For Only H-shem Can Know

Netzavim

There in a shul, or a crowded street,
A Jewish stranger on a plane, who you happen to meet.

The paradigm of chessed, who is so rare
The woman who is ambivalent, and doesn't seem to care.

The rav who paskens shailos, and knows Mishna Berura cold,
The  bitter man or woman,  in a nursing home frail and old...
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This weeks parsha speaks of all the "Jews standing today".
And when one thinks of all Jews, there is but one thing to say.

We may think we do, but we know not who is on what level, in H-shem's eyes.
Whether it be someone beloved, or (chalila) someone despised.

We know not who in shamayim is stationed where; the "sinner" or the person who is kind.
We who possess limited knowledge, and are of mortal minds.

We all are sparks of kedusha, G-dly souls.
Each different than the other, each with separate roles.

So show respect to all. For the person you think is of lowest degree,
Perhaps possesses greatness, which you and I can't see.

This means we are more able to love those who are course, and unrefined
And to imagine them righteous, and to their shortcomings be blind

As we remind ourselves daily over and over, 'his or her worth I cannot know.'
We're going through life non-judgmental, and we can spiritually grow.

As we take this idea in and we judge others it will mean
We will iy"h stop being so self-judgmental. How great that is for our self-esteem.

Isn't that a wonderful thing, that we know who is on what level, in H-shem's eyes.
Isn't it comforting that anyone's worth in shamayim is not ours to realize...

That our job is to show each and everyone love,
And to leave the judgments to The One Above.

Why Be Cynical??

Ki Savo

"He imports and exports, and is 'rolling in dough.'
"Don't ask me how, but I know.

"He made a fortune, in real-estate.
"It is an understatement to say, he is doing great."

There are a lot of people in the Jewish community, who work hard and make lots of money.
It is no shame to be rich. Seriously..I am not being funny!

And many, though far from rich, but b"h bli ayin hara live in a "comfort zone".
And they have things of value, which they can call their own.

While some struggle less, some much much more, for their devotion there is so much to say.
For they thank H-shem with a full heart, for what little they have, every single day.

Some are cynical, and chas veshalom look down, at those with wealth.
Stop! Cynicism is bad for your mental, and physical health.
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In the "beracha" in this weeks parsha, it speaks of if we as a people, are dedicated to learning.
There will be more prosperity, and more money we will be earning.

And b"h bli ayin hara isn't that true?

It seems like a new yeshiva, is opening up every day.
An Art Scroll on that days daf yomi everywhere you look. What more is there to say?

Ba'alei teshuva bli ayin hara, everywhere you go, learning strong.
Every year on Shavuos, more people shteiging all night long.

Torah is valued today ...
And there are more millionaires in the Orthodox community ...

Based on this weeks parsha that's a sign of a wonderful thing.
It's a sign we as a nation value Torah more. What nachas to the Aibeshter we bring!

Why makes jokes? Why speak with ill will?
A concept in the "beracha" in our generation is being fulfilled!

So higher and higher levels of learning, may we as a people attain.
And thus may we speedily greet Mashiach tzidkeinu, bimhaira beyameinu amain!

There Are Tests. And There Are Tests!

Ki Seitzei

We are told that it's not so hard, to chase a bird away from its young.
Flick your hand, the mother flies away, and it's done.

It's called an easy mitzva, a relatively effortless thing.
And we know not how much schar, that it brings.

But is it really easy?
You have to speak to a dayan, well versed and well taught.
From Monsey, Flatbush, or perhaps New Square he must be brought.

On the other hand. Come to think of it. It isn't hard....
You simply go and ask a rav, who studies and knows.
He supervises as you chase the mother away, and away she goes.

This parsha lists sending away a mother bird, and how Miriam spoke lashon hara against her brother.
Let us compare, one to the other:

A rav guides you, as you chase away a bird from it's young.
It is really a unique mitzva, perhaps it will be written up in a Jewish publication. Besides it's fun.

Lashon hara often (though not always)is straightforward. Certain things you cannot hear, certain things you mustn't say.
But to rigorously observe shmiras halashon, for most of us takes a Herculean effort every day!

Baking matza according to halacha, building a sukkah, correctly dealing with halachos of kashrus of any kind.
True it takes knowledge, but learning halacha is enjoyment, and just involves the mind.

On the other hand things like withholding taking revenge, not saying lashon hara, not hating in your heart ...
Now that takes real effort! Where do we start?

When it comes to lashon hara, say when  someone harmed you badly did you wrong,
It takes an amazing effort. It is hard to stay strong!

Yes if you somehow persevere and control yourself when someone gives you grief,
Know ... one-hundred percent ... without a doubt ... you'll recieve schar beyond belief!

Minority..Majority...Unity!!

Shoftim

Life is full of times, when there are different points of view.
The opinions of the majority, The opinions of the few

Most say New Balance shoes are a better value, and that they will last longer.
Better fit, more stylish, built stronger.

A majority think that Honda, is the best car out there.
Take a walk around Boro Park; You'll see them everywhere.

As far as New Balance and Honda most agree.
But Chevrolets and Rockports, are something you'll still see.

But even though there is a majority, the minority still remains.
Some people still like Rockports and Chevrolets, still the same.
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But lehavdil it was different by the Sanhedrim, i.e. the judges of yesteryear.
Once their decision was pronounced, it was as if the minority "disappeared".

We read of the Shoftim, who were to be proclaimed.
Once a decision was made, they became one and the same.

Let's say twenty-two judges said "let us fight";forty-nine said we should not fight this war.
Once the Sanhedrin paskened not to fight, the minority opinion existed no more.

Only one viewpoint existed, only one opinion.
There was now only one way, of seeing the inyan.

Then after that, and all was said and done,
The Jews would act in unity, together as one.
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Wouldn't it be great, if today we had a Sanhedrin as we did years ago.
We would act as one unit; Such achdus we would know!

For today there is not one decision, from a Sanhedrin for us to see.
So inevitably with one another, we sometimes disagree.

But as enemies of the State of Israel, form in every direction.
If we engage in respectful dialogue, we receive H-shem's protection.

Yes, when we respect others, and what they have to say,
Our enemies one and all, will be child's play!

Nothing to Fear

Reah

Once there was a lady, of Hollywood fame.
It matters not her films. It matters not her name.

As she was about to die she stated...
"I know what lies ahead, and what is in store.
"You die. You are gone. No afterlife. No more.

Despite all your disagreements, and persistence,
"I am sure I will disapear, be devoid of all existance.

This week we read of the nation of Amorim, who tore their hair because they believed,
Chilling death is absolutley totally final. Tragically that is is what they perceived.

Of course our viewpoint is radically different. The wisdom of sages we draw upon.
We are told the body dies. But the soul lives on.

Ah the soul!
Pure spirit, existing for now and all time.
Quality so holy, a nature so sublime.

Most Americans, for what it is worth,
Believe there is an afterlife, beyond this earth.

By the way, scientists are confident there is an afterlife, beyond any reasonable shadow of a doubt.
It is something in the news we soon will be hearing about.

So let's enjoy this world of challenges that is clear.
But don't worry. This world is not our "final stop" so there is nothing to fear

New Girl

Eikev

Being the new girl in a school, can evoke feelings so strong.
'I am afraid I will mess up. What might go wrong?

'Will I be able to handle, limudei kodesh and chol?
'In this new school, what will be my role?

'Will the other girls like me? Will I be accepted by the rest?
'How will I do? will I live up to the test?

'Like most schools, I heard the girls here are nice.
'Or perhaps for being the "new girl" I will pay the price.'

"New girl" the day before, is up all night.
Tossing and turning, in apprehension and fright.

All  the students say things like...
"Oh...Hi. How are you? What is your name?"
"New girl" is now kinda glad, to a new town she came.

However they are nice, but only to a degree.
Welcoming her yes. But they are not quite as kind as they can be.

But a girl named Rachel, goes far beyond the other girls.
And affectionately welcomes "new girl" into her world.

Rachel says, "New girl" don't you worry about a thing.
Into my circle of friends you I will gladly bring.

"And 'new girl' don't worry. If you need help with Chumash or any other subject they teach.
"Text me or phone me. I won't be out of reach."

Rachel is super nice, and they talk for a while.
"New girl" by now feels wonderful, and begins to smile.
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We are taught in this parsha to love converts, as a matter of fact, anyone new.
Which not only includes converts, but also Jews.
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So just like Rachel, who said to "new girl", "By all means feel free to call me on the phone."
The new family in your shul, welcome into your home.

Or the new senior, in your adult care living,
Be welcoming warm, loving, and giving.

The concept of welcoming in, and being warm and kind:
A message from our Torah, a message so sublime

Got a Minute? Let Me Tell You of the One Above

Vaeschanan

If someone loves their chasan, or friend,
They cannot seem, to stop praising them.

A kallah (or friend) might say, "He is such a great guy.
"Do you have a few minutes? I'll tell you why.

"He is funny, with a heart that is authentic and real.
"And a love for the unfortunate, he truly feels.

"He is so calm. He has his anger under control.
"And in his his shul, he takes an active role."
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This weeks parsha says, that to the One Above,
We are to have a passionate fiery love.

How to do this? Well for starters, we can speak of His Greatness when we pray.
More than this - similar to the kallah - their are things to others we can say.

Like speaking to to the not yet religious, how His Torah is so true,
And speaking about all the exhilarating mitzvos we do.

Tell him how H-shem's mitzvos, make our lives a sheer joy.
Like a young child, playing with a favorite toy.

Love H-shem by speaking to others, of His delicious fruits and birds.
Whose delightful songs, at dawn can be heard.

I guess to you my reader, I am trying to relate.
Is fulfill the mitzvah of loving H-shem, by conveying to others He is Great.

By doing this, two mitzos, at once you are able to do.
Loving H-shem, and loving a fellow Jew.

So be brave...
Approach that friend at work, when you are by the proverbial water cooler,
Of this Benevolent, Awesome, and Generous Ruler!