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Shabbos
Parshas Devarim - 13 July, 2002
Series 3, Edition 44
Candle lighting time: 5:00pm. Shabbos ends: 6:00pm.
Friday Mincha followed by Kabalas Shabbos: 5:15pm.
Shacharis on Shabbos in the Main Shule is at 9:30am and in the Youth Minyan
at 9:45am.
*This week the Gemorah Brachos shiur at Mark Franck's house on Shabbos
afternoon commences at 4:00pm.
__________________________
D'var Torah
Tell Him Off...
by Rabbi Shraga Simmons
Much of this week's Parsha consists of Moses rebuking the people for a
variety of mistakes, including the Golden Calf, Korach's rebellion, the
complaints about meat and water, and more. Why did Moses choose now - the
final days before his death - to deliver 40 years worth of pent-up rebuke?
Rebuke is fine, but not if the effect will be negative. If the other person
will get defensive, angry, or not accept the criticism, then it is better
left unsaid. If a person feels you have your own self-interest at heart -
and not his - he won't listen to what you're saying. Rebuke must clearly be
for the benefit of the other person. He has to know that you care about him,
are on his side, and want what's best for him.
That is why Moses specifically delivers the rebuke after defeating Sichon
and Og in battle (see Deut. 1:4). He had just reaffirmed his dedication to
the people. So they knew that if Moses had criticism, it was only coming
from a place of love.
A look at the original Hebrew clarifies this concept. The Torah says: "You
should give toch'acha to your neighbor." Toch'acha is from the same word as
hoch'acha, meaning "proof."
The Torah is telling us that the way to get our neighbor to change is not
through harsh rebuke, argumentation, or clever persuasion. The only way to
convince anyone of anything is by way of a clear and obvious proof. As the
Talmud (Brachot 7a) says: "It is better for a person to realize the truth
for himself, than to have it beaten into him with 100 lashes." Toch'acha is
not harsh. Rather, toch'acha is the beauty of reality staring us squarely in
the face.
One of the paths to self-growth, is to "Love Tochacha." When we recognize
that the purpose of toch'acha is to wake us up and get us on the right path,
then we're thankful!
Of course, nobody likes to be on the receiving end. But do you think you're
perfect? Of course not! If you want to reach your potential, look for
constructive criticism. Go ask for help to get rid of your mistakes. When a
person is committed to reaching a goal, he'll accept incredible doses of
nagging, harassments and insults. Think of what an Olympic athlete willingly
endures from coaches!
No doubt this is what King Solomon meant when he said, "Give toch'acha to a
wise person - and he'll love you!" (Proverbs 9:8)
One final point: Giving toch'acha is everyone's obligation. That is why the
verse just prior in the Torah says "Don't stand by your brother's blood"
(Leviticus 19:16). One may not stand idly by while another is in need.
If you really love someone, you can't stand to see him living a misguided
life. Who gives you the most criticism? Those who love you the most - your
parents. It's because they love you that they can't simply ignore you by
saying, "He's wasting time but I don't care." Similarly, the Jewish people
are one. If one Jew hurts, all Jews feel it.
We must reach out and find a way to help. The Talmud (Shabbat 119) says that
Jerusalem was destroyed because people didn't correct each other. Today, the
Jewish people are haemorrhaging from assimilation. We have to make a
pro-active effort to bring Jews closer to Torah. How?
By being better role models.
Giving toch'acha does not mean criticising, throwing stones, or shouting
louder than the next guy. Real toch'acha is demonstrating through action and
deed. If secular Israelis do not appreciate the beauty and sanctity of
Shabbat, it is because observant Jews are not keeping Shabbos in the right
way. If observant Jews were truly projecting and radiating a warmth and
glow, then the truth of Shabbat would be obvious to all. No arguments, no
conflicts. The Talmud says that Moses was able to instruct the people only
because he exemplified what he preached.
The Sages ask the question: When the Messiah arrives, how will we know it's
really him? The answer: It will be obvious. Of course, there are some
technical qualifications, but his basic identity as the Messiah will be
self-evident. He will speak words of Torah so sweet and clear, that no one
will need to question his identity. It will be a pure outpouring of positive
energy that overwhelms everything in its path. That is the beauty of true
toch'acha.
_______________________________________________
PARSHA OVERVIEW - Devarim (Devarim 1:1 - 3:22)
This week we begin the last of the Five Books of the Torah, Devarim which is
Moshe's oration before he died. It is preparation for the Jewish people for
entering and living in the Land of Israel. Moshe reviews the history of the
40 years of wandering in the desert and rebukes the Jewish people so they
will learn from their mistakes.
Moshe recalls what happened at Har Sinai, the appointment of judges and
administrators, the story of the spies, the prohibition to attack Edom and
Moav, the defeat of the Kings Sichon and Og, and how the land of Gilad was
given to the tribes of Reuven, Gad and half of the tribe of Menashe.
---------------------
Nine Days
Tuesday night, 9 July 2002, commenced the period known as the Nine Days. In
addition to the limitations of the Three Weeks - i.e., refraining from
haircuts, celebration and music - the following apply to the Nine Days when
we observe a higher level of mourning as the Talmud in Taanit 26a states
"When the month of Av begins, we reduce our joy"
1. We abstain from the consumption of meat (including poultry) and wine,
except on Shabbos (and at a Seudas Mitzvah). Wine from Havdalah should be
given to a child to drink.
2. We refrain from wearing newly laundered garments (except on Shabbos), or
laundering clothes, though "non-fresh" items may be worn. Clothing of small
children, which gets soiled frequently, may be laundered during the Nine
Days.
3. One should refrain from bathing for pleasure during this period. Washing
or showering in non-hot water to remove dirt or perspiration is permitted,
as is washing or showering for Shabbat.
---------------------
Other Developments
*Last Shabbos during davening, Rabbi Micha Turteltaub of Aish HaTorah spoke
in the Youth Minyan explaining the power of Tefillah and how it physically
impacted the Bnei Yisroel in their battle against Midian and how it is still
as potent a weapon in Israel's arsenal in her battles today.
*Last Shabbos after davening, a Kiddish jointly sponsored by Mr & Mrs Arnold
Jacobs, Mr & Mrs Schon and Mr & Mrs Kinderlerer in honour of their
respective Yorzeits was held. George Marcus was the guest speaker and
explained that Bnei Yisroel were attacked in the desert simply because they
were Jews and this is still the reason that Israel is attacked today. Rabbi
Shea Hecht, visiting Katanga from Israel, advised how we can apply the rules
of engagement from Israel's war with Midian to the current conflict in
Israel today. Mr Mottel Kinderlerer then spoke about how Israel is central
to the defence and future prospects of the Jewish people and finally Arnold
Jacobs on his mother's first Yorzeit, quoted from her memoirs her
experiences in the Holocaust and her unyielding dedication to Torah. Yasher
Koach.
*At Shalosh Seudos last week, Ari Bergman spoke about the concept of vows &
oaths and remarked on the power bestowed in us to affect and or prohibit
objects solely through our speech. Yasher Koach.
*Due to the current situation in Eretz Yisroel, leaders of World Jewry
headed by HaRav HaGoan Elyashiv have appealed to Jews world-wide to recite
Tehillim on behalf of the people of Israel. Chapters 20, 83, 121, 130 & 142
are encouraged to be recited daily.
-----------------------------
Announcements
-During the Three Weeks we read a series of special Haftoras. The second,
which we read this week, is taken from Yishiyahu, which we refer to as
Shabbos Chazon.
-Tisha B'Av is next Thursday 18 July 2002.
-Minyanim times for the coming week are:
Shacharis: First Minyan @ 6:40am, Second Minyan @ 7:00am
Mincha at 5:15pm followed by shiurim and then Ma'ariv at 5:55pm.
-Recently the quantity of English Seforim held in the front of the Shule has
reduced. Would those responsible for the missing books please ensure they
are returned to enable others to benefit from their use.
-Anyone interested in presenting a Shiur in the Youth Minyan please contact
Ari Bergman, or email us here.
-Please join us for our Katanga weekly squash game on Sunday 6:00pm at
Albert Park Squash Centre. If you are interested in attending, please
contact Isaac Berkovits.
_________________________
Thoughts for the Week
* Attitude not aptitude determines your altitude
* Luck is when preparation meets opportunity
* Success is the peace of mind knowing you have fulfilled your potential
_________________________
Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos to all!
"The Editors"
Shabbos
Parshas Matos-Masai - 6 July, 2002
Series 3, Edition 43
Candle lighting time: 4:56pm. Shabbos ends: 5:57pm.
Friday Mincha followed by Kabalas Shabbos: 5:10pm.
Shacharis on Shabbos in the Main Shule is at 9:30am and in the Youth Minyan
at 9:45am.
*This week the Gemorah Brachos shiur at Mark Franck's house on Shabbos
afternoon commences at 3:50pm.
__________________________
D'var Torah
If I Had a Million Dollars...
by Rabbi Shraga Simmons (aish.com)
In this week's Parsha, the Jewish people are in final preparations for
entering the Land of Israel. Two of the tribes, Reuven and Gad have been
blessed with such an abundance of flocks and herds, that they anticipate not
having enough grazing land in Israel. So they propose the following: Instead
of taking our regular portion of land within Israel proper, we'll instead
stay here on the Eastern side of the Jordan River.
Moses' lambastes them - not because they were choosing to stay outside
Israel but because when making their request, Reuven and Gad blatantly
disregard the needs of their children - and mention their cattle only.
(Numbers 32:4)
We've all met people who are working overtime to "give their kids something
extra" - while ruining that very relationship by not spending enough time
with the kids!
These people are making a big mistake. More than presents, children need
your presence.
The Torah tells us to recite the "Shema" prayer twice each day. It says:
"And you shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your
soul, and with all your resources."
Typically the Torah presents a series as a progression from easiest to
hardest: Love God emotionally ("heart"), and even be willing to give up your
life if necessary ("soul"), and even be willing to spend your money, too!
Yet if this is a progression, are there really people who consider money
more important than life itself?!
And the answer is yes. The Talmud speaks about someone who walks across a
thorny field, and picks up his pants in order to avoid getting them ripped.
Of course, the person's legs get all cut up and scratched - but at least the
pants are saved!
Priorities.
In our Parsha, after travelling through the desert for 40 years and enduring
countless trials and tribulations, the Jewish people are now standing across
the Jordan, ready to enter the Promised Land. It is one of the defining
moments in all of Jewish history.
But Reuven and Gad say they'd rather take good grazing land than enter
Israel!
They had come so far, but they only went halfway. They were distracted by
material goals when it really counted.
The Talmud says that when Reuven and Gad later saw the rich life in the Land
of Israel, they regretted their decision. But the story has an even sadder
ending: When Assyrian King Sanchereb exiled the Jewish people during the
time of the First Temple, the first tribes to be conquered and sent away
were, you guessed it, Reuven and Gad.
It happens to all of us from time to time. Objectively, we can know our
priorities. But sometimes we get distracted.
May we have the strength and clarity to connect our heart to our mind - and
to act upon that which we intellectually know to be right.
_______________________________________________
PARSHA OVERVIEW - Matos-Masai (Bamidbar 30:02 - 36:13)
Matos begins with the laws of making and annulling vows and then describes
the surprise retribution attack on Midian and the purification after war of
people and vessels, dedicating a portion of the spoils to the communal good.
Reuben and Gad request that their portion of land be east of the Jordan
river. Moshe objects because he thinks the tribes will not take part in the
conquering of the land of Israel, but they clarify that they will be advance
troops in the attack and thus receive permission.
Masei includes the complete list of journeys in the desert. Hashem commands
to drive out the land's inhabitants, to destroy their idols and to divide
the land by a lottery system. The borders of the Land of Israel are
established. New leadership is appointed and cities of the Levites and
Cities of Refuge are designated. Lastly, the laws are set forth regarding
accidental and willful murder as well as inheritance for property when there
has been a marriage between individuals from different tribes.
---------------------
Three Weeks
We might think the Second Temple was destroyed because of a combination of
complex reasons, a series of events out of our control. Not so. It is simply
due to the sin of unwarranted hatred between Jews.
When we desire and await the rebuilding of the Temple, the key is to focus
on fixing what we have ruined. The way of repair is that everyone must make
a maximum effort to love every member of the Jewish People.
This is what we are lacking today and this is what we mourn on Tisha B'Av.
Every time you get into a fight with someone and you don't work it out,
think long and hard that you are personally responsible for holding back the
rebuilding of the Temple.
And every time you love a Jew unconditionally, we bring redemption one giant
step closer.
---------------------
Other Developments
*Last Shabbos after davening, Moshe Belleli spoke in the Youth Minyan
explaining that we learn from the course of action that Pinchas took that we
can never compromise or excuse behaviour that is fundamentally contrary to
Judaism. Yasher Koach.
*At Shalosh Seudos last week, Ezra May explained the consequences and
ramifications from the episode of Pinchas slaying Zimri for the Bnei Yisroel,
Pinchas & Moshe. Ezra also explained why Pinchas received his reward
immediately. Yasher Koach.
*Due to the current situation in Eretz Yisroel, leaders of World Jewry
headed by HaRav HaGoan Elyashiv have appealed to Jews world-wide to recite
Tehillim on behalf of the people of Israel. Chapters 20, 83, 121, 130 & 142
are encouraged to be recited daily.
-----------------------------
Announcements
-This week is Shabbos Chazak Bamidbar.
-During the Three Weeks we read a series of special Haftoras which deal with
punishment. The first, which will be read this Shabbos, is taken from the
beginning of Yirmiyahu.
-This week is Shabbos Mevorachim Av. Rosh Chodesh Av is Wednesday 10 July
2002, which also commences the Nine Days.
-Minyanim times for the coming week are:
Shacharis: First Minyan @ 6:40am, Second Minyan @ 7:00am
Mincha at 5:10pm followed by shiurim and then Ma'ariv at 5:50pm.
-Recently the quantity of English Seforim held in the front of the Shule has
reduced. Would those responsible for the missing books please ensure they
are returned to enable others to benefit from their use as well.
-Anyone interested in presenting a Shiur in the Youth Minyan please contact
Ari Bergman, or email us here.
-Please join us for our Katanga weekly squash game on Sunday 6:00pm at
Albert Park Squash Centre. If you are interested in attending, please
contact Isaac Berkovits.
_________________________
Thoughts for the Week
* What you do speaks louder than what you say
* The tongue is the pen of the heart
* Meditate - It is better then sitting around doing nothing
_________________________
Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos to all!
"The Editors"
Shabbos
Parshas Pinchas - 29 June, 2002
Series 3, Edition 42
Candle lighting time: 4:52pm. Shabbos ends: 5:54pm.
Friday Mincha followed by Kabalas Shabbos: 5:10pm.
Shacharis on Shabbos in the Main Shule is at 9:30am and in the Youth Minyan
at 9:45am.
*This week the Gemorah Brachos shiur at Mark Franck's house on Shabbos
afternoon commences at 3:50pm.
__________________________
MAZAL TOV
Mazal Tov to Simi Franck & Louis Shapira of LA, USA on their engagement this
week.
Katanga would like to wish a Mazal Tov to the parents Yossi & Sara Franck
and Mr & Mrs Shapiro and to the grandparents, brothers, sister,
sisters-in-law, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephew & nieces and the entire
extended family.
------------------------------------
D'var Torah
The 'Crisis' Crisis
by Rabbi Stephen Baars (aish.com)
Pinchas is one of the few parshas named after an individual Jew. To
appreciate how unusual this is, there is no parsha named Abraham. Nor is
there one named Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rivka, Rachel, Leah, Joseph, Moses or
Aaron.
Clearly, Pinchas was one of the all-time heroes of Jewish history. What was
his claim to fame? In an act of tremendous self sacrifice (and at great
personal danger), Pinchas acted to stop a public display of immorality which
had triggered a plague that was killing thousands. Pinchas had stepped
forward at a time when everyone else had given up, and for this he was
rewarded by God with the "Covenant of Peace." It is hard to find such a
Jewish champion in the Torah.
It is therefore surprising that later in the parsha, Joshua - a 'secondary'
figure in the Bible - is appointed to inherit Jewish leadership after Moses'
death!
As the commentators explain, the appointment of Joshua is juxtaposed next to
Pinchas' heroics to contrast what a real leader should be (Joshua), as
opposed to what we think he should be (Pinchas). Though the "Pinchas'" of
the world typically get the most media attention, it is the quiet qualities
of a "Joshua" which are most essential for leadership.
What leadership skills and talents does Joshua possess that Pinchas lacks?
Joshua's greatness is that when it came to Torah, he was reliable,
dependable and consistent. Day in and day out, he would arrive first to the
study hall to set up the chairs, and he would stay to sweep up after. When
Moses went up Mount Sinai for 40 days, Joshua faithfully waited below.
This was Joshua's strength. He learned as much as he could from the Torah,
the instruction book of life. If you want a leader, then pick the one who
has studied the instructions first.
What if you have the choice between a person who consistently makes good
decisions, or someone who blooms in a crisis? The Torah says to choose the
former.
Why? A crisis is, by its very nature, a unique and passing event. Most of
the time, society is not in crises. Therefore, the best leader is one who
can be steady and consistent through the routine of day-to-day reality.
In his quiet, unassuming way, Joshua was a rock of stability. This may seem
slight when compared to the exciting bravery of Pinchas. Yet, the Torah
teaches, it characterizes the essence of a good leader.
We've all heard questions such as, "What would you do if your child came
home and told you X or Y problem?" Or, "What would you do if you found out
you had A or B disease?" These make great talk-show topics and bar-room
discussions. We watch crisis-laden soap operas, pay to view crisis-packed
movies, and read crisis-covered newspapers. Our perspective is so skewed
that normal everyday activity seems mundane, boring, and unworthy of
attention. We've turned our lives into a constant quest for crisis.
But what about the "non-crisis?" Are we prepared to sit at the dinner table
and discuss how to make the act of eating more meaningful? Would we watch a
talk show that raises the question, "Is day-to-day life meaningful when
there isn't a crisis?"
If we were more adequately equipped to face the non-crisis situations, there
would be far less likelihood of problems accumulating to the point where
they actually do reach crisis proportions!
For this reason, Joshua was the best choice for leader. It is only our
modern-day pre-occupation with crisis that could make us think Pinchas was
more qualified.
From where will we learn to enjoy life if we do not spend time to understand
the inherent value of the "mundane"? How will our children learn to make
their days meaningful if our only concern is the crisis in life, the crisis
in the world?
We may know the right response if our children came home and told us X or Y.
We may know how to handle the knowledge that we have A or B. We may be ably
prepared for most of life's crises and disasters. But the non-crisis arena
is the one that holds the real challenge for us today. Because what a
disaster life will be... if we don't learn how to deal with the consistent
reality of daily routine!
_______________________________________________
PARSHA OVERVIEW - Pinchas (Bamidbar 25:10 - 30:01)
At the end of last week's Parsha, Pinchas acted to stop a public display of
immorality by killing Zimri and Kozbi. He thus stemmed the plague of
retribution which was killing the multitudes. Pinchas is rewarded by being
made a Cohen.
Hashem commands Moshe to attack the Midianites in retribution for the
licentious plot they perpetrated upon the Israelites. A new census is taken
of the Jewish people revealing that there are 601,730 men available for army
duty. Hashem directs the division of the Land of Israel amongst the tribes.
The Levites are tallied. The daughters of Tzelafchad come forward to
petition Moshe regarding their right of inheritance. Moshe inquires Hashem
about this Who answers in their favour.
---------------------
Three Weeks
The 17th of Tammuz (Thursday, 27h June) is a fast day (finishing at 5:40pm)
commemorating the fall of Jerusalem, prior to the destruction of the Holy
Temple. This also marks the beginning of a 3-week national period of
mourning, leading up to Tisha B'Av.
Agonizing over these events is meant to help us conquer those spiritual
deficiencies which brought about these tragic events. Through the process of
"Teshuva" - self-introspection and a commitment to improve - we have the
power to transform tragedy into joy. In fact, the Talmud says that after the
future redemption of Israel and the rebuilding of the Temple, these fast
days will be re-dedicated as days of rejoicing and festivity. For as the
prophet Zechariah says: the 17th of Tammuz will become a day of "joy to the
House of Judah, and gladness and cheerful feasts."
Five great catastrophes occurred in Jewish history on the 17th of Tammuz:
1. Moses broke the tablets at Mount Sinai in response to the sin of the
Golden Calf. 2. The daily offerings in the First Temple were suspended
during the siege of Jerusalem, after the Kohanim could no longer obtain
animals. 3. Jerusalem's walls were breached, prior to the destruction of the
Second Temple in 70 CE. 4. Prior to the Great Revolt, the Roman general
Apostamos burned a Torah scroll - setting a precedent for the horrifying
burning of Jewish books throughout the centuries. 5. An idolatrous image was
placed in the Sanctuary of the Holy Temple - a brazen act of blasphemy and
desecration.
During the 3 weeks, various aspects of mourning are observed by the entire
nation. We minimize joy and celebration. And, since the attribute of Divine
judgement ("din") is acutely felt, we avoid potentially dangerous or risky
endeavours.
Aspects of mourning observed during the Three Weeks:
1. No weddings are held. (However, engagement ceremonies are permissible.)
2. We do not listen to music.
3. We avoid all public celebrations - especially those which involve
singing, dancing and musical accompaniment.
4. We avoid pleasure trips or other unusually entertaining activities.
5. No haircuts or shaving.
6. We do not say the blessing "She-hechianu" on new food or clothes except
on Shabbos.
---------------------
Other Developments
*Last Shabbos after davening, the Youth Minyan spontaneously exploded into
song and dance in celebration of the recent engagements of our two new
Chasanim, Eliezer Lebovits and Moshe Belleli. Traditional wedding songs were
sung and danced with great fervour and in honour of their engagements the
Chasanim were also Baalai Tefillah for Shacharis and Mussaf. Mazal Tov and
Yasher Koach.
*At Shalosh Seudos last week, Rabbi Jager explained various issued raised in
the Parsha in a Jewish historical perspective. Yasher Koach.
*Due to the current situation in Eretz Yisroel, leaders of World Jewry
headed by HaRav HaGoan Elyashiv have appealed to Jews world-wide to recite
Tehillim on behalf of the people of Israel. Chapters 20, 83, 121, 130 & 142
are encouraged to be recited daily.
-----------------------------
Announcements
-Today, Thursday 27 June 2002, begins the Three Weeks with the Fast of 17th
of Tammuz, which concludes at 5:40pm.
-Minyanim times for the coming week are:
Shacharis: First Minyan @ 6:40am, Second Minyan @ 7:00am
Mincha at 5:10pm followed by shiurim and then Ma'ariv at 5:50pm.
-Recently the collection of English Seforim held in the front of the Shule
has reduced. Would those responsible for the missing books please ensure
they are returned to their appropriate place to enable others to benefit
from them as well.
-Anyone interested in presenting a Shiur in the Youth Minyan please contact
Ari Bergman, or email us here.
-Please join us for our Katanga weekly squash game on Sunday 6:00pm at
Albert Park Squash Centre. If you are interested in attending, please
contact Isaac Berkovits.
_________________________
Thoughts for the Week
* People prefer to blame others because usually there is only one other
possibility
* The heart is wiser than the brain
* The difference between a genius and a lunatic is that the genius has proof
_________________________
Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos to all!
"The Editors"
Shabbos
Parshas Chukas - Balak - 22 June, 2002
Series 3, Edition 41
Candle lighting time: 4:50pm. Shabbos ends: 5:52pm.
Friday Mincha followed by Kabalas Shabbos: 5:05pm.
Shacharis on Shabbos in the Main Shule is at 9:30am and in the Youth Minyan
at 9:45am.
*This week the Gemorah Brachos shiur at Mark Franck's house on Shabbos
afternoon commences at 3:50pm.
__________________________
MAZAL TOV
Mazal Tov to Moshe Belleli & Debra Ciechanowski on the occasion of their
engagement.
Katanga would like to wish a Mazal Tov to the parents Harry & Tilly
Ciechanowski and Reuven & Tania Belleli, the grandparents, sisters,
brothers-in-law, uncles, aunts, cousins and whole extended family.
----------------------------------------
D'var Torah
"Different Strokes..."
by Rabbi Shraga Simmons (aish.com)
This week's Parsha features one of the most perplexing incidents in the
entire Torah. The Jews have been wandering for 40 years in the desert and
they're thirsty. So God tells Moses to speak to the rock and water will come
forth (Numbers 20:8). The instruction to "speak" to the rock is in contrast
to 40 years earlier, when Moses followed God's instruction to HIT the rock -
and water gushed out (Exodus 17:6).
This time, Moses is to speak. Yet he again hits the rock. Nothing happens,
so Moses hits the rock a second time, and water comes out. God's response:
"Since you HIT the rock rather than speaking to it, you will not lead the
Jewish people into the Land of Israel" (Numbers 20:11-12).
We read this story and think: Here's the mighty Moses, who confronted
Pharaoh, arranged the Ten Plagues, split the Red Sea, brought the Torah down
from Mount Sinai, and defended the people through trials and tribulations in
the desert. Now he makes one little mistake and God takes away his dream of
entering Israel. The consequence seems inappropriately harsh!
The first step in understanding this incident is to appreciate how the
Jewish people were at the critical juncture of transitioning from desert
life to Israel. At the rock, God's instructions to Moses are carefully
chosen to reflect this transition. Forty years earlier, when Moses was told
to HIT the rock, the people had just come out of brutal slavery in Egypt -
and "hitting" was a language they understood. But this time, Moses was
called upon to lead a generation who'd grown up in freedom; a generation
which required the softer approach of "speaking."
Notice how in our Parsha, Moses hits the rock twice. First, he hit the rock
and no water came out. At that moment he had the opportunity to reevaluate
his approach and reflect more carefully on God's specific instruction to
"speak." But Moses hits the rock again.
The commentators suggest that perhaps symbolically, we can learn about our
own need to be flexible in our approach. Moses' punishment is not harsh; it
is simply a consequence of his relationship to the new generation and their
needs in entering Israel.
We learn from this a crucial lesson about education. King Solomon says:
"Educate each child according to his own way." The process of learning is
different for everybody, and the approach that's effective for one is often
not effective for another.
Jewish ideals have existed against all odds for 3,000 years - not because
we've pounded people over the head, but because we've communicated those
ideas in a rational, practical way. Anyone who says that yeshiva is a cult
is woefully misinformed. Yeshiva is precisely the place to discuss the
issues, ask questions, work it through, and make it you own.
It is interesting that the experience of Moses in the desert can be
understood in light of the experience of Judaism in the 20th century. In the
shtetl of Europe, a rabbi might be able to communicate displeasure to his
students by hitting the knuckles with a ruler. It was a language that was
accepted and understood. But when tens of thousands of Jews moved to
America, those who sent their children to Jewish day school found these same
rabbis applying their European-style methods to children with American
mentalities. These children, who were used to a more open and permissive
approach, could not relate to Judaism as it was being presented. The result
is that many of them shifted away from observance.
It has only been in the last 20 years - with American-born rabbis now taking
the helm and explaining Judaism in modern, relevant terms - that American
Jewry has seen a resurgence back toward traditional observance.
Berel Wein writes:
"In our always-uncertain world, it is natural to crave security and
stability. Financial planners, estate planners, insurance experts and
politicians in office all attempt to convince us that the way it is now is
how it will be in the future as well. However, all of us in our secret
hearts know that the only thing certain about the future is that it will not
be the same as the present. Therefore, we should be prepared to be open to
new circumstances, to a constantly changing world. We should not be afraid
to try out new technology, new ideas and theories, to change careers and
pursue our true interests and goals. There is an innate longing for
greatness within all of us. That longing can never be fulfilled without a
willingness to change, improve and try something new."
Like Moses and the rock, our ability to adjust and customize our approach -
while remaining true to Torah standards - will in large part determine how
successfully we move our children, our students, our nation and ourselves
forward into the "Land of Israel" - into the next exciting stage of personal
and national destiny.
_______________________________________________
PARSHA OVERVIEW - Chukas - Balak (Bamidbar 19:1 - 25:9)
The law of Parah Adumah (Red Hefer) which was burned with cedar wood, hyssop
and scarlet thread is given. The ashes were used in a purification ceremony,
but strangely, all involved in the making of the ashes became impure, while
those who were sprinkled with them became ritually pure. Miriam, Moshe's
sister dies. The well which accompanied the Israelites on her merit, ceases
to flow and the people rebel against Moshe and Aharon because of the lack of
water. Hashem tells Moshe to speak to the rock for water, but Moshe gets
angry and hits the rock and water rushes forth. Hashem punishes Moshe and
Aharon for not sanctifying Him by forbidding their entry into the land of
Israel.
Aharon dies and his son Elazar is appointed the new High Priest. The
Canaanite king of Arad attacks the Israelites and is soundly defeated. Then
there is another rebellion over the food and water which is answered by a
plague of poisonous snakes. Moshe prays for the people and is instructed by
G-d to put the image of a snake on a high pole. All who saw it would think
of Hashem then repent and therefore live. The Israelites then annihilate the
Amorites and Bashanites who didn't let them pass peacefully through their
lands, but attacked.
Balak, the second portion this week is about Bilaam, a non-Jewish prophet.
Hashem gives Bilaam a near Moshe-like level of prophecy so that the nations
of the world can not say, "If we had a prophet like Moshe, we too would have
accepted the Torah and would have lived according to it." Balak, the king of
Moav, desires to hire Bilaam to curse the Jewish people and Bilaam accepts
this assignment but first asks Hashem.
Hashem allows Bilaam to go with Balak cautioning him to only say what Hashem
tells him too. Three times Bilaam tries to curse and three times Hashem
places blessings in his mouth. Balak is furious! So, Bilaam gives him advice
in hope of collecting his fee - "If you want to destroy the Jewish people,
entice the men with Moabite women and tell the women not to submit until the
men bow down to an idol." Balak follows the advice and consequently Hashem
brings a plague against the Jewish people because the men fell for Bilaam's
plot.
---------------------
Other Developments
*Last Shabbos after davening, a Kiddish was held in honour of the Yorhzeits
of Abe Muchnik's mother and Tom May's father. The guest speaker, Rabbi
Blackman of the Jewish Learning Centre, explained Korach's dispute with
Moshe to be that of one of procedure in that Moshe occasionally initiated
events of his own accord that Hashem later approved. Rabbi Blackman
explained however that Moshe was so intrinsically linked to Hashem that he
instinctively knew what Hashem wanted. Yasher Koach.
*At Shalosh Seudos last week, Isi Pacanowski explained the attraction of
Korach's challenge to be that as Moshe was so intimately connected with
Hashem and almost angel-like that he was out of touch with the common
people. Isi however explained that Korach's challenge was ultimately
motivated by personal jealousy. Yasher Koach.
*Last week the Shule welcomed back; Joe & Carmela Grynberg from their recent
trip to Israel, Adam Szental who has been learning in Yeshivah in Israel and
this week Eliezer Lebovits who has returned after becoming engaged in
Toronto, Canada. Mazal Tov & welcome back.
*Due to the current situation in Eretz Yisroel, leaders of World Jewry
headed by HaRav HaGoan Elyashiv have appealed to Jews world-wide to recite
Tehillim on behalf of the people of Israel. Chapters 20, 83, 121, 130 & 142
are encouraged to be recited daily.
-----------------------------
Announcements
-The Three Weeks begin with the Fast of 17th of Tammuz on Thursday 27th of
June 2002 which concludes at 5:40pm.
The Three Weeks are considered an inauspicious time and we refrain from
getting married, having a hair-cut, purchasing or wearing new clothing,
listening to music and taking pleasure trips.
On the 17th of Tamuz, five calamitous events occurred in our history:
1) Moshe broke the first Tablets of the Ten Commandments when he descended
from Mt. Sinai and saw the worshipping of the Golden Calf
2) The Daily Sacrificial Offerings ceased in the First Temple
3) The walls of Jerusalem were breached during the siege of the Second
Temple
4) Apustumus-the-Wicked burned a Sefer Torah and
5) An idol was placed in the Sanctuary of the Second Temple.
-Minyanim times for the coming week are:
Shacharis: First Minyan @ 6:40am, Second Minyan @ 7:00am
Mincha at 5:05pm followed by shiurim and then Ma'ariv at 5:45pm.
-Anyone interested in presenting a Shiur in the Youth Minyan please contact
Ari Bergman, or email us here.
-Please join us for our Katanga weekly squash game on Sunday 6:00pm at
Albert Park Squash Centre. If you are interested in attending, please
contact Isaac Berkovits.
_________________________
Thoughts for the Week
* If you have a why to live, you can bear any how to live
* Kindness is the oil that reduces friction between people
* A wise question contains half the answer
_________________________
Shabbat Shalom & Gut Shabbos to all!
"The Editors"
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