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Monday, November 18, 2013

[DRASHOS] Vayeitzey

1st early shabbos - change clock. Got text miracle if make it to ess.. Truthfully every yid is miraculous that we were able to make shabbos.
I always thought friday's height of tirdos olam hazeh & arrival of shabbos are coincidental....
Vayeilech charanah. Yehuda's Rebbi asked let it say l'charan? Answered (chassidish) he had k'fitzas derech so vayilech charan to yakov!
Sound s cute. But y reuvaini brings from asara mamaros (rma mipanu) yakov instituted maariv. Tefiah is mechper like korbon & korbon atones - v'chiper b'ad beiso ub'ad kol yisrael. Can't institute tefilah without bayis. - HE WENT TO CHARAN SAW RACHEL & CAME BACK & INSTITUTED MA'ARIV.

even though tefilah requires DISENGAGEMENT from tirdos. so much so that the Rambam says 3days back from business trip patur from tefilah, however ones family is not tirdah to diengage from ad'raba - a shliach tzibur is supposed to be married & with a family to support. This is a t'nai for tefilah!

so when it comes to shabbos we have to learn how to disengage from olam hazeh complete detachment. vayisa yakov raglav - slonim. But taking care of family is not a tirda. Its a tnai for the sha'ar hashamayim

Vayisa yakov raglav

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Posted By KH to DRASHOS at 11/18/2013 03:58:00 PM

[DRASHOS] Vayishlach

What caused vateitzei dina? tanchuma can lady go out w ir zahav? Mahril shaichis? answers yakov gave dinah ir zahav of sh'chem & she went to see b'vnos ha'aretz the buildings of the land if it matched!
Ir zahav is tachshit of prime srarah - chashivus.

Gra gaavah 1/8 pasuk 1/8 parsha katonti

we see theme - avoiding gavah.

Y. Shmoni right bef. Dinah - yakov made mizbeach & called 'Eil' - Hashem said srarah? - watch what will happen to your own daughter!

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Posted By KH to DRASHOS at 11/18/2013 03:27:00 PM

[DRASHOS] 11/18/2013 03:19:00 PM

Vayeitzei tanchumah yakov X go up scared of fall. -1) Dream! X dream means x goals! 2) X fear failure. Climb! may never fall.

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Posted By KH to DRASHOS at 11/18/2013 03:19:00 PM

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

[Tinsights.....Torah insights] 8/08/2013 01:17:00 AM

A person can change his entire destiny by changing himself into a different person.

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Posted By Ploni to Tinsights.....Torah insights at 8/08/2013 01:17:00 AM

Monday, July 22, 2013

[DRASHOS] Avos 4.3

Rashi, Rambam & R' Yonah learn davar to mean words & all explain (with slightly different nuances) to be careful with other people & with your own or others words not to think they cant harm or help you, as they all have a time or place for being quite useful or harmful to you or others. This seems to be practical advice.

Why are the words 'Buz' & "Sha'ah" used for a person and 'maflig' and 'makom' used for 'devarim'?

The gemara shabbos (which we learned today in ein Yakov) says that either ben zoma or ben Azai says that 'ki zeh kol ha'adam' means the whole world serves as company for the person that is elokim yirah v'es mitzvosav yishmor.
In my unlearned understanding I would say this is the ben Azai of our mishnah. Somehow the entire world of people is needed for this purpose & one person missing would somehow effect the entire setup needed for this.

It is impossisble for the human mind to understand how all of creation is fulfilling one purpose for one individual while at the same time that individual plus the rest of creation somehow is serving ANOTHER individual. And ANOTHER. And ANOTHER. To the extent that each individual may say b'shvili nivra haolam!

The chassid ya'avetz takes this a step further by stating that with the knowledge we have of the Torah being the blueprint of the world, anything found in existance is here by the dictates of its blueprint. Something missing from the world can be likened to a letter missing from a sefer Torah!

The Maharal explains in tandem with what we would have said is the simple understanding of the mishnah. Don't denegrade any person & assume any object to be superfluous as every human is uniquely valuable & irreplacable and every object has a pupose and place in this world. This follows the theme of the last mishanah - also from ben Azai - that one should realoze the great importance of even a 'light' mitzvah.

Expounding on this the Maharal says we learned in gemara that Hashem told Iyov that every hair is nourished from a different source on the scalp & if 2 would draw from the same source there would be devastating effects. If 2 hairs are unique enough to grow from a different source, how much more so would that apply to every completely unique human being! Being so, every person I quite honorable as being thel ONLY person created at the moment (see maharal on this) of his birth. The ONLY person with this exact mazal. The ONLY one with his specific potential & mission. NO ONE can replace him & there can be no substitute for his uniqueness!

The timing of his creation which makes him so distinct demands respect & honor for his unique contribution to the perfection of the world. Therefore the word sha'ah & buz - the lack of require kavod - applies.

An object that exists does not have the same unique value & purpose of a human, but it it exists, it has its place in the world to be here & we should not veiw any item as being superfluous.

The mesilas yesharim (perek 19) warns "dont say 'who am I to pray for the shechinah's galus & the redemtion of klall yisrael? Will it be because of my tefillah - from all the millions - that will bring about the geulah?' For this Chazal teach us the reason why Adam was created alone.
To teach us that this unique value of being 'THE ONLY ONE' still applies to each unique person.

YES! Your tefilah may surprisingly be 'THE ONE' we've all been waiting for. Your one passuk of chumash, one complimentary remark, one act of honesty, smile, kvishas hayetzer, kavod beis haknesses, -YOUR ONE ANYTHING can mean THE WORLD.

Ben Azai

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Posted By KH to DRASHOS at 7/22/2013 09:25:00 AM

Sunday, July 21, 2013

[DRASHOS] Vaeschanan Nachamu

The entire parshah are the WORDS of Moshe Rabinu in muusar or chizuk. There is only one ACT that take place in the parsha - Moshe designates 3 of the later-to-be six arei miklat.

A big part of the nechama is the fact that Hashem is here with us in galus & did nit forsake us to be on our own.

Where is Hashem? - Well, from the first line in Shulchan Aruch we see that Hashem can & should be right in front of you at all times! Shivisi Hashem l'negdi tamid - it is up to the person to bring Hashem to be in right in front of him always!

The biur halacha explains how one can have Hashem before him ALWAYS. Through the Six Constant Mitzvos. This is how we create a place for Hashem to be here right with us 'ein l'Hakadosh Baruch Hu ela daled amos shel halachah'. Not every place is available for Torah but the 6 constants create the opportunity for a constant presence of shechinah anywhere anytime.

It is interesting to note that at least 5 if not all of the six are in this parshah. [Shema contains 4. 'Es Hashem elokecha tira' is the 5th & even lo sasuru the sefe HaChinuch explains to mean not to follow desire without any constructive purpose & he says the same is included in the positive form in the mitzvah of ahavas Hashem.]

The chinuch draws a similarity to these six by using the Six arei miklat as the mnemonic device for the Six mitvos temidios. This represents the safe assylum of holiness that these six mitzvos create in our galus similar to the cities' protective assylum for a rotzeach in galus.

I'd like to extend the similarity to another point.

On the pasuk of v'ahavta es Hashem, Rashi says DO what He says out of love. Why does Rashi here speak about doing mitzvos out of love & fear, if we know the mitzvah is to love Hashem in our hearts, independant of other mitzvos?

I would like to say that just as the 3 arei miklat of eiver l'Yarden would not be effective until all of the six are designated, so too, the first 3 of the six constant mitzvos which are quite theological are actually dependant upon the other threes practical fulfillment. One cannot say he trully fulfilled the belief of Hashem Echad, if it remains just in the heart without practical fruition in action & deed. Here Rashi explains the mitzvah of ahavah & yirah on a practical level.

Nachamu Nachamu...... Let us create a 'room' for Hashem here with us in galus & with that may we merit to return 'home' with the rebuilding of Avinu Malkeinu's palace b'mhairah b'yameinu.

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Posted By KH to DRASHOS at 7/21/2013 09:11:00 PM

Thursday, July 11, 2013

[DRASHOS] Avos 1.3

Antignos Ish Socho was used to saying Don't be like a slave who serves al m'nas l'kabel pras.....
What is the connection to the mishnah earlier, that the world stands on Torah Avodah & Gemilus Chassasim?

'AL' is a very prohibitive language which seems out of place in Avos?
If it is prohibited, then we must make sure we're not transgressing it... Aren't we all serving for reward or at least using the reward punishment system as a powerful incentive? - Isn't that what the Torah writes about all over? - How can Antignos prohibit it?

It doesn't say "Al ta'avod" describing the act, rather a long lashon of 'al tihiyu k'avodim' describing the person?

It says al mnas as opposed to 'k'deiy l'kabel...' ?

Why 'Avodim hamishamshim' as opposed to 'ha'ovdim'?

What is the meaning of 'pras'?
[It seems like Rashi & Rambam argue, as Rashi uses the wors 'schar' & the Rambam outrightly says it does not mean schar.
However its possible that Rashi means like the Rambam, as follows. Don't serve Hashem for expected payment of taking care of your needs, because in reality that's expecting pras an undeserved gift - because payment doesn't take place in olam hazeh. So the Mishnah uses the term pras according to reality - don't serve expecting a prize.]

Rashi & Rambam both say the point is to serve out of love. Isn't that too lofty of a madreigah to say don't be .... ONLY serve out of love? Also, why is Yir'as shamayim mentioned almost as a side note?

The Mishnah is not saying what to DO, rather who to BE. Don't BE like a slave who serves 'al mnas' conditionally. So perhaps this doesn't really apply to us as none of use would say I'm a frum Jew on condition that things work out well for me. We're way ahead of that! Is Antignos coming to teach basics or 'mili d'chassidus'?

We are not talking about the eved's avodah. Rather the eved's 'simush'. shimush is very diferent from avodah. Avodah refers to hard work that is profit oriented & impersonal. Shimush is a personal service & is usually more delicate. This is perhaps chassidus, that MUST be out of love. So even if general avodah mei'ahavah is not everyone's level, regarding 'shimush' it is integral. It is also more readily assumed that if I am doing extra than I should get 'brownie points' - not pay, but a pras. Also it is more probable for the 'al m'nas' to apply, as one may do extra conditionally to be treated extra special in response.

In this regard perhaps the mishnayos flow from what the spiritual energy the world at large exists upon. Then the spiritual existance of man. Then how to express & spread that to the world - through a proper home (see maharal on next mishnah).

However the Chassid Ya'avetz says the next 2 mishnayos explain 'al haTorah & al Gemilus Chassadim'. This mishnah describes the pillar of avodah - tefilah.
As above, this is not telling us how to actually daven but our character & approach - who we are when we daven.

'Tefilah tzorech gavoah' in a certain regard tefilah is more of 'service' to the 'eibeshter' than all mitzvos, as they are all self serving to develop ourselves. Tefilah is avodas halev so requiring an emotion whether of love or yir'ah is not a 'madreigah' rather it is intrinsic to what tefilah is.
This is certainly a form of avodah which is quite common to be 'conditional'. Although we understand that not all we ask for is best for us, there is a common expectation for things to be better if we 'daven good'. This is true to the point that a tremendousiy laxed mannerism is prevelant with tefilah because it is 'al m'nas' & 'results' are not noticed enough to fulfil the 'condition'.

For this Antignos warns prohibitively DONT BE LIKE A SERVANT WHO SERVES HIS MASTER CONDITIONAL ON RECEIVING.... That would truthfully redefine tefilah to be self-serving! This is not just midas chassidus, but the definition of what tefilah is. - An Eved serving his Master selflessly.

What a new perspective on prayer!

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Posted By KH to DRASHOS at 7/11/2013 08:21:00 PM

[Tinsights.....Torah insights] 7/11/2013 10:37:00 AM

One who talks business during prayer, may have to pray during business.

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Posted By Ploni to Tinsights.....Torah insights at 7/11/2013 10:37:00 AM

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

[DRASHOS] Avos 3.19

Hakol l'fi rov maaseh.

Its all in the numbers. But its knowing how to decipher the numbers is in itself a chochmah. Let's take a look at the simple rule of following the 'Rov' - the majority.

Rambam explains that its not one big deed that defines one's character, rather through many minor deeds a person develops accordingly.
Rashi says if one has a majority of merits he is a tzaddik etc.

Sounds nice & simple. We may even feel somewhat smug before elul & rosh hashanah as the Rambam too write in hilchos teshuvah that the judgement is based on majority. However, totally contrary to our initial understanding, this is quite a 'rough' & demanding Mishnah.

The gemarah in kedushin 39b states that one who has a majority of mitzvos will be judged for his sins in this world. (This is based on schar mitzvah b'hai alma leka which the Rambam paskens like.)

A Tzaddik who is Rov mitzvos is a tzaddik, BUT WOE TO HIM! A tzaddik who does not eradicate his minority of sins, with proper teshuvah is due for harsh times ahead r"l! This mishnah is comforting that just by a majority one is a tzaddik & he's 'on Hashem's good side (k'vayochal)' so he will have a pristine olam habah, but it certainly should not provide a feeling of complacency! If anything this should be a wake up call before we are judged for next year's success. The minority may not define the whole, but at least in this case it is not 'batul b'rov'. If it is there we must do our part to erase it.

Following the majority is wonderful to define someone as a tzaddik. But don't be fooled by the numbers.

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Posted By KH to DRASHOS at 7/09/2013 07:16:00 AM

Monday, July 8, 2013

[Tinsights.....Torah insights] 7/08/2013 11:13:00 PM

When potential love ofr others is ignored, one may lose his subjects of most potential.

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Posted By Ploni to Tinsights.....Torah insights at 7/08/2013 11:13:00 PM

[Tinsights.....Torah insights] 7/08/2013 11:13:00 PM

When potential love ofr others is ignored, one may lose his subjects of most potential.

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Posted By Ploni to Tinsights.....Torah insights at 7/08/2013 11:13:00 PM

Sunday, July 7, 2013

[Tinsights.....Torah insights] 7/07/2013 06:14:00 PM

Only ONE man was created. Now as well, every human's uniqueness makes him a very important ONLY ONE.

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Posted By Ploni to Tinsights.....Torah insights at 7/07/2013 06:14:00 PM

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Fwd: [DRASHOS] Pinchas

Hinini nosein lo es brisi shalom.
The medrash says that higiah hasha'ah litol s'charo - The time has come for Pinchas to get rewarded.
Many ask how this is possible if s'char mitzvah b'hai alma lekka?

The darchei mussar gives a novel answer.

One of the reasons that one cannot demand s'char in this world is because schar mitzvah mitzvah - the actual opportunity to serve the master of the universe is already such a joy how can one ask to be paid as well! We are am m'duchnei oneg - if we do mitzvos mindfully we a nation that is engorged with pleasure! The people of the world who spend all their time seeking more & more earthly pleasures, are starved from a truly satisfying pleasure we have in our avodas Hashem.

There is one time where even if one is doing the right thing it is conditional upon having zero pleasure from it whatsoever. When one must put another Jew down - even rightfully so, such as lashon hora for toeles or even a beis din exacting punishment, there must be absolutely no pleasure derived from causing pain or the downfall of another yid.

Therefore, Pinchas, even in doing this incredible act of Kiddush Hashem & calming the anger of Hashem upon the Jews & stopping the plague, had to have had absolutely no pleasure in doing so! Kana'us even when praised & applauded by all, cannot bring the mikaneh any joy in doing so.

Since Pinchas had no pleasure in this avodas Hashem, the time has come for him to paid.

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Posted By Dovi milstein to DRASHOS at 7/03/2013 08:43:00 PM

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

[KollelH blog] kollelh mashgiach shiur

A MODIFIED PRESENTATION MASHGIACH'S PRE SHAVUOS SHIUR AT KOLLELH

As we approach shavuos we ask how does Torah relate to ME or how can I
better relate to the Torah.

We will delve a bit into how the Torah truly (should) relates to a
person on a very, real, deeply individual level.

There is a very widespread impression (quite pronounced recently by
the Israeli Gov.) of Talmidei Chachamim as being "parasites".

This not a new phenomena. The gemara sanhedrin (99b) says that an
apikores is one who claims "mai ahani lan Rabbanan, L'didhu kari..." -
"What service do the rabbis do for us, for THEMSELVES they study!" The
gemara says this notion is actually against pessukim -"Im lo brisi
yomam valayla....& v'nasasi es kol hamakom.... - which tell us that
Torah study holds up the world & can save complete cities of sinners!

This gemara clearly teaches that Torah is not self serving, rather it
is a communal and even universal service.

This seems quite contradictory to the famous Gemara (Pesachim )about
R' Yosi's festive spirit on shavuos. As Rashi explains "I lav hai
yoma, kamma Yosi ika b'shuk" - "If not for Torah which raises me, i'd
be no different than the common Yosi."
All of humanity seeks individuality. Some feel it in their dress, some
in their car etc. These are quite shallow forms of one's unique
identity. R' Yosi was joyous in the true individuality that the Torah
brought out in himself.
Similarly, R' Sheishes would tell himself to be happy, because "lach
kra'i, lach tana'i" - "for yourself you have learned."

These stories seem to validate the 'selfish' impression the world has
of Talmidei Chachamim and seems to contradict the earlier gemara that
says torah study is a service to the world!

However the gemara itself answers, that although Torah study provides
sustenance to the entire world, "me'ikra linafshei" - the root of it
is for the person himself.

This needs explanation.

Yavo gemara shlishi L'hachri'a beineihem.... the gemara (shabbos 114a
) considers a stain on one side of a cloth a chatzitza for 'bano'im' -
Builders, which refers to Talmidei Chachamim, who, are busy building
the world all their lives.

In davening we say don't call them banayich - children of Hashem, -
rather Bonayich - Hashem's builders. What's wrong with the title
'children of Hashem'? Is that not complimentary enough?
It must be that "BUILDER" is the truer essence of the Talmid Chacham.

We can see that they build in their later years as they guide & lead
klall yisrael. But how can the gemara say they build the world "all
their lives"?!

R' Wolbe z"l answers, through Torah they Build themselves. That self
construction is what eventually builds the world.

Let me explain with an anecdote from the life of R' Wolbe himself.
When attending a conference of Rabbanim, he spent valuable time
beforehand, reading the 'program'. He explained that he was doing a
self analysis of which negative traits would be aroused when ploni
speaks on this topic & ploni on that topic. "You may ask" he'd say,
"that's nice but we're not here for that, didn't we come to solve
issues of the klall? However, let me assure you the convention in its
entirety will greatly gain from this."

The studying of Torah must relate to the real YOU. If studied
properly, it will reveal your true unique individuality, to work on,
improve and build. Only when the Torah talks to you personally, to
invoke change and development on a personal level, purifying the
negative traits, the self centeredness, and the ego, will it allow you
to build the world. It is through the personel building of character
that builds the world.

So it is true "lach kra'i, lach tana'i" the learning definitely builds
the learner. But not in a selfish, egoistic way, rather the whole
'self' building is actually for the improvement of the world at
large.

Talmidei Chachamim build the world, but every Jew is a builder as
well. Building families, - we wish a new couple that his marriage
should be a binyan adei ad and they should build a bayis ne'eman.

How many Shalom Bayis issues would not exist if only we would be
building ourselves! Working on our own 'structure' of tikkun middos
would so much help the building of a strong healthy family!

The alter of Novardik said, before he began learning mussar he used to
blame the world. Once he began mussar he shared the blame with himself
as well. "Now," he said, "I take all the blame and I see the world
favorably."

That self critique and analysis which the Torah draws out in the
individual is what allows one to truly build the world around him. Woe
is to the Israeli govt. officials who accuse the builders of the world
of being selfish. One day when they are audited for all the money they
mishandled etc. that it will be clear that "b'mumo pasal" all their
'building' of the land was for their own selfish wealth, power, or
re-election.

The Torah talks to us if we delve into it honestly and steadily. It
will reveal in ourselves our true essence, our nature, our desires,
our hopes, our faults…. We must be open to it and listen well always
checking if we are up to par with what we just learned.
With the proper "lach kra'i, lach tana'i" we can build our marriages,
families, communities, and eventually the whole world.

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Posted By KH to KollelH blog at 5/14/2013 03:07:00 AM

Saturday, May 11, 2013

[KollelH blog] Bamidbar

The Ramban asks why there was a mitzvah to count & more specifically, why the detail count?
He answers that for each person to be seen & introduced to Moshe avi hanevi'im & Aharon k'dosh Hashem, for them to place their eyes upon them with good will, this would be a zechus & source of life & blessing.... Etc.

We must realize, that these individuals, just about a year before, stood before G-D himself & heard Hashem's voice talking to them at har sinai. Wasn't that enough of a z'chus & source of blessing & life? - Imagine our children would come home one day with a direct prophcy from G-D, - Can there be anything better than that?!

The very clear message we see here is that THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS ENOUGH IN RUCHNIYUS! Especially with regard to one's hopes for his childrens' growth in spirituality. "EPPES MEHR" more & more whatever more we can hope for we must attempt.

Another thing to note, is that we're not talking about little boys being nudged by their young dreamy idealistic fathers. The youngsters in the count were 20yrs old! Chinuch doesn't stop at bar mitzvah & our aspirations for growth doesn't just apply to our kids. Its lifelong. We should continue looking out for opportunities of more kedusha, more brachah, more growth in yir'as shamayim, for our children AND ouselves as long as we're here.

In these areas there should never be enough.

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Posted By KH to KollelH blog at 5/12/2013 12:49:00 AM

Thursday, May 9, 2013

[KollelH blog] Sun. night shiur

THIS SUNDAY NIGHT

COME HEAR

הר''הג ר' עזריאל ארלנגר שליטא

HaRav Ezriel Erlanger
משגיח ישיבת מיר



MATTAN TORAH
&
YOU

(IN ENGLISH)



@
9:30pm FOLLOWED BY MA'ARIV
@
KOLLEL HASHECHUNAH 1228 E 34TH ST

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Posted By KH to KollelH blog at 5/10/2013 02:34:00 AM

Monday, April 29, 2013

[KollelH blog] crowns of Torah and Shem tov

The Rambam in perek 3 of hilchos talmud torah details a list of
requirements for one who desires to acquire the crown of Torah. These
are different halachos not required by the actual mitzvah of talmud
torah.

What is the purpose of this crown? Who needs a crown? Is it just a way
of enticing someone to exert more effort in his learning? Is there any
concrete difference between a talmid chochom who has the crown & one
who does not?

In pirkei avos we find the mishnah making enough of an issue of the
crowns to enumerate how many crowns exist. Obviously this is not just
a way to encourage dedication to a good cause, as that would allow us
to say there are as many crowns as there are mitzvos! So what is
special about the limited 3 that are counted?

Rashi explains the source of these 3 crowns come from a remez in the
klei mishkan, where we find 3 keilim that had a zer saviv.

The maharal goes into great detail explaining the crowns' measurements
associated to the kinyanim needed for these crowns.
(mizbeach 1amah by 1 ama - 6x4 sides =24. Aron 1.5 x 2.5 - 15 +15
+9+9=48 shulchan use height 1x2 =12 & W 1.5 x2 =18 =30)

Where's keser shem tov in the mishkan? & why is it not counted as a 4th crown?

Rashi, & R' Yonah - learn that there is no such thing as a kesser shem
tov being its own crown. Rather it comes with the proper dedication to
the mission of the other 3.

This needs explanation.

A kesser is also called a nezer, or, as with the klei mishkan, a zer.
Its purpose is to set apart & estrange others from the elevated status
of the wearer.

The crowns described in the mishnah are not just trophies or 'rewards
for excellence' which can be applied to any mitzvah. Rather they are
definitive of a specifically defined level of dedication to
specifically these three missions. This explains the fact that there
are 3 crowns & no more. In all other mitzvos and occupations there is
no recommendation to be tied to that mitzvah to the extent that it
would affect one's social relationships. On the contrary, the torah
regards social relationships very highly. As the mishnah states L'olam
y'hei da'ato shel adam me'urav im habrios. eizeh hu derech
yesharah...tiferes lo min ha'adam. However, with regards to these
three missions, the tanna informs us that although one is not required
to go so far for these mitzvos, still, the extra dedication is
commendable and encouraged. The crown associated with Torah, Kehunah,
and Malchus, is worn by one who has experienced some level of
detachment from normal social life due to his dedication to these
mitzvos. He has set himself apart from the crowd in giving prime
importance to the mission at hand. Only in these three areas of avodah
is such a separation acceptable and even praised. Hence, the crowns
have a definitive meaning and they are specifically available only by
way of three clearly defined achievements.

A tremendous chidush comes to light with this understanding. One would
assume that the socially limiting dedication described here, would
naturally cause a breakdown in peoples' appreciation for the
'dedicated individual'. We would think that such a person would not
posses "tiferes lo min ha'adam" and he would certainly not be as well
liked as his peers. For this the Tanna informs us a great chidush.
Through his dedication to these three missions he will BE CROWNED AS
WELL WITH A KESSER SHEM TOV!!! True, he will have set himself
somewhat apart, but not in a negative way, rather in glory! He will
not be disliked, he will be admired! This is one amazing chidush of
our mishnah.

There is another valuable insight the mishnah teaches us here.

The only way one would attempt to achieve an elevated status of shem
tov on its own, would have to be through complete selflessness on
behalf of others. Intrinsically that cannot set him APART, rather that
unifies him with the public to the extent that he is an 'ish klall'.
While this is certainly worthy of a glorious crown no less than the
others, by nature it is impossible for there to be a kesser that
separates him from others.

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Posted By KH to KollelH blog at 4/30/2013 12:47:00 AM

[KollelH blog] talmidei r' akiva sefiras omer

In Yevamos 52b we learn about the tragic story of talmidei R' Akiva that was
due to the fact that 'lo nahagu kavod zeh lazeh? - They did not act
with honor one to another.

The Maharsha says that they verbally degraded each other & therefore
their punishment was a fatal condition associated with the mouth.
While this explains what they did wrong & the midah k'neged midah,
however the lashon of the gemara - shelo nahagu kavod - does not seem
to be a positive act of degradation, rather what they did NOT do -
shev v'al tasseh.

The untimely death of twenty four thousand torah students because of
what seems to be just a deficiency in some midas chassidus is quite
perplexing and requires study.

The gemara (kiddushin 39b) relates the story of the unnatural death of
a son who went up a tree to do shiluach hakein & bring a bird for his
father. The gemara provides a possibilty for his mid-mitzvah tragedy
because he may have sinned with thoughts of avodah zarah while doing
the mitzvah.
The Dibros Moshe states that the gemarah could not attribute his
unnatural death to improper thoughts of women, for although the
prohibition against it is d'oraisah, it still would not result in such
a death.

Similarly, from the fact the talmidei R? Akiva died the bitter &
unnatural death of ask'ra, it seems not to have been due to a lack of
midas chassidus. (One may argue on the comparison from a typical boy
to an expected level of chassidus of talmidei R? Akiva.)

The Maharsha (& others with different nuances - mishnas R? Aharon,
michtav meEliyah, maharal) learn this as a problem
in the kavod haTorah of each other. However the general 'velt? seems
to learn as the Iyun Yakov notes, that this is a story of lack of
simple bein adam l'chaveiro. Yet from the severity of punishment it
appears as a real transgression of
some issur min hadin. If this is so, it requires understanding as from
where do we find a real chiyuv of kavod to another equal Jew (not
because of his Torah) who is not a parent, Rebbi, or elder?

The gemara shabbos 31a relates the incident with the ger who ask to
learn all of Torah on one foot. Regarding the well-known response of
Hillel "mai d'alach sani l'chavrach lo savid? the maharsha points out
that this was said in the negative rather than positive form - love
your friend as yourself, because truthfully, in the positive, it's not
required to love another as much as one's self rather 'chayecha
kodmim'.
Similarly, the Ramban on the passuk ve'ahavta l'reyacha kamocha
(kedoshim 19.18) says that one is not required, NOR CAPABLE, of loving
another equally with himself. However the Ramban states that although
we can't love another as much as ourselves, we are commanded against
specifically wanting another to have LESS than ourselves. What's
amazing from this Ramban is even though if you're not doing or wishing
you friend any HARM - just less massive wealth, wisdom, or blessing
than yourself, it is already transgressing this mitzvah.
The maharsha may still hold that one is able to love that much, but
definitely not commanded to do so actively. This leaves room perhaps
for the literal positive form of the passuk to be a chiyuv in the
heart and 'chayecha kodmin in ma'aseh.

On a side note, it appears from the gemara yevamos 61a that with
regards to one's wife we are capable of completely equal ahava (and
perhaps then required so as well) which goes in tandem with the fact
of ishto k'gufo ? she IS like yourself. R? Avraham Gurwitz in Toras
Avraham on Rambam Yesodi HaTorah & De'os suggests that regarding one's
wife there might not be a din of chayecha kodmin at all, as she must
be treated totally kamocha. It is interesting that one is also
encouraged to honor his wife more than himself. This may be due to the
fact that since ishto k'gufo, unless one shows a distinction between
his own honor and that of his wive's, it would be rendered self love
and he has not fulfilled the requirement of v'ahavta l'reyacha kamocha
in her. Certainly this distinction cannot be in the form of less
honor as that would transgress the general chiyuv of kamocha as
metioned by the Ramban above.

Please note the Rambam in Sefer HaMitzvos assay 206 & in hilchos de'os
6.3 seems to hold that one is capable & required
to have complete equal love for another without any limitations. The
Rambam would have to say that chayecha kodmin only applies to acts &
deeds, but the actual love & good will towards another must be equal
to oneself.

Based on the Ramban and above Maharsha (and many other classic
rishonim and achronim), we may conclude as follows. The equal love of
'kamocha? required by the Torah, is not to allow oneself priority over
his friend by treating or even FEELING towards the other any more
NEGATIVELY than toward yourself.

The question remains what kavod was demanded of talmidei R? Akiva min
hadin, that is associated with the mouth and yet that was not
fulfilled b'shev v'al ta'aseh?

Kavod takes on many forms and has various expressions. Standing up for
Talmidei Chachomim, preparing food, clothing, and escorting parents in
or out. Dressing and eating differently than normal is kavod chol
hamoed as brought by R? Yonah in Avos.

R? Shlomo Wolbe in alei shur offers an enlightening definition of the
word Kavod. It may well be 'substantial'. Kaved means
heavy, meaning containing more mass/substance. (Accordingly, kaved
rosh as opposed
to kalus rosh is a mind that is either heavy with substancial thought
or light without
substancial thought.)

There is another thing which I found to be interesting as an example
for kavod, but based on this definition it sheds a great light upon
this sugyah. The mesilas Yeshorim in perek 22 describes deeds of
anavah - humbleness. One of the manners of a humble person, is to
honor others. The prime example of this is "hevei makdim shalom l'chol
adam". At first glance this does not appear to be an act of kavod,
rather a polite manner that enhances human relationships. However, in
truth this may be Kavod in its purest & simplest form. Acting in a way
that REGARDS the SUBSTANTIAL EXISTENCE OF THE OTHER. Although this may
not fit with the classic english definition of the word kavod, however
the Ramchal clearly defines this simple act as kavod.

To understand this a bit deeper, the Maharal regarding the sugyah of
ona'as devarim (baba metziah 58b) explains that the mishnah's first
case of ona'ah is the defining example for what ona'as devarim is.
This is the case of one who asks a merchant for the price of an item
without any intention to buy it. It seems that this is ona'ah even
when the merchant doesn't realize his time time is being wasted. The
Maharal explains that this defines ona'ah, as taking advantage of
another to the point where the victim is degraded - even if just in
the eyes of the offender - to be just an object of entertainment as
opposed to a human of intrinsic value.

Perhaps we can add along these lines, that noticing another Jew and
acting as if he didn't exist, or is less "substantially existent" than
yourself, by ignoring his presence is a direct transgression of
v'ahavta l'reyacha kamocha, as explained by the Ramban. This is the
minimal form of kavod due to any individual - that his existence as a
human with feelings be recognized. Hevai makdim Shalom l'chol adam may
very well be the halachically required, d'oraisah chiyuv, of kavod
that we are all commanded to do for another Jew regardless of his his
age or wisdom. This can be the shev v'al taasaeh lack of kavod that
was required of the talmidei R? Akiva min hadin. This is also a
universal form of kavod performed with the mouth, and hence the
punishment of assk"ra.


Let us all be TALMIDEI CHACHOMIM MARBIM SHALOM BA'OLAM.
----- Original Message -----

From: "dov milstein" <dovmil@gmail.com>
To: dovmil@gmail.com
Cc: ymilstein@gmail.com, rabbirfuchs@gmail.com
Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2013 2:12:26 AM
Subject: Re: kavod edit 2



In Yevamos 52b we learn about the tragic story of talmidei R? Akiva that was
due to the fact that 'lo nahagu kavod zeh lazeh? - They did not act
with honor one to another.

The Maharsha says that they verbally degraded each other & therefore
their punishment was a fatal condition associated with the mouth.
While this explains what they did wrong & the midah k'neged midah,
however the lashon of the gemara - shelo nahagu kavod - does not seem
to be a positive act of degradation, rather what they did NOT do -
shev v'al tasseh.

The untimely death of twenty four thousand torah students because of
what seems to be just a deficiency in some midas chassidus is quite
perplexing and requires study.

The gemara (kiddushin 39b) relates the story of the unnatural death of
a son who went up a tree to do shiluach hakein & bring a bird for his
father. The gemara provides a possibilty for his mid-mitzvah tragedy
because he may have sinned with thoughts of avodah zarah while doing
the mitzvah.
The Dibros Moshe states that the gemarah could not attribute his
unnatural death to improper thoughts of women, for although the
prohibition against it is d'oraisah, it still would not result in such
a death.

Similarly, from the fact the talmidei R? Akiva died the bitter &
unnatural death of ask'ra, it seems not to have been due to a lack of
midas chassidus. (One may argue on the comparison from a typical boy
to an expected level of chassidus of talmidei R? Akiva.)

The Maharsha (& others with different nuances - mishnas R? Aharon,
michtav meEliyah, maharal) learn this as a problem
in the kavod haTorah of each other. However the general 'velt? seems
to learn as the Iyun Yakov notes, that this is a story of lack of
simple bein adam l'chaveiro. Yet from the severity of punishment it
appears as a real transgression of
some issur min hadin. If this is so, it requires understanding as from
where do we find a real chiyuv of kavod to another equal Jew (not
because of his Torah) who is not a parent, Rebbi, or elder?

The gemara shabbos 31a relates the incident with the ger who ask to
learn all of Torah on one foot. Regarding the well-known response of
Hillel "mai d'alach sani l'chavrach lo savid? the maharsha points out
that this was said in the negative rather than positive form - love
your friend as yourself, because truthfully, in the positive, it's not
required to love another as much as one's self rather 'chayecha
kodmim'.
Similarly, the Ramban on the passuk ve'ahavta l'reyacha kamocha
(kedoshim 19.18) says that one is not required, NOR CAPABLE, of loving
another equally with himself. However the Ramban states that although
we can't love another as much as ourselves, we are commanded against
specifically wanting another to have LESS than ourselves. What's
amazing from this Ramban is even though if you're not doing or wishing
you friend any HARM - just less massive wealth, wisdom, or blessing
than yourself, it is already transgressing this mitzvah.
The maharsha may still hold that one is able to love that much, but
definitely not commanded to do so actively. This leaves room perhaps
for the literal positive form of the passuk to be a chiyuv in the
heart and 'chayecha kodmin in ma'aseh.

On a side note, it appears from the gemara yevamos 61a that with
regards to one's wife we are capable of completely equal ahava (and
perhaps then required so as well) which goes in tandem with the fact
of ishto k'gufo ? she IS like yourself. R? Avraham Gurwitz in Toras
Avraham on Rambam Yesodi HaTorah & De'os suggests that regarding one's
wife there might not be a din of chayecha kodmin at all, as she must
be treated totally kamocha. It is interesting that one is also
encouraged to honor his wife more than himself. This may be due to the
fact that since ishto k'gufo, unless one shows a distinction between
his own honor and that of his wive's, it would be rendered self love
and he has not fulfilled the requirement of v'ahavta l'reyacha kamocha
in her. Certainly this distinction cannot be in the form of less
honor as that would transgress the general chiyuv of kamocha as
metioned by the Ramban above.

Please note the Rambam in Sefer HaMitzvos assay 206 & in hilchos de'os
6.3 seems to hold that one is capable & required
to have complete equal love for another without any limitations. The
Rambam would have to say that chayecha kodmin only applies to acts &
deeds, but the actual love & good will towards another must be equal
to oneself.

Based on the Ramban and above Maharsha (and many other classic
rishonim and achronim), we may conclude as follows. The equal love of
'kamocha? required by the Torah, is not to allow oneself priority over
his friend by treating or even FEELING towards the other any more
NEGATIVELY than toward yourself.

The question remains what kavod was demanded of talmidei R? Akiva min
hadin, that is associated with the mouth and yet that was not
fulfilled b'shev v'al ta'aseh?

Kavod takes on many forms and has various expressions. Standing up for
Talmidei Chachomim, preparing food, clothing, and escorting parents in
or out. Dressing and eating differently than normal is kavod chol
hamoed as brought by R? Yonah in Avos.

R? Shlomo Wolbe in alei shur offers an enlightening definition of the
word Kavod. It may well be 'substantial'. Kaved means
heavy, meaning containing more mass/substance. (Accordingly, kaved
rosh as opposed
to kalus rosh is a mind that is either heavy with substancial thought
or light without
substancial thought.)

There is another thing which I found to be interesting as an example
for kavod, but based on this definition it sheds a great light upon
this sugyah. The mesilas Yeshorim in perek 22 describes deeds of
anavah - humbleness. One of the manners of a humble person, is to
honor others. The prime example of this is "hevei makdim shalom l'chol
adam". At first glance this does not appear to be an act of kavod,
rather a polite manner that enhances human relationships. However, in
truth this may be Kavod in its purest & simplest form. Acting in a way
that REGARDS the SUBSTANTIAL EXISTENCE OF THE OTHER. Although this may
not fit with the classic english definition of the word kavod, however
the Ramchal clearly defines this simple act as kavod.

To understand this a bit deeper, the Maharal regarding the sugyah of
ona'as devarim (baba metziah 58b) explains that the mishnah's first
case of ona'ah is the defining example for what ona'as devarim is.
This is the case of one who asks a merchant for the price of an item
without any intention to buy it. It seems that this is ona'ah even
when the merchant doesn't realize his time time is being wasted. The
Maharal explains that this defines ona'ah, as taking advantage of
another to the point where the victim is degraded - even if just in
the eyes of the offender - to be just an object of entertainment as
opposed to a human of intrinsic value.

Perhaps we can add along these lines, that noticing another Jew and
acting as if he didn't exist, or is less "substantially existent" than
yourself, by ignoring his presence is a direct transgression of
v'ahavta l'reyacha kamocha, as explained by the Ramban. This is the
minimal form of kavod due to any individual - that his existence as a
human with feelings be recognized. Hevai makdim Shalom l'chol adam may
very well be the halachically required, d'oraisah chiyuv, of kavod
that we are all commanded to do for another Jew regardless of his his
age or wisdom. This can be the shev v'al taasaeh lack of kavod that
was required of the talmidei R? Akiva min hadin. This is also a
universal form of kavod performed with the mouth, and hence the
punishment of assk"ra.


Let us all be TALMIDEI CHACHOMIM MARBIM SHALOM BA'OLAM.

--
Posted By KH to KollelH blog at 4/30/2013 12:40:00 AM

Va'eschanan He'oro on shma

We are required to have intent on the words of krias sh'ma until the words vehayu hadevarim ha'eileh....al l'vovecha which seems fitting at 1st glance, as they mean "& these words.....should be on your heart". However, the point here of course is not that THESE words rather the afformentioned words : Ve'ahavta... - You should love Hashem with all your heart.... So why on earth must we focus on the words " & these words.....should be on your heart" - it should suffice to think about the words of Ve'ahavata!

The simple & true answer is that chazal explain 'vehayu hadevarim' not as a separate command to keep ve'ahavta in mind. Rather it is the describing the practical application of HOW to Love Hashem with all your heart etc.
How can Mortal Man come to love an existance so unimaginally different & distant from his own understanding? The Eternal Infinite Creator can be loved by the dismal physical man???!
The pasuk vehayu is coming to address thi point exactly. This is How to come to lov Hashem - These words that I command you today should be on your heart! Study the words of Torah & thereby you will come to love Hashem!

This pasuk is the completion of the commandment to love, not a second mitzvah. It is this understing of the passuk that requires us to concentrate on it. We must have kavvanah in shmah until we've focused on HOW to fulfill the mitzvah of loving Hashem.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

[KollelH blog] 3/24/2013 11:55:00 AM

The Mitzvah of Destroying Chametz

There is a mitzvah to remove and destroy the chametz from one's possession before Pesach. This is derived from the pasuk in parshas Bo that says …tashbisu s'or mibatechem (Shemos 12:15). There are also two lavim associated with owning chametz on Pesach; bal yiraeh and bal yimatzeh.

The Minchas Chinuch discusses the following question regarding the mitzvah of tashbisu (to remove and destroy the chametz from one's possession): is the mitzvah accomplished only by actively owning chametz and destroying it, or can one fulfill the mitzvah by not owning any chametz to begin with? In other words, does one have to actively destroy the chametz or may one fulfill the mitzvah by not ever owning chametz and not lifting a finger (shev vial taaseh) to destroy it.

We find that there are mitzvos that one can fulfill without actively performing an action. On Shabbos there is a mitzvah of shabason which is a mitzvas assay that one must rest and by definition not perform any melachos. If one performs a melacha on Shabbos, aside from the lo sassay, he has transgressed the assay of shaboson. If one does not perform any melachos on Shabbos, he has fulfilled the assay of shabason. Perhaps the assay of tashbisu is the same and if one did not own any chametz before Pesach he will have fulfilled the mitzvah of tashbisu.

The other option is that the mitzvah of tashbisu is similar to that of tzitzis where if one does not have a four cornered garment with tzitzis on it he has not fulfilled the mitzvah. if one does not own a four cornered garment with tzitzis he has not transgressed the mitzvah of tzitzis however he also has not fulfilled it.

There are several differences between these two options. If there is a requirement to actively destroy the chametz before Pesach then obviously one only fulfills the mitzvah if he has chametz finds it and destroys it. this is why we place bread out before bidekas chametz, to ensure that we will have bread to destroy the next day. If there is no need to actively destroy the chametz and one can fulfill the mitzvah if he simply does not own chametz then one would not have to ensure that he has chametz to burn the next day.

Another difference is if another person grabs one's chametz and destroys it before the owner had a chance to do so. Generally, when one steals a mitzvah from another person he must pay him ten zehuvim. If the mitzvah is to actively destroy the chametz then the person who grabbed and burned the chametz would be required to pay the owner ten zehuvim. If the mitzvah is fulfilled by merely not owning chametz without actively destroying it then the person would not have to pay the owner ten zehuvim since the owner fulfilled the mitzvah the same as if he had burned it himself.

The Minchas Chinuch mentions another difference between these two options is in a scenario where one has chametz on Pesach. The mitzvah applies even on Pesach and one must destroy his chametz on Pesach as well. There is a machlokes how one must fulfill the mitzvah of tashbisu if one does have chametz. The Rabanan say that it can be performed by any means of destruction, even eating. Rabbi Yehuda says that it must be done by burning the chametz. According to the Rabbanan, if one ate his chametz on Pesach it would be a means of destruction. However if the mitzvah is only fulfilled by actively destroying the chametz this action will be considered a mitzvah habah biavera, since eating chametz on Pesach is forbidden. According to the Minchas Chinuch when one performs a mitzvah habah biavera he has not fulfilled the mitzvah. However if the mitzvah if fulfilled by simply not owning chametz then eating it on Pesach would not constitute a mitzvah habah biavera and one will have fulfilled the mitzvah of tashbisu.

The Minchas Chinuch says that it is indicative from the Chinuch that he is of the opinion that the mitzvah is fulfilled simply by not owning chametz. This is because the Chinuch says that someone who is traveling before Pesach is obligated in the mitzvah of tashbisu. The Minchas Chinuch says that if the mitzvah required an active destruction then one who would be traveling before Pesach would not be obligated in it.

Another indication that the Chinuch is of the opinion that the mitzvah of tashbisu does not require active destruction is from the fact that he says that women are obligated in the mitzvah. if the mitzvah required an active destruction then women would be exempt since it is a mitzvas assay shehazman grama (time sensitive mitzvah). However if it is not an active requirement then women would be obligated even though it is a mitzvas assay shehazman grama.

One final difference is whether one is required to have kavanah will destroying his chametz. If the mitzvah requires an active destruction then one would be required to have kavana when destroying it. if the mitzvah is fulfilled by simply not owning chametz one would not need kavanah when destroying his chamtetz.

for questions or comments email: RabbiRFuchs@gmail.com

Additionally, Rabbi Fuchs has just come out with an english Torah magazine called " The Kuntris". It is available in your local grocery and other fine retailers. The introductory price is only 1 dollar. 



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Posted By KH to KollelH blog at 3/24/2013 11:55:00 AM

Thursday, February 14, 2013

[KollelH blog] Purim Din Smol Docheh

"Mordechai was second to the king & was well liked by most of his brethren. He seeked good for his nation & spoke with peace to all his children."

As the gemarah tells us some of his brothers were not happy about his position...

K'sav Sofer al hatorah in his drashos on the megilah explains as follows.
They wanted him to use his powerful position to force the multitudes of uncomitted 'yeshainim min hamitzvos' Jews back to observance. But he seeked a softer, though longer, approach of kindness & peace. He was successful in doing what Mt. Sinai did not. He brought the Jews to accept the Torah with love.This is how the megillah ends. Because that is why purim will continue forever.


Only G-D, the Master surgeon could foresee each 'incision' of the holocaust & deem the surgery neccessary. He also foresaw every single one of his children that would be alienated by the massive midas HaDin, & only He could deem it worthwhile.

For the rest of us, we must use din rarely & even then, only half heartedly, with our left weaker hand, perhaps the onlookers will note the true care & love within. But when din is used wholeheartedly - docheh b'shtei yadayim - it alienates not only the the one who is pushed but all the onlookers as well.

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Posted By KH to KollelH blog at 2/14/2013 09:49:00 AM

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

[KollelH blog] Reb Yisroel Salanter

Today, the 25th of Shvat, is the yur tzait of Rav Yisrael Lipkin of Salant commonly known as Reb Yisroel Salanter (1810-1883). He was born in Zager (near Kovno), Lithuania, to Rav Ze'ev Wolf Lipkin, a descendent of the Vilna Gaon.  Rav Yisrael became a close talmid Rav Zundel of Salant, who influenced him to begin the study of mussar. In 1840, he became Rosh Yeshiva of the Rameillas Yeshiva in Vilna, and later opened a yeshiva in Kovno. One of his closest talmidim, Rav Yitzchak Blazer of Petersburg commonly known as Rav Itzeleh compiled many of his teachings and memorable stories about Reb Yisroel's life in the sefer Or Yisroel. Another one of his famous talmidim was Rabbi Yaakov Yosef of New York.

Reb Yisroel was considered a Torah Giant, however he was most famously known for founding the Mussar movement. This movement focused on bettering the individual's character traits. Many of his teachings remain the basis of learning mussar today. He taught that one must endlessly strive for perfection, and must never be content with his spiritual achievements.

Reb Yisroel faced much opposition when he initially bagan teaching mussar. However his advanced level of scholarship helped him prevail and he succeeded in revolutionizing Klal Yisroel and founded the mussar movement. On one occasion Reb Yisroel was to deliver a shir to a large crowd. He had distributed mar mikomos that people could research prior to the shir. In an effort to humiliate Reb Yisroel several pranksters decided to change around the mar mikomos list and distributed a different list to the crowd. When Reb Yisroel reached the podium he noticed the switch of mar mikomos. He hesitated for a brief moment, and then preceded to deliver a new shir based on the new mar mikomos. Reb Itzeleh said that the reason why Reb Yisroel had hesitated was not because he was preparing a new shir; but rather because he was contemplating whether he should deliver the shir or not, for he feared that this feat would impress the pranksters and perhaps be considered haughty.

On another occasion Reb Yisroel was asked to deliver a shir to an audience that contained people who were opposed to learning mussar. At one point one of the big lamdanim asked a question and Reb Yisroel paused for a moment and said you are right. Rav Elya Lapyan said that although Reb Yisroel paused he nevertheless had five different answers to the question that was posed to him. However he knew that his solutions were not accurate. He also knew that if he would suggest his five solutions the one who asked the question would accept his answers because he would not know why they were not accurate. However Reb Yisroel said to himself how can I sell emes with sheker? Thus he decided not to answer the question.

 Here are a few quotes that are attributed to Reb Yisroel: "The Maharal of Prague created a golem, and this was a great wonder. But how much more wonderful is it to transform a corporeal human being into a mensch!" "A pious Jew is not one who worries about his fellow man's soul and his own stomach; a pious Jew worries about his own soul and his fellow man's stomach."



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Posted By KH to KollelH blog at 2/05/2013 04:00:00 PM

Friday, January 18, 2013

[KollelH blog] 1/18/2013 08:54:00 AM

When Did Makkas Bechoros Occur?

    Dedicated to the refuah sheleimah of Shlomo Eliezer ben Chaya Sarah Elka.

There is a contradiction in the pesukim as to when makkas bechoros occurred. The pasuk in this week's parshah says, "vayehi bachatzos halailah, v'Hashem hikah kol bechor b'eretz Mitzrayim… – and at chatzos of the night, Hashem hit every firstborn in the land of Mitzrayim…" (Shemos 12:29). This pasuk states that makkas bechoros occurred by night. The implication from the pasuk in Bamidbar 8:17 is that makkas bechoros occurred by day, for the pasuk says: "b'yom hakosi kol bechor… -- on the day that I hit all of the firstborn…"

Maseches Semachos begins by posing this contradiction, and offers the following solution: Reb Yochanan says that at chatzos of the night, Hashem delivered a lethal blow to all of the bechorim that would kill them; however, they did not actually die until the morning. Hashem made it that their souls remained in them until the morning, in order that the Bnei Yisrael could witness their death.

The Peirush Nachalas Yaakov (found on the bottom of Maseches Semachos) explains why the masechta begins with this medrash. The Gemara in Sanhedrin 39a says that a min (apikores) asked Rebbe Avahu the following question: Hashem is a kohen, as it says "veyikcho li terumah." When Hashem buried Moshe Rabbeinu, in what did He immerse himself? Rebbe Avahu answered that He immersed himself in fire. Tosafos there asks why the min did not inquire as to how Hashem was able to become tamei by burying Moshe Rabbeinu. Tosafos answers that this did not bother the min because he knew that we are considered children of Hashem and that a kohen is permitted to bury his children.

According to Tosafos, Hashem would not be able to be metamei by killing someone, since even a kohen may only become tamei by burying his children, not by killing them. The Haggadah states that Hashem himself performed makkas bechoros. How then did Hashem himself kill the bechorim of Mitzrayim?

It is this question that the Maseches Semachos wishes to address when it brings down this medrash. The beginning of Maseches Semachos discusses the halachos regarding when one is dying but is still alive (goseis). Therefore, it began with a medrash that proves to us that during such a state, a person is not considered dead and thus not yet metamei. Since Hashem only delivered the blow that would kill the bechorim, He was not metamei to the bechorim since they were not yet dead.

On a side note, Reb Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, zt"l, is quoted as explaining the discrepancy between the berachah of "ga'al Yisrael" that we say after Shema of Shacharis and the same berachah that we say in Ma'ariv. In Shacharis we say "miMitzrayim g'altanukol bechoreihem haragta." The mention of redeeming us from Mitzrayim precedes the mention of killing the bechorim. In Ma'ariv we say "hamakeh b'evraso kol bechorei Mitzrayim vayotzei es amo Yisrael mitocham lecheirus olam." The mention of hitting the bechorim of Mitzrayim precedes that of our redemption from Mitzrayim. This is because, as Maseches Semachos stated that at chatzos of the night Hashem only delivered the blow that would eventually kill the bechorim, the bechorim did not actually die until the morning. So at night we mention the blow that was delivered to the bechorim before the redemption, which only took place the following morning. In Shacharis, which is recited in the morning, we mention the redemption from Mitzrayim before the death of the bechorim because the redemption preceded the actual death of the bechorim, which occurred during the day.

The Shivus Yaakov (1:17) asks the following question on the Maseches Semachos: Why did the Mishnah not simply answer the contradiction in the pasukim (whether makkas bechoros occurred at night or by day) by saying that if a bechor was born after chatzos, even in the morning, he would die as well? The Shivus Yaakov suggests that based on this question it is imperative that a bechor who was born after chatzos did not die. Based on this observation, he rules that if one has a son born to him on the night before Pesach – after chatzos – he does not have to fast for that bechor since  had he been a Mitzri in Mitzrayim, he would not have been killed. Therefore, his father, who would generally have to fast on Erev Pesach for his bechor who is under bar mitzvah age, does not have to fast for his son.

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Posted By KH to KollelH blog at 1/18/2013 08:54:00 AM