “Amen!” the beginning. Each time, the Divine Pres- (listen carefully) to mean ‘koses’ (crush ence draws Himself closer to us, and we yourself). Raish Lokish relates that the pronounce His name sooner. words of Torah are only established within one who ‘kills’ (crushes) himself Kinderlach . (so to speak) to learn Torah. Hashem listens to you. Just think about that. The most powerful Being in the uni- “H ow do we understand this? Of verse, the One Who created heaven and course, we do not literally kill ourselves earth, listens to every word that you say to in our learning. Rather, we beat down Him. What shall we say to Hashem during our attraction to physical delights. Both these days of Elul? Rav Noson Meir the Rambam (Talmud Torah 3:12) and Wachtfogel, zt”l, suggests that we pray on the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 246:21) behalf of other Jews. Do you know some- cite this Gemora amongst their halachos Kinderlach . one who is sick? Pray for his refuah she- of Talmud Torah. The Torah learned by When someone lacks food, he is hungry. layma (complete recovery). Pray for the one who pampers his body with food He cannot get accustomed to the feeling, poor man, the widow, and the orphan. and comforts will not be eternal. Rather, because his stomach will not allow it. He All need Hashem’s mercy. Praying for great physical sacrifice is required for last- must search and search until he finds food. someone else accomplishes many things. It ing Torah learning. Young men, if you Only then will he be satisfied. If someone helps you love the other person, and feel want to truly acquire the Torah that you is in pain he searches and searches until he for him. This increases unity among the learn, you must give up the excess food, finds a medicine to relieve his pain. He Jewish People. These are all things that we drink, and sleep that you do not need. will not let up, because the pain bothers are working on during the month of Elul. Then your mind and body will be free him. The Medrash Shmuel says that a per- Pray for others. Strengthen the connection and clear to allow the Torah to be ab- son’s lack of Torah knowledge should between Hashem and His people. sorbed into your heart and soul. pain him. There is so much that he does not know! He must relieve this pain! “T hat is the first requirement. The Parasha Questions: How? By learning, learning, and learning. • Medrash Shmuel on Pirkei Avos (3:6) That is the medicine. If we think like this, What happens to one who gives bad adds another dimension to acquiring To- advice? (27:18 and Rashi) kinderlach, then we will acquire much • rah. Shlomo HaMelech states, ‘For with Torah knowledge. “Oy, I need to learn Why did all of these curses come upon much wisdom comes much grief; and he more!” Great storehouses of wisdom will us? (28:47 and Rashi) • who increases knowledge increases pain be ours. Why did Hashem perform all of the (Koheles 1:18).’ One who wants to in- miracles in the Midbar? (29:5) crease his Torah knowledge must feel pained that he is lacking in his learning. 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