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...
____________________________________________
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.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
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.
___________________________________________________________
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!
"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.
___________________________________________________________
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!
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.
________________________________________
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.
______________________________________
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!
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.
________________________________________
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.
______________________________________
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!
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