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!

May You Have a Life With Little Worries

Shelach


I seem to have this discussion every Purim. A guy who has had a little too much (or perhaps too little after all it is Purim) invariably disagrees with me. I have come to the conclusion that there is a percentage of people – albeit a very small one - who have a life without problems. As people are sampling from trays of delicious stuffed cabage and brown rice and divrei Torah are flying fast and furious, a soft voice declares:

"Chaim you are wrong. No, EVERY ONE has problems."

This person (though I am only giving what might be examples of what a person says) tells me of things like his debts, or a child of his who he and his wife are very concerned about for whatever reason, a sister who is quite older and not yet married... I ask this person if life is worth all the strife. It may take a minute, maybe two, but invariably he agrees it is.

Even when it isn't Purim, if a friend or acquaintance is sincere, I tell them of what I would like to have better in my life. Upon the the conclusion to my list of woes there always seems to be the same reaction:

"Don't think you are the only one. Everyone has problems."

In the history of our galus things change and of course the types of problems change but one thing remains the same. Life always has had its share of hardships and difficulties – or so all the people I speak to would tell me.

For the most part there was an exception to this rule, the Dor Hamidbar. They did not really have problems when you analyze. Think of it. There were clouds all around them. Food literally fell from the sky. No enemies could hurt them. There was no death. There was a miraculous cloud below. No one even got a blister. Laundry? Forget it; no need to bother with it.

Living in Eretz Yisroel in the days of Yehoshua, however, would come with it day to day challenges, to say the least. There would be crops that may or may not grow, hostile neighbors who would hate them, cold, heat. 'No thanks,' the Dor Hamidbar said. So the Dor Hamidbar, which tested Moshe again and again were taken aback by a life of challenges and problems? 'No more life on "easy street?' Thanks but no thanks. We will pass.

What they were doing was running from the life they were expected to have. To conquer Eretz Yisroel was their appointed task, what they were supposed to do, their destiny. A life of challenges in Eretz Yisroel was their calling.

Let’s ponder our various lives with problems: Like those with a child who acts up all to often but from time to time shows an unmistakable sweetnesss; a grandmother advanced in age who you loved going to as a little kid and now cherish each precious moment you have left with her. You the reader at this very moment may have on you mind how to deal with this and this person who is your boss who is making your life difficult. You like your job but you have been told it is important for your emotional health to deal with this boss .A delicate situation. Not fun to be sure. But what is the alternative?

Yomim tovim is stress. Let's be serious; especially Pesach! There are times we want to hang our heads as we are searching behind the refrigerator. But kedushas hechag, the festive meals, extra learning, relaxing of course, seeing loved ones, a sibling child grandchild or great grandchild even, saying the Mah Nishtana as they proudly smile beaming form ear to ear...who could beat it?! And can you beat taking in your fourteen year old asking such mature questions Seder night??

I was once a guest for Succos. It was chilly. The hosts had  a terrific time hosting. She remarked how it is always nice to have me and how it is good I always seem to come Succos. we marveled at waterfalls and pondered pictures of succahs from times of the gemarah. The Ushpizin was taught to a beginner who was really intrigued and that made those of us who were knowledgeable of our lofty heritage even more proud and intrigued. We waited for kiddush. There we were, ten people in a tight fitting succah. It was an enjoyable Yom Tov meal with delicacies to enhance the kedusha Succos brings and the conversation was lively.  As we were ready to leave it was clear that we all had a really good time. That was for sure. Then there was talk of a problem:

"Oh wow," the hostess sighed. "There are a lot of dishes to bring in!"

Were the dishes "a problem" well … yeah. It was late and I am sure she wasn't looking forward to all the work she would have to get done. But life has problems small, medium, large and extra large and life with problems can be really good.

Rav Sheya Twerski refers to a bracha: 'May you have little worries. 'Worries and problems are part of life and if all one has is little worries one is doing quite well.

The dove that came back in the time of Noach had an olive branch which represented "bitterness". But it was a very good "bitterness". It was called manoach or contentment because it was a bitterness which was earned. One earns a livelihood "by the sweat of one's brow". It often comes with hassles. It comes with the feeling of "a job well done", living in dignity. One can buy what one needs. Many fortunately can buy luxuries.

So let's not be cynical. Having people in our lives who we love and who love us, serving the Aibeshter, and just plain being productive members of society – in short, being alive – is  a really good thing. It is the very first thing we thank H-shem for every day.  But to enjoy those things you cannot escape it. All those things come with day to day challenges and problems. No way around it. I think you will agree it is well worth the difficulties that come with it. And after all what is the alternative?

So does everyone have some degree of problems or is there a percentage that doesn't? Whatever the case it ain’t ten percent that live problem free!

Not even close.

Let’s not be like the Dor Hamidbar. Let us learn from them. Let us not run from our G-d appointed challenges and all the problems which come with it. They did not get organized in approaching Moshe. It wasn't worth the effort for them. They were so not into a lfe of problems it was a problem for them to to take the effort to live without problems!

Life is problems and challenges, for some much more for some less. But life is well worth all the tzorus. So let’s enjoy and savor every minute of it!

Clarity. Ah Clarity. What a Joy!

Korach


A man named Korach, questioned if Moshe should rule.
In the end he was proven wrong, and looked like a fool.

But when he declared, "Rav lach binei Levi."
Many were confused, and they had to see.

Sure enough. No more doubts. The proof positive arrived.
And in the end Korach and his cronies, were swallowed up alive.

Later in this parsha it was proven that Aharon, was more special than the rest.
But the nation needed proof positive, so they did a test.

Sure enough, almonds grew from Aharon's staff, by a neis.
No more doubts. They were all gone. Such was the case.

Indeed doubts in life can be oppressive. What anxiety and anguish the can put us through!
What is right. What is wrong. Doubts about what path in life to choose.

Whom to trust. Whom to doubt. Of whom to steer clear.
Whom to embrace. Whom to fear.

We may not be on a sublime level to get answers from G-d above
But good advice is to ask a competent rav.

Dear reader...That you know what is true and what is falsehood. To you I wish
For a life of clarity, is a life of bliss!