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!

Kinas Sofrim: When Yes When No

Devarim

In Parshas Devorim, which we read this week,
It mentions coveting; and of coveting Torah scholars I will speak.

First things first: If Reuven is upset that Shimon knows more,
Well to wish others know less? That is not what coveting Torah scholars, (kinas sofrim) is for.

If no jealousy exists, and Shimon's diligence to Reuven is a motivating force,
Well that is healthy,  and positive of course.

Let's say Reuven is jealous, But that Shimon knows a lot makes Reuven happy, deep in his heart,
That is what kinas sofrim is, and that is a good place to start.

However kinas sofrim, is good but not ideal.
It is a concept aimed at those who already, jealousy they feel.

For  instance, instead of being jealous, that your neighbor has nicer clothes,
At least be jealous of something important, like the Torah that he knows.
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But there is a higher level, a level so sublime.
Where Reuven feels no jealousy, and with Shimon knowing more he is just fine.

I try very hard," Reuven says. "I learn on my own level
"It is in in my own efforts and accomplishments, in which I revel.

"I am a separate entity from Shimon. Shimon a separate entity from me.
I feel no jealousy, and that is the way it ought to be."

To not compare yourself to others, and to feel no jealousy is great.
Try harder in your learning, but at your own rate.

In conclusion: No question. Try to avoid coveting others' happiness, honor, or wealth.
It is a good antidote, for your mental and physical health!

Make Peace Today! Why Delay?

Matos

A sibling, one against the other.
A case of a sister despised, by her brother.

An angry man, who prays at a shul,
And digs at his "friend", with comments so cruel.

A shvigger, or perhaps a shver,
Who is given the message, they are not wanted here.
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Towards the end of Moshe's life Klal Yisroel delayed fighting Midian, and the reason why,
Is that they knew after they defeated Midian, Moshe would die.

Yes they  knew it was meant to be, after the war,
Moshe's demise, would be what was in store.

Klal Yisroel tested Moshe, again and again.
Only showing affection, for him in the end.

The error of their ways, eventually became clear.
But to wake up to their mistake, took forty years!
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Just like by Moshe the brother, guy at shul, and son or daughter in law are blind,
To the object of their dislike, who is so caring and kind.
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But finally the brother, well into his adulthood makes peace,
With his sister, and his abuse does cease.

For the son or perhaps daughter in law, it takes way way too much time.
But finally there is warmth, and things are fine.

Man at shul waited many years, for that special day,
To apologize to the guy, who at the same shul he prays.

But to wait so many years to make amends, what was their reason?
Didn't they all know, living bishalom, is always in season?!

Perhaps it is a case, of you not being so nice,
But if so, the other person, is paying the price.

So don't wait for a sign from the cosmos, or some special event.
Or some long awaited message, that's "heaven sent".

Make peace with that family member, friend, or with someone you live.
If you are sincere when you apologize, I'm sure they'll forgive.

Every Year Growing and Growing. Higher and Higher

Pinchas

Whether it be the Yomim Tovim, of spring summer or fall.
Parshas Pinchas has it all.

Let's begin:

Before the Torah, you're able to receive.
First and foremost, you must believe.

So you speak of Egyptians, who were given plagues and lived in fear.
Now to you that Hashem created the world, it's even more clear.

Now it's Shavuos, and you're ready to recieve the Torah, like your anscestors before.
Who didn't know, what they had in store.

Time flies! It's Rosh Hashana, and you're ready to proclaim H-shem as the king of kings.
What a sense of awe that brings!

Now that you have proclaimed H-shem, as awesome and strong.
You are ready to atone, for the sins you have done wrong.

Comes Yom Kippur and as strange as it may seem.
By sincerely saying you're sorry, it wipes your slate clean.

After you have been forgiven, what can be more joyous than this?
So you are now ready to shake Arba Minim, and sit in a Succah in bliss.

On Succos, for all nationalities you pray.
But next comes for you and all Jews, an exclusive holiday.

Yes then comes, the happiest day of all.
Which always takes place, in the fall.

Unlike Shavuos, which is like you've recieved a package, and know not what's inside.
Now your "curiosity", is no longer denied.

On Simchas Torah, it's as if once more you've learned the Torah, in all its beauty and glory.
Every precious mitzva, and poignant story.

You have finished the yearly cycle and with H-shem's Will.
You have grown as a person, and next year you'll grow higher still.

But for some it's hard to grow. The Yomim Tovim are here and then they're gone.
'Where did I miss out? Where did I go wrong?'

True I refrained from doing melachos and enjoyed the Yun Tif meals.
But the Yun Tif's special messages, I just didn't feel.

Growth doesn't come easy. It may take effort on one's part.
A shiur or trip to a Jewish bookstore, is a good place to start.

Song and prayer with fervor, can penetrate the soul.
But dear friend it may take time, so keep focused on your goal.

I wish to all you readers, as in the joy of Yomim Tovim you revel.
Each year you grow, to an even higher level!

Could it Be??

Balak

A man is driving down the street, and there on the rigtht.
A not so unusual sight.

A treif  Red Lobster restaurant, offering food he has never known, never tried.
He thinks how it is really no big deal, to be denied.

'No I would never in a million years, eat there it wouldnt be fair...
'To expect to be rewarded for it, "upstairs".

He ponders to himself, as he keeps driving in his car,
'For denying myself a meal at Red Lobster, do I get schar?

'I have absolutely no desire for it, whatsoever.
'To refrain from it, is an effortless endeavor.
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Let me say for the record that even if you don't rob, pillage,eat ham or kill.
Nevertheless, you are rewarded still.

We have free will, to do absolutely everything.
No matter the harm, to our soul it will bring.

For idol worship, say getting a tatoo, or those things you have absolutely no desire to do.
There is still schar bestowed, and waiting for you.

As far as Bilam, it was another story.
He was a rasha, in all its "glory".

In order to make his evil side, more and more strong.
He practically forced  himself, to do wrong.

This man who was hired, for the Jewish people to curse.
Did things he had zero desire to do, in order to make himself worse and worse.  

The man ponders some more ...'H-shem you can't be that loving and generous, as far as I can see.
He asks someone and is told differently ... Then asks himself 'How could it be?

In a sense of awe and gratitude, at the same time.
The man thinks 'H-shem is unfathomably, gracious and kind!'

Then he thinks 'It's not logical, it's beyond fair.
'That is way to much reward for me, more than my share.

'Well if it is true, it must be true.
Then he thinks..'This is great! I get immense reward, for every single solitary thing I don't do!

'HaKadosh Baruch Hu is amazing. I am rewarded for not eating at Red Lobster, though the logic I can't see!
'H-shem is that loving and wonderful. As far as how it is, it sure beats me.'

Why Should I Fear a Pawn?

Korach

Moshe's modesty was greater than all men
We are told and reminded of this, again and again.

But though he was a leader for a great nation, a most prestigious role
Moshe's modesty surpassed, the loftiest of souls.

So let's ponder ... What is modesty? What does it mean?
Low self-confidence? Low self-esteem?

A modest person probably feels, he has great worth
For he was created in G-d's image, from the day of his birth.

That every talent, is not something he owns
But an item borrowed, a gift on loan.

He doesn't feel like a big shot; more like one of the crowd
He might repeat this over, say it out loud.

He doesn't want fanfare, or applause
A simple man, working for a positive cause.

But one thing is certain. One thing is clear.
Being modest has absolutely nothing, to do with having fear.
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Moshe was faced with a giant, of enormous might
Og Melech Habashan, he had to fight.

Og  was this awesome giant, and many men in Moshe's situation
Might view this "human beast", with trepidation.

BUT NOT MOSHE RABBEINU!
Moshe was fearless, confident and calm
Ready and willing, to take this giant on.

So it seems, the lesson is clear
A modest man, has only H-shem to fear.

They bravely think ... Why should I get nervous and fear mere mortal men?
They are only pawns in the hands of H-shem!