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MainOpEds  Parshat Shekalim: Passion personificationIn Parshat Shekalim, which we will read this Shabbat IY”H, Hashem instructs Moshe on how to be a Jewish census taker. And transmits a symbolic lesson about passion in mitzvah observance. Passionate performance in Parashat ShemotWhen we want to validate another, let’s give him our full encouragement. After all, our words can have a great impact on another.Architecting an abode: VayetzeiOur Sages note that the word hamakom/the place refers thoughout the Tanach to the holy place where the Beit Hamikdosh will be built, where we will pray and establish our relationship with Hakodosh Boruch Hu.Title transferenceAvraham Avinu provided an alternate path to war, the path of negotiating with other nations who will not recognize our foothold on the Land, but would be willing to serve their own interests through negotiation.Parashat Noach: Incredible initiativeThe actions of Noach’s three sons and Noach’s reaction to each give us insight into our own lives and into how our service to Hashem differs from the service of other nations. Elul: Incredible investmentWe have to open the door -Chesed and tzedakah are intimately related. When you interact with others this way, Hashem will view you as well with a generous eye. Splitting the song: Hallel, Nishmat and Shirat HayamThis article talks about Hallel read in two parts at the Seder, and said while skipping two parts after the first day of the holiday, but it also deals with Shirat Hayam, the song at the splitting of the Reed Sea, said on the last day. Fervent fire: Parashat ShminiNadav and Avihu were true servants of Hashem, writes the Sefas Emes. A true servant intuits the will and needs of his master even before being told. They did not understand that they need to wait for Hashem’s command. Purim: Fasting, petition and perspectiveWhy do we observe the fast on the day before Purim? Legitimizing liesWhile most of us are aware that it is forbidden to speak loshon horo (and almost everyone nevertheless sometimes falters in this area), many are unaware that it is forbidden to listen to loshon horo and accept it as fact. Vayechi: Core connectionJacob's words to his eldesr Reuven seem to be more of a rebuke and a punishment than a blessing. What had Reuven done to warrant this rebuke?Visceral visionWhile it is noble to try to squelch the call of the yetzer horo, the struggle is not winnable without tangible effort that takes the effort from the theoretical to the practical. Recognition and Rejoicing on PesachShould we not continually praise Hashem for the miracles He has done for our ancestors, since that good continues to affect our lives? Looking back at the Seder. Introspective inspiration: Parsha ParaParshat Parah is meant not to rectify a particular sin so much as it is meant to rectify the idea of sin, the idea of throwing off the yoke of Heaven, writes Rav Dessler z”l. Vaera: Stupendous supplicationWhile Parshat Shemot sets the stage for the redemption and introduces us to all the players in the drama, the actual process of redemption begins in Parshat Va'eira. Lech :Lecha: The mysterious marchBy not knowing his destination in advance, Avraham had to rely completely on Hashem every step of the way, a process that furthered his humility. Pondering the SukkahThe two historical reasons for Sukkot are connected. Victorious vision:Yom KippurWhat are "prying eyes?" Vayelech: Glorious gatheringBringing hakhel into the Jewish home. Ki Tavo: Continuous compassionWe most clearly demonstrate our attachment to Hashem through following in His ways, through acts of chesed.The five daughters:: Parshat PinchasThey taught us to think about perpetuity. Pesach: Omnipresence and OnenessJust as it was Hashem Who took us out of Egypt, so it is Hashem Who controls every aspect of our lives. Joseph and Hanukkah: Images of inspirationJoseph was tempted, his father's image came to the rescue. After the Flood: The lion's lessonLife is about serving others and dedicating oneself completely to this service. Emor (Diaspora): Omer OnenessEvery day, with each count, as we physically stand when we recite the bracha, we separate further from the lower elements of our being and rise upward. Returning to roots at the Pesach SederRabbi Twersky: “God created man and dictates how man should behave. In idolatry, man creates his own gods and dictates to them to tell him what he wishes to hear.” This includes all the isms we use to excuse our improper behavior. Rejuvenation of relationships: Parshat HachodeshIn the beginning Hashem created the world for everyone. But He charged us with teaching other nations that the world is not just a physical entity, but that it is infused with a spiritual soul. For Parshat Para: Purifying passionIt is during this time, from Purim to Pesach, that Hashem comes down to purify us. The poor on PurimThere are all kinds of ways to gift the poor in addition to the halakhic definition on Purim.Remembrance: Symbolism and laws of Parshat ZachorRecognition, respect and repentance. Parshat Shekalim: First of fourIt is just a half shekel, but its symbolism is priceless. Tetzaveh: Revealing the revealedThat Hashem desires our participation in the relationship with Him is the greatest gift He can give us.Broadened blessingsWhen Hashem does you a favor and you feel His presence and providence, you need to immediately let that praise and blessing burst forth spontaneously.Transcendental trioHow to fight Amalek. Parshat Bo: Loyal legionsIt is not easy to be a soldier in any army.Wondrous watching: Miriam's roleMiriam stood by to watch her little brother in the Nile. Her reward was great. Reuven's returnA great deal can be learned from Reuven's part in the sale of Joseph. Vayishlach: Angelic AmbassadorWhy were Jacob's ambassadors angels? Architect of the ArkNoach had to push himself beyond his natural endurance to continue building the Ark. The Three Weeks: Breaking BarriersDuring the three weeks a person can achieve the same level of forgiveness as on Yom Kippur by working on his inner life.Indulgence and IntellectA mitzva we cannot understand, but from which many lessons can be drawn. Rehabilitation and ReframingDiscussing two difficult questions regarding the punishment for the sin of the spies. A Divinely Directed ShidduchWas Eliezer's request from G-d improper? Purim is an Everlasting ExperienceWhy is Purim is the only holiday the Talmud says will remain after the Redemption. Childhood in Our SoulsThe Cherubim are symbols of things we can learn from childhood. Shemot: Distance and DenialHow can it be that they did not remember Joseph? Vayechi: Supremacy and SupplicationGreatness does not have to mean arrogance. The Fifth FireFocusing on the fifth night of Hanukkah, the night when the light begins to overpower the darkness, and shed some of the Hanukkah light on the deeper significance of this day.Recognizing GreatnessWhat greatness really means and how to comprehend it.Noah as an EnigmaA study of Noah's level of faith - and ours. The Ushpizin: Exalted Entourage in our SukkahOn what is the custom of inviting seven special guests to the Sukkah based?Elul - Solidarity and SensitivityFor the month of Teshuva, repentance. Tu B'Av (15th of Av): Coming Full CircleThe reasons for Tu B'Av. The Three Weeks: Reality of RedemptionHashem wants us to yearn for the perfected world where pain and suffering will be unnecessary. Shlach: Gigantic GoodnessIt all depends on how you see the world Hashem created.Accepting the Torah: Our Soul's Dialogue with Its MakerEvery year we reaccept the Torah as we did at Sinai even if we are not cognizant of our soul’s dialogue with its Maker, and every year we are credited anew with that acceptance. |
