scripture – Page 2 – holy scribbles

parasha Beha’alotecha 5783

Moses was shown the pattern for the menorah (seven branched candlestick) that was to be made for the Mishkan (Sanctuary). He received a vision of the heavenly menorah, as if made of light. “The Holy One, blessed be He, showed him the pattern of it in a candlestick of fire (Rashi, Menachot 29a; sefaria.org). “And see that thou make them after their pattern, which is being shown thee on the mount” (Exodus 25:40, JPS 1917 Tanach).

Symbolically, many meanings may be drawn out from the menorah. One such explanation is given by Sforno, who comments, “that only by the ‘right’ side representing preoccupation with eternal values, life in the future, working together with the ‘left’ side which represents the concerns with physical life on our planet, will we be able to attain our purpose on earth” (Sforno on Numbers 8:2, sefaria.org).

This is a timely message, for the implied essence of the teaching is that there needs to be a balance between ruchniyos (spirituality), and gashmiyos (materiality). If humankind is compelled to only focus on materialistic concerns, without giving heed to the Creator, then there is a clear imbalance in values, that will eventually lead to dystopia. Yet, G-d has given us hope, in order to transcend the mundane, even while recognizing the inherent value in leading a godly life on earth. If we continue to cast our eyes Above, we will succeed with our endeavors.

“I am ever mindful of the L-RD’s presence” (Psalms 16:8). Those who are already led astray by the current pseudo-morality, being proffered by Wokism, have fallen prey to an ideology that will not produce fruit. Rather, only by pursuing the righteousness of G-d, will blessings abound, both in this world and the World-to-Come. “And He will do thee good” (Deuteronomy 30:5, JPS 1917 Tanach). “G-d will redeem my soul from the power of the nether-world; for He shall receive me. Selah” (Psalm 49:16, JPS).

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parasha Nasso 5783 – Reconciliation

weekly T0rah reading: parasha Nasso 5782 – Reconciliation

“Then shall they confess their sin which they have done.”

– Numbers 5:6-7a, JPS 1917 Tanach

The Mishkan along with the Levitical system of offerings were meant to restore the relationship of the people with H’Shem. A restored relationship with H’Shem begins with vidui (confession), whereby we confess our sins to Him; additionally, we return to Him by not making the same transgression(s) again. We must also increase our mitzvoth (good deeds), spend more time engaged with godly pursuits, and less time in that which could be considered frivolous.

This is all the more important in today’s world of instant gratification, social media, and encroaching nihilism. Moreover, the influence of Wokism will draw those who have no moorings, to join the cause of an intolerant advocacy for social justice. A type of social justice that uses identity politics to create groups of people, who are labeled as oppressed. This is cultural Marxism, the dividing of a population, in order to transform the status quo.

Wokism and the concurrent cultural revolution in America has no allowance for the concept of teshuvah (confession, repentance, and forgiveness). Insteado f forgiveness, it promotes intolerance and condemnation. Instead of love, hatred… Its ideological roots are contrary to G-d’s word, and the values of Judeo-Christian belief. G-d provides us with the opportunity for renewal, every time we admit our faults. Wokism condemns all who it judges, without any sense of due justice, discussion, or compassion. It is relentless in its accusations against all dissenters.

Wokism creates its own ledgers of right and wrong, irrespective of G-d’s commandments. It is, simply put, a pseudo-morality, that is being inculcated within every facet of American society today – a widespread indoctrination. It is imperative for G-d fearing people to resist the lure of Wokism, and not confuse its sense of social justice with G-d’s sense of justice. From G-d’s perspective, we may reconcile ourselves to Him, through teshuvah (repentance), therefore restoring our relationship to G-d. This is more important than reconciling ourselves to the world, and its version of restoration.

Shavuot 5783 – Mattan Torah

At Sinai, B’nei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) encamped as one. To the eyes of the nations at the time, this massive throng of people, trekking through the desert, may have appeared to be a behemoth, compared to oxen that tear out the roots of the grass they eat, thus completely destroying a field, without its possibility of growing back; yet, from the vantage point of heaven, the people were a divinely chosen nation, being guided into their destiny, via the many tests and trials in the wilderness.

Thus, from an external perspective, based only upon outward appearances, the two-million-person multitude may have appeared somewhat haphazard in its wandering via a circuitous through the wilderness. Yet, not so, from H’Shem’s perspective, nor from the understanding of Moses, the leader of this people.

The continual march of the Jewish people throughout history as well, has not been haphazard. The prophets foresaw our destiny, and paved the way for our understanding, so that we know that our return to Israel had a lot more to do with divine intention, than from political maneuverings. On Shavuot, we recall the giving of the Torah at Sinai, the same commandments that are in effect today, as our national constitution, so to speak, as a nation.

Atonement for Negative Thoughts

weekly Torah reading: parasha Vayikra

– Atonement for Negative Thoughts

“If one’s offering [korban] is an elevation offering [olah].”

– Leviticus 1:3

The Hebrew word korban, meaning “offering,” is derived from the shoresh (root word) קרב, meaning “to draw near.” Thus it is implied that an offering serves “to bring us closer to G-d as well as to elevate us” (R’ Hirsch). The olah (elevation offering) has the potential to raise the spiritual level of the person who brings that offering. R’ Hirsch further comments that the offering’s name reflects its purpose, which is to raise its owner from the status of a sinner and bring him to a state of spiritual elevation.

Additionally, the olah is brought by someone who seeks to repent of sinful thoughts that have not actually been enacted. The olah offering may serve as an atonement for those negative thoughts, that seem to involuntary present themselves at times in a person’s mind. This would include the imagination; especially, if one permits the imagination to entertain these negative thoughts.

It is interesting to note that the righteous Iyov (Job; see Ezekiel 14:20, Job 1:1), “would rise early in the morning, and offer burnt offerings [olot, from olah]” for his children, because he said to himself, “it may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed G-d in their hearts” (Job 1:5, Tanach). Iyov made olah offerings for his children, on a continual basis, always after the days of their feasting (see Job 1:4-5). How much more so, should we in our own lives ask forgiveness of G-d for the sinful thoughts in our hearts.

Golden Dust

weekly Torah reading: parasha Ki Tisa 5783 – Golden Dust

In regard to the debacle of the golden calf, after grinding the golden molten metal calf into dust, Moses throws the dust particles into the water; additionally, he compels the people to drink this. Why? Later in the accounts given in Torah, we learn the reason. This has to do with the sotah – the unfaithful wife who is put to the test, in regard to her innocence. She is compelled to drink water that has a little bit of earth, plus the erased letters of a written punishment if she is guilty of adultery. These words that make up the judgment include G-d’s name; the name of G-d is also erased along with the rest of the passage. If she is guilty, the written curse will be enacted.

This procedure is akin to the measures that Moses took, after grinding the golden calf into powder. Israel was guilty of adultery, in as certain sense, as well as idolatry, because to turn away for G-d to another god is a form of adultery. Elsewhere throughout kitvei kodesh (holy scripture), Israel is compared to a wayward wife, essentially an adulteress, because Israel turned towards all sorts of other gods. Recompense is made for Israel when they turn back towards H’Shem, thus effectively ending the separation.

This same parallel can be found in our own lives as well, for when we turn away from G-d, whether through neglect of our duties, indifference, or outright sin, a chasm opens up between us and G-d. “Your iniquities have been a barrier between you and your G-d, your sins have made Him turn His face away” (Isaiah 59:2, JPS 1985 Tanach). Although we are not made to drink bitter water, the result of our negligence has the effect of bringing bitterness into our lives, until we reconcile ourselves to G-d. May the bitter waters of our lives be sweetened from Above.

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Closeness to G-d

parasha Yisro 5783 – Closeness with G-d

If the kohanim were required to prepare themselves to draw closer to G-d on Har Sinai (see Exodus 19:22), then how much moreso, do we need to prepare ourselves, in order to draw close to G-d in our lives, especially before prayer, whether at home or at the synagogue? Additionally, consider, that when the Ten Commandments were given, according to commentary, the entire world was enveloped in a silence that permeated the very rocks – all of creation was in awe. This should inspire our own sense of yiras H’Shem, so that we can develop the proper attitude of solemnity toward G-d and His word. “The beginning of wisdom is fear [awe, reverence, and respect] of the L-RD” (Psalms 11:10).

Redemption of Israel

dvar for parasha Vayeira (Exodus 6:2 – 9:35) 5783

Moses was not content with the status quo at the time that he was growing up in Pharaoh’s court. Having known of his lineage, that he was indeed a Hebrew, raised up by Pharaoh’s daughter, Batya, he commiserated with his brethren. In all likelihood, he sought solace apart from the court activities, solitude away from the regal distractions of luxury, and took early morning walks prompted by his soul-stirrings.

On one of these walks, he encountered one of his brethren being beaten by an Egyptian taskmaster. He defended his brother against the Egyptian, and buried the Egyptian in the sand. Perhaps, he thought that this would motivate the Israelites to rise up against their captors. Yet, when he learned the next morning that his reprisal against the Egyptian was known, he was compelled to flee for his life.

He became a shepherd in Midian, and once, while searching for a stray sheep, encountered G-d at the burning bush. So, it wasn’t until forty years after leaving Egypt, that he was given his mission from G-d to serve as the redeemer of his people Israel, alongside his brother, Aaron. And, through G-d’s intervention for the sake of His people, the plagues were sent upon the Egyptian people, as mentioned in parasha Vayeira, wherein the first seven plagues are noted.

It is human nature to be drawn toward some higher purpose in life, unique to the calling of ourselves as individuals. Yet, too easily, without the proper soul-searching necessary in order to find one’s purpose in life, people may get caught up in the most convenient way to find ready-made meaning, such as a movement that promises some type of liberation for self and others. This is not the way to discover one’s true purpose in life, and the implications are far-reaching.

On the one hand, if we bury our heads in the sand like an ostrich was mistakenly thought to do, then we will perceive nothing like we should, within the framework of truth, values, and responsibility. Moses knew who he was; his identity was secure in his association with his kindred people, the Israelites. Today, many in the West suffer from identity confusion at the core of our beings, if our roots have been severed.

And, in such a climate of dissociation from heritage, not anchored in past traditions, beliefs, and practices, lost in doubt about their purpose, people can be easily swayed. Consequently, riding on the wake of the false promises of progressivism, the masses will eagerly receive the promise of a utopia.

Moses was chosen as the redeemer, to bring the message of freedom, along with Aaron to Pharaoh. Moses served as a conduit for G-d’s power, expressed through the plagues and the miracle at the Sea of Reeds. We look to the Final Redeemer, who will serve as a beacon of light in this world of darkness.

Vanquished Dreams

Moses, who lost out on permission to enter the land, pleaded one last time with H’Shem. He did not expect to change the L-RD’s mind, based upon any merit that he might claim for himself; for, it was precisely his demerit, having struck the rock, instead of speaking to the rock, that compelled G-d to decree that neither Moses, nor Aaron would enter the Land. Yet, try and try again, for the sake of making an appeal to the L-RD, Who on several occasions in the past, relented from strict judgment against Israel.

To no avail, Moshe’s pleas only brought the retort that the L-RD had heard enough, he would not change his mind. Why, we may ask, when Moses acted on behalf of the people, the L-RD forgave them, and lessened the judgment; yet, in asking for himself, he is refused? Although I am not prone to speculation, one answer could be because of the high level of expectations the L-RD had of him, as well as Aaron, because of their leadership positions. For, more is expected of those who have greater responsibilities to others.

Yet, consider, that all was not lost upon Moses, for his error; rather, as Rashi comments, his consolation prize, so to speak, was permission to enter Olam Haba (the World to Come). And, this, in all estimation, is really the greater reward – one that we should also look forward to in great expectation. For, this world is like a corridor, where we prove ourselves to the L-RD, so that we may enter the banquet hall, symbolic of the World to Come (Pirkei Avos 4:21). Like Moshe, regardless of whatever unfulfilled dreams we may have in our own lives, G-d will grant an even greater reward to us, if we remain faithful to Him.

Daily Potential

“The L-RD your God has blessed you in all your undertakings. He has watched over your wanderings through this great wilderness.”

– Deuteronomy 2:7, JPS 1985 Tanach

While journeying from place to place in the wilderness, the L-RD provided the Children of Israel with sustenance, in the form of water from the well, manna from the sky, and quails, on that one occasion, that they ate for a month. Over a period of forty years, the fledgling nation of Israel was guarded, guided, and provided for by the L-RD. Although, this time was also used to test them, when provisions seemed to run scarce, or they had growing temptations about returning to Egypt, where there was not only more variety of food, rather, also, security in knowing where food would come from every day to put on their table. Their provisions in Egypt, even as slaves, seemed more sure, than the day to day trust that they needed to place in the L-RD, who only provided for them on a daily basis, as opposed to provisions that could be stored, after procuring what seemed sufficient for a week or two.

Perhaps, the adage, “one day at a time,” really seems significant, with respect to the way they lived their lives for forty years. And, the same adage can be applied to our lives today, with respect towards a trusting in the simplicity of life, when we focus on needs, as opposed to wants. For, only inasmuch that we can depend on the provision of the day, for both our material and spiritual nourishment, can we live in appreciation of each day, as a unique, unrepeatable basic unit of time, that brings certain opportunities for our growth as individuals. There is a teaching that each day has its potential that is offered in its own time. This is akin to the offerings of the moadim (appointed times), “each on its own day” (Leviticus 23:37). So, that in regard to the days of our lives, we may achieve what G-d’s expectations are for us, adding day upon day, in order to accumulate understanding, experience, and wisdom.

Guard Your Speech

holy scribbles: parashas Matos Massei 5782

“When a man voweth a vow unto the L-RD, or sweareth an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.” – Numbers 30:2, JPS 1917 Tanach

Although the specific kinds of vows and oaths, referenced in the above-mentioned commandment apply to certain situations, within the context of Judaic law, the general principle is encapsulated, “he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.” Therefore, the premise may be applied to more commonly found issues, regarding the integrity or lack of integrity of speech.

In our own lives, there are many stipulations that could be identified in terms of the words that we speak. For example, oftentimes what is said in anger is not to be taken seriously. It is better to acknowledge what may have been said out of anger as inappropriate, making amends for the emotional harm done. This requires the counterpart of forgiveness by the recipient.

Any commitments we make to ourselves or others should be kept or not made at all. The Sages were very skeptical about making vows of any sort, saying that it is better to not vow at all. The L-RD appreciates a sincere effort in all that we do for His sake; it is better not to boast about our intentions. Bragging will only lead towards a negative consequence, akin to the adage, pride before a fall.

Additionally, all of our words should be chosen carefully, in accordance with humility. Idle chatter will be scrutinized by the heavenly court at the judgment. We will be subject to the consequences of every idle word spoken. Ill-spoken words will also be taken into account, as well as words of judgment against others. Taking all of this into consideration, it is better to remain silent, than to speak without thinking. Let us guard our speech from now on.

“Set a guard, O L-RD, to my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.”

– Psalm 141:3, JPS 1917 Tanach