AT A FUNERAL MANY YEARS AGO THERE WAS NO MINYAN -QUORUM. AN ATTENDEE WHO KNEW THE NIFTAR-DECEASED WANTED TO SAY THE MEMORIAL PRAYER CALLED THE KADDISH. I REMINDED THE MAN THAT THAT THERE WASN'T ENOUGH FOR A QUORUM AND HE RESPONDED "WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES THAT REALLY MAKE"?
WE GO THROUGH LIFE AND HAVE ARBITRARILY ASSESSED RULES LIKE 55MPH AND THINK NOTHING OF IT. WHEN IT COMES TO JEWISH PRACTICES HERE WE ARE INDIGNANT-WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT REALLY MAKE?
AT THE CORE OF THIS QUESTION IS THE DOUBT AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THIS IS IMPORTANT TO THE CREATOR. FURTHERMORE EVEN IF IT IS , DOES THE MERCIFUL ONE REALLY GET PERTURBED IF WE DO SOMETHING SINCERELY BUT DO IT WRONG?
DOES G-D REALLY CARE HOW WE DO SOMETHING AS LONG AS IT'S DONE . EVEN BETTER WHY SHOULD G-D CARE AT ALL?
THE RAMBAM SAYS THAT THE MITZVOS ARE DELICATELY BALANCED IN ORDER TO DEVELOP THE INDIVIDUAL IN SPECIFIC AREAS. IF THE PERSON COULD MAKE UP HIS OWN RULES , ULTIMATELY THERE WOULD NOT BE ANY RULES.
THE ANSWER TO DOES IT REALLY MATTER IS YES IT MATTERS LOADS IF YOU BELIEVE THAT G-D CREATED THIS WORLD FOR A PURPOSE. THE SAME G-D WHO PUT ARSENIC IN THIS WORLD FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON ALSO GAVE US A TORAH WITH SPECIFIC RULES. JUST AS PURE WATER IS LIFE-GIVING BUT WITH A LITTLE ARSENIC IS A DISASTER,SO TOO IT IS WHEN WE CHANGE THINGS WITH THE ATTITUDE OF SO WHAT?!
LITTLE THINGS ARE IMPORTANT AND THE DETAILS ARE IMPORTANT. UNDERSTAND THIS THE NEXT TIME YOU STAND NEAR A BLACKBOARD AND SCRATCH YOUR FINGER ON THE BOARD WITH OTHERS AROUND. IF YOUR WIFE IS ANNOYED BY CERTAIN SOUNDS YOU AVOID THEM IF YOU WANT A HAPPY SPOUSE.
WHY DON'T WE TREAT G-D LIKE WE TREAT OUR DRINKING WATER AND THE PEOPLE WE WISH TO IMPRESS? THE REASON FOR THE QUESTION IS G-D REALLY WATCHING AND DOES G-D CARE. WITHOUT BLINKING I ANSWER AFFIRMATIVE ON BOTH COUNTS.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
VAYAKHEL
VAYAKHEL
MOSHE GATHERS THE PEOPLE IN ORDER TO TELL THEM THAT G-D HAD FORGIVEN THEIR SINS AND THAT THEY COULD RESTORE THEIR FAVORED POSITION BY CREATING A SANCTUARY FOR G-D. IN OTHER WRITINGS I IDENTIFIED THE 3 - TIERED METHOD OF UNDERSTANDING EVERY MAJOR CONCEPT IN TORAH. THE MISHKAN-TEMPLE WAS NO DIFFERENT. THERE ARE 3 WAYS TO LOOK AT THE ROLE OF THE TEMPLE THEN AND NOW.
1) THE TEMPLE IS A PLACE WHERE G-D COMMUNICATES WITH MAN, LETTING ALL MEN KNOW WHAT G-D WANTS NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.
2)THE TEMPLE IS A PLACE FOR MEDITATION AND RAISING ONE’S CONSCIOUSNESS FOR HIGHER PURPOSE. IN SHORT , IT IS A PLACE FOR PRAYERS AND SACRIFICES WHICH SERVE TO REDEDICATE THE INDIVIDUAL TO HIGHER AND HIGHER GOALS OF GOODNESS.
THE TEMPLE IS A PLACE FOR THE ELEVATION OF THE PERSON.
3)THE TEMPLE IS A PLACE WHERE G-D WISHES TO RESIDE IN.
G-D WANTS TO “LIVE”WITH MANKIND IN HIS ENVIRONS. THIS IS ACHIEVED COMPLETELY , ONLY IN THE TEMPLE. HERE G-D MEETS MAN WHERE MAN IS WORTHY OF CONNECTING WITH G-D.
THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FIRST 2 AND LAST INTERPRETATION IS THAT THE FIRST 2 ARE TEMPORARY.
WHEN MAN HAS LEARNED WHAT G-D WANTS FROM HIM AND WHEN MAN HAS SUCCESSFULLY LIFTED UP HIS PERSONA
TO LEAD A HIGHER ,MORE MEANINGFUL WAY OF LIFE,THE TEMPLE WOULD NO LONGER BE NECESSARY.
AS A PLACE THAT G-D DESIRES -HERE THERE IS NO LIMIT UPON G-D OR G-D’S DESIRE. THE TEMPLE WILL LAST FOREVER AND WE WILL DWELL IN G-D’S HOUSE FOREVER!
MOSHE GATHERS THE PEOPLE IN ORDER TO TELL THEM THAT G-D HAD FORGIVEN THEIR SINS AND THAT THEY COULD RESTORE THEIR FAVORED POSITION BY CREATING A SANCTUARY FOR G-D. IN OTHER WRITINGS I IDENTIFIED THE 3 - TIERED METHOD OF UNDERSTANDING EVERY MAJOR CONCEPT IN TORAH. THE MISHKAN-TEMPLE WAS NO DIFFERENT. THERE ARE 3 WAYS TO LOOK AT THE ROLE OF THE TEMPLE THEN AND NOW.
1) THE TEMPLE IS A PLACE WHERE G-D COMMUNICATES WITH MAN, LETTING ALL MEN KNOW WHAT G-D WANTS NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.
2)THE TEMPLE IS A PLACE FOR MEDITATION AND RAISING ONE’S CONSCIOUSNESS FOR HIGHER PURPOSE. IN SHORT , IT IS A PLACE FOR PRAYERS AND SACRIFICES WHICH SERVE TO REDEDICATE THE INDIVIDUAL TO HIGHER AND HIGHER GOALS OF GOODNESS.
THE TEMPLE IS A PLACE FOR THE ELEVATION OF THE PERSON.
3)THE TEMPLE IS A PLACE WHERE G-D WISHES TO RESIDE IN.
G-D WANTS TO “LIVE”WITH MANKIND IN HIS ENVIRONS. THIS IS ACHIEVED COMPLETELY , ONLY IN THE TEMPLE. HERE G-D MEETS MAN WHERE MAN IS WORTHY OF CONNECTING WITH G-D.
THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FIRST 2 AND LAST INTERPRETATION IS THAT THE FIRST 2 ARE TEMPORARY.
WHEN MAN HAS LEARNED WHAT G-D WANTS FROM HIM AND WHEN MAN HAS SUCCESSFULLY LIFTED UP HIS PERSONA
TO LEAD A HIGHER ,MORE MEANINGFUL WAY OF LIFE,THE TEMPLE WOULD NO LONGER BE NECESSARY.
AS A PLACE THAT G-D DESIRES -HERE THERE IS NO LIMIT UPON G-D OR G-D’S DESIRE. THE TEMPLE WILL LAST FOREVER AND WE WILL DWELL IN G-D’S HOUSE FOREVER!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
PURE MONEY
THE VESSELS OF THE TABERNACLE BUILT DURING THE 40 YEAR SOJOURN IN THE SINAI DESERT IS DESCRIBED PRIMARILY IN THE SECTION CALLED TERUMAH. IN THAT SECTION 2 WEEKS AGO WE READ ABOUT THE VARIOUS VESSELS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIS AMAZING LEGO-LIKE BUILDING.
HOWEVER, ALL OF THE VESSELS ARE NOT MENTIONED IN THAT TORAH PORTION. FOR THE GOLDEN INSENCE ALTAR IS FIRST MENTIONED AT THE END OF THE READING OF TETZAVEH - LAST WEEK'S READING.
IN OUR CURRENT WEEK THE LAVER - WASHBASIN IS IDENTIFIED AND ITS' USE DESCRIBED.
NOW, SINCE ALL OF THE TORAH IS AT THE EPITOME OF EXACTITUDE WE ARE LEFT WONDERING AS TO WHY THE TORAH OMITTED THE GOLDEN ALTAR AND THE LAVER
FROM THE PORTION OF TERUMAH WHERE THEY WOULD BE ASSUMED TO HAVE BEEN FOUND?
WE MUST CONCLUDE THAT THESE VESSELS REPRESENT A UNIQUE ASPECT OF THE DIVINE SERVICE AND CANNOT BE INCLUDED IN THE FIRST DISCUSSION.
WHAT DOES THE GOLDEN ALTAR REPRESENT? THE OUTSIDE ALTAR WAS USED IN THE SACRIFICE OF ANIMALS, WHICH IN VARYING DEGREES PROVIDED PEOPLE WITH SOME BENEFIT OTHER THAN JUST BEING AN OFFERING TO PLEASE G-D.
EACH OF THE SACRIFICES HAD SOME OF IT LEFT OVER FOR PERSONAL USE, OR AS FOOD FOR THE PRIESTS AND OCCASIONALLY ,THE OWNER OF THE SACRIFICE WOULD EAT OF IT.NOT SO THE GOLDEN ALTAR. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL BENEFIT TO THE PRIEST DOING THE SERVICE , FOR ALL OF THE INSENCE WENT UP IN SMOKE LEAVING LITTLE OR NO RESIDUE.
WHAT DOES THIS SERVICE REPRESENT?IT SYMBOLIZES A CONNECTION WITH G-D THAT IS FOR ITS' OWN SAKE , NOT FOR ANY REWARDS. THIS IS TOO HIGH A LEVEL TO DEMAND AT THE INITIATION OF THE TABERNACLE. FOR A HUMAN BEING BEGINS HIS OR HER LIFE WORRIED ABOUT SURVIVAL.THUS THE INITIAL SERVICE MENTIONED IN THE PORTION OF TERUMAH REFLECTS THE DIVINE SERVICETHAT ASKS FOR A RETURN.
IN HEBREW IT IS CALLED AL MENAS LEQABEL PERAS-IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A BENEFIT.
THIS IS THE WAY ONE BEGINS ONE'S SERVICE TO G-D AND TO HUMANITY. WE LOOK FOR PERKS. HOWEVER, IN THE PROCESS OF SERVING A HIGHER CALLING WE MUST REACH THE HIGHER AWARENESS AND DO THINGS BECAUSE THEY ARE RIGHT , NOT BECAUSE OF PERSONAL BENEFIT.
FOR THIS REASON , THE GOLDEN ALTAR IS ONLY MENTIONED AFTER THE PRIESTLY GARMENTS. AFTER ONE IS EXPOSED TO THE BEAUTY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DIVINE SERVICE, IT NO LONGER CAN BE DONE WITH ONE'S OWN SELF-INTEREST. THE NATURE OF THE SERVICE OF G-D IS TO RAISE THE PSYCHE TO A HIGHER LEVEL. AT THIS STAGE, SELF-INTEREST MEANS LITTLE . WHAT COUNTS IS THAT G-D'S WILL BE FULFILLED.FOR THIS REASON THE GOLDEN ALTAR'S CONSTRUCTION IS DELAYED REFLECTING THE NEED FOR THE SERVANT TO GROW UP AND REALIZE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE MITZVAH IS THE MITZVAH ITSELF .
SO WHY MENTION THE LAVER LAST? AFTER ALL THE LAVER WAS THE VERY FIRST VESSEL USED IN THE DAILY SERVICE. SURELY IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MENTIONED FIRST?
THE ANSWER IS THAT THE LAVER WHICH IS USED FOR POURING WATER ON ONE'S HANDS AND FEET IN ORDER TO SANCTIFY THE LIMBS THAT DO G-D'S WORK ALSO REPRESENTS THE CLEANSING OF ONE'S HANDS IN THE FINANCIAL WORLD.
THSI IS ULTIMATELY HARDER THAN EVEN THE ALTRUISM OF THE GOLDEN ALTAR.
FOR WHEN ONE IS DEVOTED TO A CAUSE, ONE SEES THE NEEDS OF THAT CAUSE AS PARAMOUNT. IN DOING SO , ONE MIGHT BE TEMPTED TO GETTING FUNDS FOR USE OF THE CAUSE IRRESPECTIVE OF HOW THEY CAME.
SO-EVEN WHEN ONE HAS NO PERSONAL INTEREST IT IS POSSIBLE TO DO THE WRONG THINGS FINANCIALLY. THEREFORE THE LAVER IS MENTIONED LAST .
THIS IS TO TEACH YOU THAT ONE CANNOT MAKECOMPROMISE IN FUNDING HOLY INSTITUTIONS. THEY MUST BE CLEAN OF ANY TAINTING.
THE PREVIOUS LUBAVITCHER REBBE REFUSED TO HONOR A MAN WITH HIS VISIT
EVEN THOUGH THE MAN OFFERD HIM 100,000 DOLLARS FOR THE VISIT! THE rEBBE'S RATIONALE WAS THAT OTHERS WHO KNEW THE REBBE WOULD TAKE OFFENSE ASTO WHY THE REBBE WOULD HONOR THIS MAN WITH A VISIT BUT NOT THEM. AFTER ALL, THEY KNEW THE REBBE FROM LUBAVITCH AND THEY UNLIKE THE DONOR WERE SABBATH OBSERVANT. IN THAT CASE MY COMING TO VISIT THIS WEALTHY MAN WOULD IMPACT THOSE OBSERVANT FRIENDS THAT I HAVE HERE NEGATIVELY. THEY WILL CONCLUDE THAT THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE ONLY CARES ABOUT MONEY, NOT KEEPING SHABBOS. BETTER I SHOULD NOT GET THE MONEY THAN WEAKEN THSE OTHERS' SHABBOS OBSERVANCE!
THE 100,000 IN THOSE DAYS OF THE DEPRESSION WOULD BE WORTH MANY MILLIONS IN TODAY'S DOLLARS. IN FACT , THOSE INVESTIGATING THE REBBE'S DEFICITS DURING THOSE YEARS, AVER ,THAT THE 100K WOULD HAVE WIPED OUT ALL THE DEFICITS OF THE 10 YEAR PERIOD THAT THE REBBE HAD THE LUBAVITCHER YESHIVAH IN POLAND .
YET THE REBBE FOUND THAT TAKING THE MONEY THROUGH THE PERSONAL VISIT WOULD HAVE IMPACTED OTHER JEWS NEGATIVELY . THEREFORE HE REFUSED TO GO AND THE MAN NEVER GAVE THE MONEY.
IN A DAY WHEN MANY A SPIRITUAL LEADER PLAYS G-D WITH TRADING PRINCIPLES FOR THE MONEY NECESSARY TO SUPPORT THEIR TORAH INSTITUTIONS , THE REBBE'S CONDUCT SEEMS NAIVE OR IMPRUDENT. YET UPON EXAMINATION WE SEE THAT THOSE LEADERS WHO TAKE THE MONEY HAVE DEMEANED THE IMAGE OF TORAH IN THE EYES OF SECULAR JEWS. FOR ISRAELI POLITICIANS KNOW THAT GETTING THE ORTHODOX PARTIES ON BOARD IN A COALITION TAKES ONLY LARGE GOVERNMENT APROPRIATIONS NOT COMMITMENT TO PRINCIPLE. SUFFICE TO SAY THAT KIDDUSH HASHEM IS NOT WHAT EVOLVES.
IN THE REBBE'S CASE, AMONGST ALL THE GREAT LEADERS WHO WERE MIRACULOUSLY SAVED FROM THE HOLOCAUST IN OCCUPIED EUROPE, THE REBBE WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO WENT OUT WITH NO COLATERAL DAMAGE I.E. NO ONE DIED
IN SPIRITING THE REBBE OUT. IN FACT IT WAS THE ABWEHR, THE GERMAN CIA THAT TOOK THE REBBE AND HIS CLOSEST PEOPLE OUT OF POLAND AND SENT HIM TO THESE BLESSED SHORES IN 1940!
CLEAN MONEY = CLEAN INSTITUTIONS WITH NO COLATERAL DAMAGE!
EVEN WHEN BUILDING AN INSTITUTION THE HIGHEST STANDARDS MUST BE USED.
HOWEVER, ALL OF THE VESSELS ARE NOT MENTIONED IN THAT TORAH PORTION. FOR THE GOLDEN INSENCE ALTAR IS FIRST MENTIONED AT THE END OF THE READING OF TETZAVEH - LAST WEEK'S READING.
IN OUR CURRENT WEEK THE LAVER - WASHBASIN IS IDENTIFIED AND ITS' USE DESCRIBED.
NOW, SINCE ALL OF THE TORAH IS AT THE EPITOME OF EXACTITUDE WE ARE LEFT WONDERING AS TO WHY THE TORAH OMITTED THE GOLDEN ALTAR AND THE LAVER
FROM THE PORTION OF TERUMAH WHERE THEY WOULD BE ASSUMED TO HAVE BEEN FOUND?
WE MUST CONCLUDE THAT THESE VESSELS REPRESENT A UNIQUE ASPECT OF THE DIVINE SERVICE AND CANNOT BE INCLUDED IN THE FIRST DISCUSSION.
WHAT DOES THE GOLDEN ALTAR REPRESENT? THE OUTSIDE ALTAR WAS USED IN THE SACRIFICE OF ANIMALS, WHICH IN VARYING DEGREES PROVIDED PEOPLE WITH SOME BENEFIT OTHER THAN JUST BEING AN OFFERING TO PLEASE G-D.
EACH OF THE SACRIFICES HAD SOME OF IT LEFT OVER FOR PERSONAL USE, OR AS FOOD FOR THE PRIESTS AND OCCASIONALLY ,THE OWNER OF THE SACRIFICE WOULD EAT OF IT.NOT SO THE GOLDEN ALTAR. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL BENEFIT TO THE PRIEST DOING THE SERVICE , FOR ALL OF THE INSENCE WENT UP IN SMOKE LEAVING LITTLE OR NO RESIDUE.
WHAT DOES THIS SERVICE REPRESENT?IT SYMBOLIZES A CONNECTION WITH G-D THAT IS FOR ITS' OWN SAKE , NOT FOR ANY REWARDS. THIS IS TOO HIGH A LEVEL TO DEMAND AT THE INITIATION OF THE TABERNACLE. FOR A HUMAN BEING BEGINS HIS OR HER LIFE WORRIED ABOUT SURVIVAL.THUS THE INITIAL SERVICE MENTIONED IN THE PORTION OF TERUMAH REFLECTS THE DIVINE SERVICETHAT ASKS FOR A RETURN.
IN HEBREW IT IS CALLED AL MENAS LEQABEL PERAS-IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A BENEFIT.
THIS IS THE WAY ONE BEGINS ONE'S SERVICE TO G-D AND TO HUMANITY. WE LOOK FOR PERKS. HOWEVER, IN THE PROCESS OF SERVING A HIGHER CALLING WE MUST REACH THE HIGHER AWARENESS AND DO THINGS BECAUSE THEY ARE RIGHT , NOT BECAUSE OF PERSONAL BENEFIT.
FOR THIS REASON , THE GOLDEN ALTAR IS ONLY MENTIONED AFTER THE PRIESTLY GARMENTS. AFTER ONE IS EXPOSED TO THE BEAUTY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DIVINE SERVICE, IT NO LONGER CAN BE DONE WITH ONE'S OWN SELF-INTEREST. THE NATURE OF THE SERVICE OF G-D IS TO RAISE THE PSYCHE TO A HIGHER LEVEL. AT THIS STAGE, SELF-INTEREST MEANS LITTLE . WHAT COUNTS IS THAT G-D'S WILL BE FULFILLED.FOR THIS REASON THE GOLDEN ALTAR'S CONSTRUCTION IS DELAYED REFLECTING THE NEED FOR THE SERVANT TO GROW UP AND REALIZE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE MITZVAH IS THE MITZVAH ITSELF .
SO WHY MENTION THE LAVER LAST? AFTER ALL THE LAVER WAS THE VERY FIRST VESSEL USED IN THE DAILY SERVICE. SURELY IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MENTIONED FIRST?
THE ANSWER IS THAT THE LAVER WHICH IS USED FOR POURING WATER ON ONE'S HANDS AND FEET IN ORDER TO SANCTIFY THE LIMBS THAT DO G-D'S WORK ALSO REPRESENTS THE CLEANSING OF ONE'S HANDS IN THE FINANCIAL WORLD.
THSI IS ULTIMATELY HARDER THAN EVEN THE ALTRUISM OF THE GOLDEN ALTAR.
FOR WHEN ONE IS DEVOTED TO A CAUSE, ONE SEES THE NEEDS OF THAT CAUSE AS PARAMOUNT. IN DOING SO , ONE MIGHT BE TEMPTED TO GETTING FUNDS FOR USE OF THE CAUSE IRRESPECTIVE OF HOW THEY CAME.
SO-EVEN WHEN ONE HAS NO PERSONAL INTEREST IT IS POSSIBLE TO DO THE WRONG THINGS FINANCIALLY. THEREFORE THE LAVER IS MENTIONED LAST .
THIS IS TO TEACH YOU THAT ONE CANNOT MAKECOMPROMISE IN FUNDING HOLY INSTITUTIONS. THEY MUST BE CLEAN OF ANY TAINTING.
THE PREVIOUS LUBAVITCHER REBBE REFUSED TO HONOR A MAN WITH HIS VISIT
EVEN THOUGH THE MAN OFFERD HIM 100,000 DOLLARS FOR THE VISIT! THE rEBBE'S RATIONALE WAS THAT OTHERS WHO KNEW THE REBBE WOULD TAKE OFFENSE ASTO WHY THE REBBE WOULD HONOR THIS MAN WITH A VISIT BUT NOT THEM. AFTER ALL, THEY KNEW THE REBBE FROM LUBAVITCH AND THEY UNLIKE THE DONOR WERE SABBATH OBSERVANT. IN THAT CASE MY COMING TO VISIT THIS WEALTHY MAN WOULD IMPACT THOSE OBSERVANT FRIENDS THAT I HAVE HERE NEGATIVELY. THEY WILL CONCLUDE THAT THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE ONLY CARES ABOUT MONEY, NOT KEEPING SHABBOS. BETTER I SHOULD NOT GET THE MONEY THAN WEAKEN THSE OTHERS' SHABBOS OBSERVANCE!
THE 100,000 IN THOSE DAYS OF THE DEPRESSION WOULD BE WORTH MANY MILLIONS IN TODAY'S DOLLARS. IN FACT , THOSE INVESTIGATING THE REBBE'S DEFICITS DURING THOSE YEARS, AVER ,THAT THE 100K WOULD HAVE WIPED OUT ALL THE DEFICITS OF THE 10 YEAR PERIOD THAT THE REBBE HAD THE LUBAVITCHER YESHIVAH IN POLAND .
YET THE REBBE FOUND THAT TAKING THE MONEY THROUGH THE PERSONAL VISIT WOULD HAVE IMPACTED OTHER JEWS NEGATIVELY . THEREFORE HE REFUSED TO GO AND THE MAN NEVER GAVE THE MONEY.
IN A DAY WHEN MANY A SPIRITUAL LEADER PLAYS G-D WITH TRADING PRINCIPLES FOR THE MONEY NECESSARY TO SUPPORT THEIR TORAH INSTITUTIONS , THE REBBE'S CONDUCT SEEMS NAIVE OR IMPRUDENT. YET UPON EXAMINATION WE SEE THAT THOSE LEADERS WHO TAKE THE MONEY HAVE DEMEANED THE IMAGE OF TORAH IN THE EYES OF SECULAR JEWS. FOR ISRAELI POLITICIANS KNOW THAT GETTING THE ORTHODOX PARTIES ON BOARD IN A COALITION TAKES ONLY LARGE GOVERNMENT APROPRIATIONS NOT COMMITMENT TO PRINCIPLE. SUFFICE TO SAY THAT KIDDUSH HASHEM IS NOT WHAT EVOLVES.
IN THE REBBE'S CASE, AMONGST ALL THE GREAT LEADERS WHO WERE MIRACULOUSLY SAVED FROM THE HOLOCAUST IN OCCUPIED EUROPE, THE REBBE WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO WENT OUT WITH NO COLATERAL DAMAGE I.E. NO ONE DIED
IN SPIRITING THE REBBE OUT. IN FACT IT WAS THE ABWEHR, THE GERMAN CIA THAT TOOK THE REBBE AND HIS CLOSEST PEOPLE OUT OF POLAND AND SENT HIM TO THESE BLESSED SHORES IN 1940!
CLEAN MONEY = CLEAN INSTITUTIONS WITH NO COLATERAL DAMAGE!
EVEN WHEN BUILDING AN INSTITUTION THE HIGHEST STANDARDS MUST BE USED.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
TORAH FOR THE GOYIM
RECENTLY THERE WAS A QUESTION AS TO WHETHER IT IS APPROPRIATE TO HAVE A MINISTER OF A DIFFERENT RELIGION ATTEND A SERIES OF LECTURES ON THE BASICS OF FAITH.
BETWEEN THE LIBERAL WHY NOT, WHAT COULD BE WRONG? AND THE REACTIONARY
WHAT FOR? THERE IS A LOT OF CONCERNS. I WAS ONCE ASKED TO TEACH A GROUP OF CHRISTIAN STUDENTS HEBREW. AS I THOUGHT THAT I WAS SO SMART I COULD RATIONALIZE ANYTHING , I DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH TEACHING BASIC LANGUAGE AS THIS WAS NOT LAWS OF THE TORAH OR THEIR BASIS.
HOWEVER, THE ZOHAR CAUGHT MY EYE IN ITS' REJECTION OF TEACHING TORAH TO NON-JEWS AND I BEGAN TO QUERY MY LONE, WOULD BE CHRISTIAN STUDENT.
I TOLD HIM THAT SINCE I HAD PROMISED TO TEACH THAT I WOULD ON ONE CONDITION. THAT IS IF YOU WILL PROMISE ME THAT THIS IS ONLY FOR YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO BE ABLE TO STUDY THE SCRIPTURES IN THE TRUE TONGUE. PROMISE ME THAT YOU WILL NEVER USE YOUR KNOWLEDGE IN ORDER TO CONVERT JEWS!
I'LL HAVE TO PRAY ON THAT ONE THE STUDENT DAVID SAID TO ME. IT TURNED OUT THAT DAVID HAD SET AS HIS GOAL THE CONVERSION OF JEWS AS HIS LIFE'S MISSION
AND HE COULD NOT BE DISHONEST ABOUT IT.
WHEN WE ARE TRUTHFUL ABOUT WHAT WE CAN AND CANNOT DO THEN WE AVOID TRAINING A PERSON TO TAKE AWAY OTHERS' SONS AND DAUGHTERS. ANY JEWISH CHILD IS A PRECIOUS JEWEL. THAT HE OR SHE HAS FELT SO MUCH REJECTION THAT THEY MUST ACCEPT THE ANTITHESIS OF THEIR FAMILY'S EXISTENCE IS A SAD COMMENTARY ON OUR CARING FOR ONE ANOTHER. YET THIS IS AN ASIDE.
CAN WE TEACH TORAH BELIEF TO GENTILES?
THE ANSWER IS THAT IF THE PERSON TRULY WANTS TO KNOW WHAT JEWS BELIEVE IN ORDER TO BETTER ONE'S UNDERSTANDING AND BELIEF IN G-D AND G-D'S ONENESS
THAT NOT ONLY ARE WE ALLOWED TO TEACH THE GENTILE , WE ARE OBLIGATED TO DO SO.
FOR ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD ARE OBLIGATED TO WORSHIP AND PRAY TO ONE G-D. IF THEY DO NOT COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND WHAT G-D IS TRULY LIKE OR UNLIKE,THEN THEY WILL NOT BE PRAYING TO G-D THEY WILL BE PRAYING TO THEIR IMAGINATION!
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD KNOW THAT G-D IS TOTAL ONENESS AND THAT ALL ARE CREATED BY G-D AND ARE RECREATED AT EVRY MOMENT. IN DOING SO WE NEVER LEAVE G-D'S PROVIDENCE OR BEING. HENCE WE ARE ALL ONE WITH G-D. PUT INTO OTHER TERMS,AYN OD MILEVADO -THERE IS REALLY NOTHING ELSE. WHATEVER WE ARE , IS INCLUDED IN THE ONENESS. THERE IS NOTHING ELSE.
SO THE NEXT TIME SOMEONE ASKS YOU WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ,ANSWER ACCORDING TO THE QUERY. IF HE WANTS TO DISCUSS ISIAH 53 ,SHOW HIM OUT. IF HE WISHE TO KNOW WHAT IS G-D REALLY LIKE OPEN UP THE TANYA TO THE BEGINNING OF SHAAR HAYICHUD VEHOEMUNAH-THE PORTAL OF UNITY AND FAITH! GOOD LUCK!
BETWEEN THE LIBERAL WHY NOT, WHAT COULD BE WRONG? AND THE REACTIONARY
WHAT FOR? THERE IS A LOT OF CONCERNS. I WAS ONCE ASKED TO TEACH A GROUP OF CHRISTIAN STUDENTS HEBREW. AS I THOUGHT THAT I WAS SO SMART I COULD RATIONALIZE ANYTHING , I DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH TEACHING BASIC LANGUAGE AS THIS WAS NOT LAWS OF THE TORAH OR THEIR BASIS.
HOWEVER, THE ZOHAR CAUGHT MY EYE IN ITS' REJECTION OF TEACHING TORAH TO NON-JEWS AND I BEGAN TO QUERY MY LONE, WOULD BE CHRISTIAN STUDENT.
I TOLD HIM THAT SINCE I HAD PROMISED TO TEACH THAT I WOULD ON ONE CONDITION. THAT IS IF YOU WILL PROMISE ME THAT THIS IS ONLY FOR YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO BE ABLE TO STUDY THE SCRIPTURES IN THE TRUE TONGUE. PROMISE ME THAT YOU WILL NEVER USE YOUR KNOWLEDGE IN ORDER TO CONVERT JEWS!
I'LL HAVE TO PRAY ON THAT ONE THE STUDENT DAVID SAID TO ME. IT TURNED OUT THAT DAVID HAD SET AS HIS GOAL THE CONVERSION OF JEWS AS HIS LIFE'S MISSION
AND HE COULD NOT BE DISHONEST ABOUT IT.
WHEN WE ARE TRUTHFUL ABOUT WHAT WE CAN AND CANNOT DO THEN WE AVOID TRAINING A PERSON TO TAKE AWAY OTHERS' SONS AND DAUGHTERS. ANY JEWISH CHILD IS A PRECIOUS JEWEL. THAT HE OR SHE HAS FELT SO MUCH REJECTION THAT THEY MUST ACCEPT THE ANTITHESIS OF THEIR FAMILY'S EXISTENCE IS A SAD COMMENTARY ON OUR CARING FOR ONE ANOTHER. YET THIS IS AN ASIDE.
CAN WE TEACH TORAH BELIEF TO GENTILES?
THE ANSWER IS THAT IF THE PERSON TRULY WANTS TO KNOW WHAT JEWS BELIEVE IN ORDER TO BETTER ONE'S UNDERSTANDING AND BELIEF IN G-D AND G-D'S ONENESS
THAT NOT ONLY ARE WE ALLOWED TO TEACH THE GENTILE , WE ARE OBLIGATED TO DO SO.
FOR ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD ARE OBLIGATED TO WORSHIP AND PRAY TO ONE G-D. IF THEY DO NOT COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND WHAT G-D IS TRULY LIKE OR UNLIKE,THEN THEY WILL NOT BE PRAYING TO G-D THEY WILL BE PRAYING TO THEIR IMAGINATION!
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD KNOW THAT G-D IS TOTAL ONENESS AND THAT ALL ARE CREATED BY G-D AND ARE RECREATED AT EVRY MOMENT. IN DOING SO WE NEVER LEAVE G-D'S PROVIDENCE OR BEING. HENCE WE ARE ALL ONE WITH G-D. PUT INTO OTHER TERMS,AYN OD MILEVADO -THERE IS REALLY NOTHING ELSE. WHATEVER WE ARE , IS INCLUDED IN THE ONENESS. THERE IS NOTHING ELSE.
SO THE NEXT TIME SOMEONE ASKS YOU WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ,ANSWER ACCORDING TO THE QUERY. IF HE WANTS TO DISCUSS ISIAH 53 ,SHOW HIM OUT. IF HE WISHE TO KNOW WHAT IS G-D REALLY LIKE OPEN UP THE TANYA TO THE BEGINNING OF SHAAR HAYICHUD VEHOEMUNAH-THE PORTAL OF UNITY AND FAITH! GOOD LUCK!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
TAKING THE TORAH TO THE GOYIM
THERE IS AN AGGADIC REFERENCE TO THE STORY OF THE GIVING OF THE TORAH THAT BEFORE G-D GAVE THE TORAH TO ISRAEL HE ASKED THE NATIONS IF THEY WANTED IT FIRST. THERE IS EVEN A YIDDISH SONG POPULARIZED BY REB YOMTOV EHRLICH DEPICTING THE ANGEL AS HE GOES TO THE RUSSIANS, THE GERMANS ,THE FRENCH ,THE ENGLISH AND FINALLY, THE AMERICANS. EACH NATION HAD AN EXCUSE WHY THE TORAH WASN'T FOR THEM. IN THE AGGADAH, THE TORAH WAS OFFERED TO THE ARABS,TO THE PERSIANS , BABYLONIANS ETC..ALL OF THE NATIONS REFUSED EXCEPT FOR ISRAEL.
NOW, THERE APPARENTLY IS NO HISTORICAL RECORD OF THIS EVENT IN THE ANNALS OF BABYLON, PERSIA OR ARABIA. SO , HOW ARE WE TO UNDERSTAND THIS PART OF THE TORAH STORY ?
ACCORDING TO NACHMANEDES , THE HOLY RAMBAN, THE SEVEN LAWS OF NOACH ALSO INCLUDED THE SAME CIVIL LAWS THAT WE JEWS HAVE IN THE PORTION OF MISHPATIM-I.E. CIVIL LAWS. THIS IS AN INCREDIBLE ASSERTION THAT ALL OF THE ANCIENT CODES OF CONDUCT WERE SIMILAR TO OUR TORAH.HOW COULD THE RAV SAY THIS?
IT IS WELL KNOWN THAT NACHMANEDES WAS THE GREATEST KABBALIST OF HIS DAY.
HE IS KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH WHAT WE WOULD CALL A SIXTH SENSE.
IN TORAH TERMS WE CALL IT RUACH HAKODESH-PROPHETIC INSIGHT.
IN THE DIGS AROUND THE ANCIENT CITY OF SUMER WHICH WAS DESTROYED AROUND THE TIME OF ABRAHAM 400 YEARS BEFORE MOSES CLAY TABLETS WERE DISCOVERED. THES TABLETS HAVE A CIVIL CODE ALMOST VERBATIM WITH OUR MISHPATIM-CIVIL LAWS!
IN OTHER WORDS-NACHMANEDES' ASSERTION IS CORRECT . THE ANCIENT TRADITION
WAS LIKE THAT OF ISRAEL. THESE LAWS WERE THE SAME FOR ALL NATIONS.
WHAT THEN HAPPENED?
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I WAS TOLD IN WORLD HISTORY THAT HAMMURABI'S CODE WAS THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT UPON WHICH THE TORAH ETHIC WAS BUILT. OF COURSE THAT REFLECTS THE BIAS OF THE PROFESSORS OF EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES IN THE 19TH CENTURY IN WHICH THEY TRIED TO BELITTLE THE CONTRIBUTION OF ISRAEL AND ITS' HOLY BOOKS SO I LOOKED UP HAMMURABI'S CODE WHICH WAS QUITE DETAILED BUT ARCHAIC AND I NOTICED ONE OUTSTANDING FEATURE. THE NOMENCLATURE-THE ELITE HAD DIFFERENT PUNISHMENTS THAN THE COMMONER AS WELL AS BEING ABLE TO EXTRACT PUNISHMENT FOR SOMEONE INJURING THEM. IN OTHER WORDS THE LAWS WERE DIFFERENT FOR THE ARISTOCRAT AND FOR THE COMMONER.
THIS IN DISTINCTION FROM THE TORAH WHERE CITIZEN AND CONVERT ADHERE TO THE SAME RULES!
THIS IS WHAT IS MEANT THAT G-D ASKED THE NATIONS TO ACCEPT THE TORAH THEY REFUSED. HOW?BY CHANGING THE ANCIENT CODE!IF THEY WOULD CHANGE THE CIVIL CODE FOR THEIR OWN SATISFACTION THEN FOR SURE THE COMMANDMENTS THAT APPLY TO WORSHIP WOULD ALSO B E ALTERED. THE TORAH IS ETERNAL AND NO ONE CAN CHANGE IT. ONLY A PEOPLE WHO KEPT THE LAWS AS IS UNDER ALL DIFFICULTIES , EVEN IN BONDAGE IN EGYPT COULD BE ENTRUSTED WITH THE ETERNAL TORAH!
NOW, THERE APPARENTLY IS NO HISTORICAL RECORD OF THIS EVENT IN THE ANNALS OF BABYLON, PERSIA OR ARABIA. SO , HOW ARE WE TO UNDERSTAND THIS PART OF THE TORAH STORY ?
ACCORDING TO NACHMANEDES , THE HOLY RAMBAN, THE SEVEN LAWS OF NOACH ALSO INCLUDED THE SAME CIVIL LAWS THAT WE JEWS HAVE IN THE PORTION OF MISHPATIM-I.E. CIVIL LAWS. THIS IS AN INCREDIBLE ASSERTION THAT ALL OF THE ANCIENT CODES OF CONDUCT WERE SIMILAR TO OUR TORAH.HOW COULD THE RAV SAY THIS?
IT IS WELL KNOWN THAT NACHMANEDES WAS THE GREATEST KABBALIST OF HIS DAY.
HE IS KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH WHAT WE WOULD CALL A SIXTH SENSE.
IN TORAH TERMS WE CALL IT RUACH HAKODESH-PROPHETIC INSIGHT.
IN THE DIGS AROUND THE ANCIENT CITY OF SUMER WHICH WAS DESTROYED AROUND THE TIME OF ABRAHAM 400 YEARS BEFORE MOSES CLAY TABLETS WERE DISCOVERED. THES TABLETS HAVE A CIVIL CODE ALMOST VERBATIM WITH OUR MISHPATIM-CIVIL LAWS!
IN OTHER WORDS-NACHMANEDES' ASSERTION IS CORRECT . THE ANCIENT TRADITION
WAS LIKE THAT OF ISRAEL. THESE LAWS WERE THE SAME FOR ALL NATIONS.
WHAT THEN HAPPENED?
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I WAS TOLD IN WORLD HISTORY THAT HAMMURABI'S CODE WAS THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT UPON WHICH THE TORAH ETHIC WAS BUILT. OF COURSE THAT REFLECTS THE BIAS OF THE PROFESSORS OF EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES IN THE 19TH CENTURY IN WHICH THEY TRIED TO BELITTLE THE CONTRIBUTION OF ISRAEL AND ITS' HOLY BOOKS SO I LOOKED UP HAMMURABI'S CODE WHICH WAS QUITE DETAILED BUT ARCHAIC AND I NOTICED ONE OUTSTANDING FEATURE. THE NOMENCLATURE-THE ELITE HAD DIFFERENT PUNISHMENTS THAN THE COMMONER AS WELL AS BEING ABLE TO EXTRACT PUNISHMENT FOR SOMEONE INJURING THEM. IN OTHER WORDS THE LAWS WERE DIFFERENT FOR THE ARISTOCRAT AND FOR THE COMMONER.
THIS IN DISTINCTION FROM THE TORAH WHERE CITIZEN AND CONVERT ADHERE TO THE SAME RULES!
THIS IS WHAT IS MEANT THAT G-D ASKED THE NATIONS TO ACCEPT THE TORAH THEY REFUSED. HOW?BY CHANGING THE ANCIENT CODE!IF THEY WOULD CHANGE THE CIVIL CODE FOR THEIR OWN SATISFACTION THEN FOR SURE THE COMMANDMENTS THAT APPLY TO WORSHIP WOULD ALSO B E ALTERED. THE TORAH IS ETERNAL AND NO ONE CAN CHANGE IT. ONLY A PEOPLE WHO KEPT THE LAWS AS IS UNDER ALL DIFFICULTIES , EVEN IN BONDAGE IN EGYPT COULD BE ENTRUSTED WITH THE ETERNAL TORAH!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
A TEE HAS BEEN FELLED
SUNDAY WE WILL SAY GOODBYE TO SHLOMO MICZNYK A TRUE CEDAR OF THE LEBANON.
SHLOMO WAS A MEMBER OF BEGIN'S IRGUN AND GREATLY ASSISTED IN THE BATTLES FOR RE-ESTABLISHING THE JEWISH STATE IN OUR HOLY LAND.IT IS WITH SADNESS AND ADMIRATION FOR HIS LIFE'S ACHIEVEMENT THAT WE BEND OUR HEADS AND ASK THAT ' HAMAKOM YENACHEM MISHPACHTO BESOCH SHEAR AVAYLAY TZION VEYERUSHALAYIM'
SHLOMO WAS A MEMBER OF BEGIN'S IRGUN AND GREATLY ASSISTED IN THE BATTLES FOR RE-ESTABLISHING THE JEWISH STATE IN OUR HOLY LAND.IT IS WITH SADNESS AND ADMIRATION FOR HIS LIFE'S ACHIEVEMENT THAT WE BEND OUR HEADS AND ASK THAT ' HAMAKOM YENACHEM MISHPACHTO BESOCH SHEAR AVAYLAY TZION VEYERUSHALAYIM'
TREES
THE TORAH TELLS US THAT WE MUST PROTECT THE FRUIT TREE EVEN AT THE TIME OF WAR. NO FRUIT TREE SHALL BE FELLED IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE VICTORY OVER THE ENEMY.
BUT WHY? ISN'T THE NEED TO PROTECT LIFE PARAMOUNT? WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT SOME TREE?
THE TORAH EXPLAINS THAT YOU SHOULDN'T DESTROY THE TREE "FOR FROM IT YOU SHALL EAT". THIS MEANS THAT THE PURPOSE OF WAR IS NOT TO KILL THE ENEMY. RATHER IT'S TO ALLOW YOUR PEOPLE TOP LIVE AND SURVIVE IN THE FACE OF THE ENEMY.
IN THAT CASE DESTROYING THE FRUIT TREE MEANS SACRIFICING THE FUTURE FOR A SMALL PRESENT GAIN.THIS IS UNWISE AS YOU MUST ALWAYS THINK BEYOND THE BATTLE.
ANOTHER APPROACH IS THAT DURING WAR THE VALUES OF PEOPLE CHANGE. MEN OF COMPASSION BECOME HARDENED KILLERS. MEN OF PRINCIPLES LOSE THESE TO THE NEED AND DESIRE TO SURVIVE. BY REMINDING THE WARRIOR TO HAVE COMPASSION ON ANY LIVING THING TEACHES HIM THAT EVEN DURING WAR THERE IS A NEED TO RETAIN ONE'S HUMANITY EVEN IF IT IS FOR A SELFISH PURPOSE.
A THIRD WAY OF LOOKING AT IT IS; MAN IS LIKENED TO THE TREE . JUST AS THE TREE
PROVIDES FRUIT TO OTHERS SO TOO A MAN DOES GOOD DEEDS THAT BENEFIT ALL.ONLY WHEN WE ARE LIKE THE FRUIT TREE ARE WE WORTHY OF G-D'S SPECIAL PROVIDENCE. HENCE WE KEEP THE TREE TO REMEMBER THAT WE MUST EMULATE IT AND CONTINUE TO OBEY THE MITZVOS NO MATTER WHERE WE ARE AND UNDER DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES.
RAABI MATTISYAHU SOLOMON TOLD OF A STUDENT WHO CAME TO GATESHEAD FROM POLAND AFTER THE WAR WHO KNEW HUNDREDS OF PAGES OF TALMUD BY HEART EVEN THOUGH HE HAD SPENT HIS LAST FEW YEARS IN THE WARSAW GHETTO AND THE CONCENTRATION CAMPS. HIS UNCLE GAVE A DAF HAYOMY CLASS IN THE GHETTO WHICH HE CONSTANTLY ATTENDED. ALL THE GEMORAH WAS LEARNED BY HEART AS HE REVIEWED HIS LESSONS OVER AND OVER AGAIN, NEVER FORGETTING THAT DESPITE BEING HUNTED HE WAS STILL A MEMBER OF G-D'S CHOSEN PEOPLE AND CONSECRATED EVERY MOMENT TO MAKE HIS JEWISH LIFE MEANINGFUL.
OF COURSE THERE ARE TRAGIC DEATHS IN WARTIME AS WELL AS IN PEACETIME.
HOWEVER, WHERVER WE GO WE MUST REALIZE THAT OUR MAIN PURPOSE IS TO BE LIKE THAT TREE.
PERHAPS IN THE FUTURE ALL COMBATANTS WILL BECOME FRUIT TREES AND LAY DOWN THEIR WEPONS FOREVER.
BUT WHY? ISN'T THE NEED TO PROTECT LIFE PARAMOUNT? WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT SOME TREE?
THE TORAH EXPLAINS THAT YOU SHOULDN'T DESTROY THE TREE "FOR FROM IT YOU SHALL EAT". THIS MEANS THAT THE PURPOSE OF WAR IS NOT TO KILL THE ENEMY. RATHER IT'S TO ALLOW YOUR PEOPLE TOP LIVE AND SURVIVE IN THE FACE OF THE ENEMY.
IN THAT CASE DESTROYING THE FRUIT TREE MEANS SACRIFICING THE FUTURE FOR A SMALL PRESENT GAIN.THIS IS UNWISE AS YOU MUST ALWAYS THINK BEYOND THE BATTLE.
ANOTHER APPROACH IS THAT DURING WAR THE VALUES OF PEOPLE CHANGE. MEN OF COMPASSION BECOME HARDENED KILLERS. MEN OF PRINCIPLES LOSE THESE TO THE NEED AND DESIRE TO SURVIVE. BY REMINDING THE WARRIOR TO HAVE COMPASSION ON ANY LIVING THING TEACHES HIM THAT EVEN DURING WAR THERE IS A NEED TO RETAIN ONE'S HUMANITY EVEN IF IT IS FOR A SELFISH PURPOSE.
A THIRD WAY OF LOOKING AT IT IS; MAN IS LIKENED TO THE TREE . JUST AS THE TREE
PROVIDES FRUIT TO OTHERS SO TOO A MAN DOES GOOD DEEDS THAT BENEFIT ALL.ONLY WHEN WE ARE LIKE THE FRUIT TREE ARE WE WORTHY OF G-D'S SPECIAL PROVIDENCE. HENCE WE KEEP THE TREE TO REMEMBER THAT WE MUST EMULATE IT AND CONTINUE TO OBEY THE MITZVOS NO MATTER WHERE WE ARE AND UNDER DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES.
RAABI MATTISYAHU SOLOMON TOLD OF A STUDENT WHO CAME TO GATESHEAD FROM POLAND AFTER THE WAR WHO KNEW HUNDREDS OF PAGES OF TALMUD BY HEART EVEN THOUGH HE HAD SPENT HIS LAST FEW YEARS IN THE WARSAW GHETTO AND THE CONCENTRATION CAMPS. HIS UNCLE GAVE A DAF HAYOMY CLASS IN THE GHETTO WHICH HE CONSTANTLY ATTENDED. ALL THE GEMORAH WAS LEARNED BY HEART AS HE REVIEWED HIS LESSONS OVER AND OVER AGAIN, NEVER FORGETTING THAT DESPITE BEING HUNTED HE WAS STILL A MEMBER OF G-D'S CHOSEN PEOPLE AND CONSECRATED EVERY MOMENT TO MAKE HIS JEWISH LIFE MEANINGFUL.
OF COURSE THERE ARE TRAGIC DEATHS IN WARTIME AS WELL AS IN PEACETIME.
HOWEVER, WHERVER WE GO WE MUST REALIZE THAT OUR MAIN PURPOSE IS TO BE LIKE THAT TREE.
PERHAPS IN THE FUTURE ALL COMBATANTS WILL BECOME FRUIT TREES AND LAY DOWN THEIR WEPONS FOREVER.
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