Remember Yerushalayim on Shushan Purim

From today's Hakhel Email:

Special Note Two: We provide here a thought in Shushan Purim that we believe is poignant, which we have provided in past years: Yerushalayim is remembered on Shushan Purim, by our observing Purim on that day in its environs in order to increase its honor. With the honor and glory of Yerushalayim so much at stake in our time, we provide the moving words of Dovid HaMelech in Tehillim 122: “Sh’alu Sha’lom Yerushalayim Yishlayu Ohavoyich…--pray for the peace of Yerushalayim; those who love you [Yerushalayim] will be serene.” The Radak in his commentary to this Pasuk teaches that these are the words that Jews must utter in Galus--Pray to Hashem for the peace of Yerushalayim. What is the “peace of Yerushalayim?” The Radak (almost prophetically) writes that this can only be attained with kibutz galios--the ingathering of the exiles--because there will not be peace as long as the “Arailim” and “Yishma’aylim”--the Christians and Arabs--war over the City.

In his commentary to this very same Pasuk, HaRav Avrohom Chaim Feuer, Shlita, brings the following Chazal (from Meseches Derech Eretz Zuta): “HaKadosh Baruch Hu said to Bnai Yisroel: ‘It was you who caused the Bais HaMikdash to be destroyed and My children to be driven into exile. All I ask is that you pray for the peace of Yerushalayim and I will forgive you!’”

Based upon the teaching of Dovid HaMelech, as explained by Chazal and the Radak, it is incumbent upon us to do what we can at this pivotal point in our history. We cannot place the blame on this Israeli politician, or that foreign Head of State, on this Arab terrorist, or that Arab terrorist, and be satisfied that we are doing all that we can. After all, Haman was a Rasha, and Achashveirosh was a Rasha and/or a fool, but ultimately it was the Jews at that time that got themselves into that mess and had to get themselves out of it. The responsibility for Yerushalayim--for our kibutz galios--which is so imminent, falls squarely on our minds and hearts. We must hold ourselves accountable, not as a matter of guilt, but as a matter of responsibility--to ourselves, our families, and our people. We cannot afford to sigh once or twice a day, and otherwise be callous and indifferent to the grave situation at hand. Dovid HaMelech gives us the key to unlock the door- “Sh’alu Sha’lom Yerushalayim Yishlayu Ohavoyich”--Daven! Daven! Daven!

If one does not feel he has any more time to recite additional Tehillim during the day, let him at least be sure to recite the brocha of “Vl’Yerushalayim Ircha”--which he is reciting in any event three times a day in Shemone Esrei--with purity of mind and heart. For the next four weeks until Pesach, let us use our Power of Prayer--for the sake of Yerushalayim, which is oh so much for the sake of ourselves, for the sake of K’lal Yisroel--and for the honor of Hashem!!

Some Thoughts About the Recent Earthquakes and Tsunamis

Today my husband and I were talking about the situation in Japan with their nuclear power plant. He was saying how in one day H-shem can destroy an industry - referring to countries that are now trying to do away with their nuclear power in light of what happened in Japan. Some things are just too dangerous; even for "peaceful" purposes. Now it remains to be seen what will happen with Iran. We talked about the Chernobyl disaster too. So I was thinking, why didn't we all "get it" after that? (i.e. that nuclear power is too dangerous). And furthermore why didn't the Japanese themselves get it after Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Then I thought maybe it's because in Chernobyl and Hiroshima/Nagasaki human error and actions were involved but the recent events resulted from an Act of G-d. Maybe we are all starting to get it now. We are not in control of the world. We can't be haughty anymore and assume we have the science and technology to be on top of every event and be able to prevent any mishap. We weren't on 9/11 and we aren't now.

Some Thoughts About the Itamar Murders

It's hard to know what to say about events like the brutal murders in Itamar on Shabbat. Recently I picked up Rabbi Deutsch's book, Let My Nation Live, a narrative of the Purim story based on Midrashim and other sources. It talks about Amalek and their attack on Bnei Yisrael and how they (sorry to be so graphic) actually ate blood. Makes you wonder about the many blood libels and massacres the Jews have suffered over the centuries. As if to say, look who is accusing whom of killing children for blood! (We, who take pains to never ingest blood on principle).

My friend Channah sent me a Dvar Torah from Rabbi Eli Mansour about Purim as well. It said that Amalek attacked when Bnei Yisrael were expressing doubts about H-shem being with us. So our job in eradicating Amalek today involves removing doubt - having a Rav and asking him questions to remove doubt, and working on our Emunah (i.e. to realize on a higher level to Whom we are davening and improve the quality of our prayers). With regard to the recent tragedy I would add that instead of injecting doubt we should take the opposite approach and reinforce our commitment to route out evil, and redouble our hishtadlut to live in and build the Land of Israel.

I don't have the link on hand but I believe it was JEM in Crown Heights who put out a video of the Lubavitcher Rebbe ZY'A talking (in the 70s or 80s!) about the halacha that if a Jewish border city is threatened all we have to do is take up arms. H-shem will do the rest! I think we need to take this lesson to heart in terms of hishtadlut as well as in terms of Emuna.

Temporary Mishkans and Temples and our ongoing relationship with H-shem

Thanks to my friend Channah for sending these beautiful insights from Partners in Torah's Rabbi Elazar Meisels:

Talking Points - PEKUDEI
1. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

"These are the accounts of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the Mishkan of Testimony, that were drawn up by Moshe's order; for the work of the Levites under the direction of Isamar, son of Aharon the Kohein." 38:21
"Is there really a Jerusalem in the Heavens [that corresponds to the earthly city of Jerusalem and its Temple]? Indeed there is! As it is written..." - Talmud, Tractate Taanis 5a
The Mishkan, The Mishkan - The dual use of the term Mishkan in this verse is to symbolize the existence of the two Mishkans; one in heaven and one on earth. The word "Mishkan" derives from the word, "moshech" which means, "to draw from," and indicates that the Mishkan below drew its strength and sanctity from the Mishkan on high. - Rabbeinu Bachya
Although our corporeal and limited minds cannot comprehend the existence of a heavenly Mishkan, our sages assure us that such a "place" exists, and that it served as the spiritual component for, and provided spiritual sustenance for Hashem's earthly abode. Additionally, the Talmud teaches that although His earthly abode no longer stands, the heavenly abode is still very much in existence and provides an assurance for a future rebuilding of the Temple. It is only here on earth that our sins affected our relationship with the Almighty, causing Him to withdraw from us. In the spiritual realms however, the relationship is very much alive, and awaits only our renewed interest in reviving the relationship to its former levels, before inspiring the rebuilding of the Third Temple, speedily in our time!
2. TEMPORARY TEMPLES
"These are the accounts of the Mishkan, the Mishkan of Testimony, that were drawn up by Moshe's order; for the work of the Levites under the direction of Isamar, son of Aharon the Kohein." 38:21
The Mishkan, The Mishkan - The word "Mishkan" is mentioned twice in the verse. This is an allusion to the Beis Hamikdash which was twice taken as " collateral" [symbolized by the word "Mishkan" which also means "collateral"] by being destroyed due to the iniquities of the Jewish people. - Medrash Tanchumah 5, Rashi, Daas Zekeinim
The destruction of the two Batei Mikdash is starkly alluded to in the words, "HaMishkan" and "Mishkan HaEidus."
Mishkan = 410 - the number of years that the first Bais HaMikdash was in existence until its destruction
HaMishkan = 415+5 [the number of letters in the word] = 420 -The number of years that the second Bais HaMikdash was in existence until its destruction.
HaEidus [lacking a Vov in this verse] = 480 - The number of years from the Exodus until Shlomo HaMelech built the Bais HaMikdash.
All of these events were foreseen by Moshe well in advance of their occurrence and hinted to in this verse. - Rabbeinu Bachya
It is important to note that even at the height of their excitement over the construction of the Mishkan, the leaders were well aware of its limited lifespan. They also foresaw that many years would pass before the construction of the first Bais HaMikdash (Holy Temple), which would be destroyed, rebuilt, and destroyed again. The message contained with this is that although the length of the exile is a difficult and bitter pill to swallow, it is not a cause for concern about the steadfastness of our relationship with Hashem, since it is all part of a plan that was foretold well in advance. Our sins may have temporarily sidetracked the relationship, but they never doomed it or gave Him cause to reject us in favor of some other religion.
3. CLEARLY CLOUDLY
"For the cloud of Hashem was upon the Mishkan by day, and fire would be on it by night, before the eyes of the entire House of Israel, throughout their travels." 40:38
Before The... Entire House of Israel - Although the Clouds of Glory accompanied the nation upon their departure from Egypt, it only remained with them until they reached the Sea of Reeds, and was only visible to the prophets among them. It was only after Moshe requested [Shmos 33:17] that Hashem elevate the entire nation to a level where His presence would be visible to all, that Hashem granted his request and the Clouds appeared before "the entire House of Israel." It is this stunningly crystal clear degree of Divine perception whose return we eagerly anticipate in the Messianic Era. - Gaon of Vilna (Rabbi Elijah ben Solomon Zalman, (1720-1797)
In his introduction to the Book of Shmos (Exodus), Ramban writes that this Book is the story of the first national exile and redemption of the Jewish people. This cycle could not be considered complete until they returned to the exalted level of their forefathers upon whom the presence of Hashem rested constantly on their tents. It was not until the construction of the Mishkan that this goal was realized as evidenced in this verse. Therefore, it is a fitting conclusion to this Book.

New Zealand Earthquakes After-effects for us

From today's Hakhel email:

Special Note One: As the Arab world continues to totter, as the after-effects of the earthquake in New Zealand shockingly appear, and the Western World is reminded of all of the world turmoil with drastically increasing oil prices--where does this leave the Torah Jew? Let us look for a moment at Tehillim Kepitel 99 (to be the Chapter of the day in Nach Yomi later this week!). There, Dovid HaMelech states: “Hashem Malach Yirgezu Amim Yosheiv Keruvim Tanut HaAretz--Hashem has reigned: let peoples tremble; before Him who is enthroned on Keruvim, let the earth quake” (Tehillim 99:1). Our relationship with Hashem is symbolized by Keruvim as well--the Keruvim on top of the Aron described in last week’s Parsha (Shemos 37:7-9). The Keruvim teach us that our lives are to be focused at Hashem and what Hashem wants of us in this world. By focusing on Hashem, we are constantly reminded that our goal in life is to constantly elevate ourselves spiritually--to gradually be better--to steadily attain new gains and set new goals. This, of course, brings us to our daily aspiration, our daily ambition--Teshuva BeChol Yom!

In order to help us accomplish this task, the Sefer Orchos Tzadikim (in the Sha’ar HaZechira--which contains 30 items that we should Always Remember) provides the following potent one-sentence instruction: IN HEBREW: “Veyishal MeiElokim Aizer Sheya’azreihu Veyodiahu Chochma, VeYechazek Aivarav Lisbol Mitzvosav VeLa’alos Madreiha Achar Madreiga.” IN ENGLISH: One should remember to ask Hashem (Hakhel Note: We believe the intent is at least daily) for His Help in teaching him wisdom and its ways, and in strengthening his body to perform the Mitzvos so that he can continuously raise himself to higher levels in life. Perhaps one can write this thought in his Siddur after Elokai Netzor. Please recall the words of the Ramban in Parshas Shemos (which we had previously published) in which the Ramban writes that the reason Moshe Rabbeinu was not healed form his speech impediment at the Burning Bush was that he had not asked to be healed--and that if had asked for it, it would have been answered! Let us make sure that, daily, we make sincere and appropriate requests for Hashem’s assistance in helping us focus--and Hashem, represented by the Keruv facing us--will have something very important and very worthwhile to answer!

Geulah through a Closed Mouth

Great tips on how current events should inspire us to teshuva from yesterday's Hakhel email:

Special Note Two: As Arab Governments (Yishmael) remarkably weaken and falter before our very eyes--only a few short years after the Western World (Esav) began tottering from both security and financial perspectives, we recall the words in last week’s Parsha in which Hashem advised Moshe Rabbeinu--”Ve’Roisa Ess Achorai U’Fanai Lo Yeira’u--You will see my ‘back’, but not my ‘face’--you will understand events after they happen but will not be able to understand them prior to then. We all know that something is happening--we simply don’t know what it is--and we are not supposed to, for if we did we would have Nevi’im . So what is left? Of course, it cannot be said enough--it is Teshuva--the desire, the longing, the movement, the actual strides to put your life and the lives of those close to you in the right direction.--in that very same direction as those20% who left Egypt, and not the 80% who tragically remained forever behind. The first steps in Teshuva are identifying the foibles and the shortcomings, the failures and the faults. The next step is feeling true remorse over them and realistically resolving how to not fall to them so easily again. Every day, we recite the words “Selach Lanu Avinu Ki Chatanu--Hashem, please forgive us for having sinned”. Without proper charata--remorse over a misdeed, what worth is the thrice daily lip movement? Is there any redeeming value to saying something to Hashem which you don’t mean now--even if you do intend to mean it five or six months from now when Elul gets closer? The key is valuing each day here and now, and not letting it pass without a new step in the direction of shleimus--making oneself whole as a person. Just as with the body--when we bang our foot, we begin to walk funny, so too it is with the soul--if our tongues are a bit too loose with a little loshon hora, or with coarse, hurtful, or non-complimentary words (even if they are simply only words that you wouldn’t say in front of your Rav, your Rebbe...or your shadchan)--then our Tefillos are also hurt and wounded, and our words of Torah are far from pristine. Not letting the indiscretion, the carelessness, the instinct-over-intellect, happen again, and doing this consciously and consistently, day after day, will provide daily elevation--not only in Shemiras Halashon, but in one’s precious words of Torah and Tefillah as well.

There is something even more powerful. As we have noted in the past, the Chasam Sofer explains that the month of Adar, according to his reckoning, is representative of Shevet Binyamin. He explains that the stone on the Choshen for Binyomin is Yospheh--which can be split into two words--Yesh Peh--he has a mouth. This, the Chasam Sofer explains, is what allowed Mordechai from Shevet Binyomin to be victorious over the Lishna Bisha--the evil words of Haman which were set to literally destroy K’lal Yisroel. Mordechai was a descendant of Binyomin who had a mouth--but kept it closed and did not tell his father Yaakov what his brothers had done to Yoseph; Binyomin’s descendent, Shaul Hamelech also had a mouth, but once again kept it closed until the time came to be declared King; Esther HaMalka as well did not reveal ‘moladata’, where she was from, despite the immense pressure from the king for her to do so--and as a result all of K’lal Yisroel was saved. Succinctly stated, the closed mouth of Binyomin--the Yoshpheh-- literally brought salvation to us all. By following in the Yoshpheh tradition (you may even very well be from Shevet Binyomin!), you are not only saving your own mouth from contamination, you are not only immensely approving your words of Torah and your words of Tefillah--but you are bringing us all one step closer to the Bais Hamikdash and Geulah--as Hashem’s House is especially nestled... in the nachala of Shevet Binyomin!

Purim Katan Today - an Auspicious Day for Prayer!

From Halacha for Today email:

The Dvar Torah below, submitted by a daily reader, is from Rav Avraham Schorr Shlita regarding the power of Tefilah on Purim Katan (today)

He quoted a Chidushei Harim that explained a reason for the mitzvah of "chayav inush lbisumei bepuryah", the mitzvah of drinking on Purim.

He told a story that happened in the times of the Bal Shem Tov. There was a terrible decree against the Jews, everybody prayed and did various mitzvahs but nothing changed and the decree was still in place. Finally the Bal Shem Tov instructed one of his followers to go to a distant town and find a certain drunkard and bring him back to the Bal Shem Tov. The messenger was advised not to allow the drunkard to drink so that he would be sober when he was brought to the Bal Shem Tov. When the drunkard was brought to the Bal Shem Tov, he asked the drunkard for a bracha that the decree be abolished, he gave a bracha and immediately the decree was annulled.

The Bal Shem Tov explained to his close followers that this person had done an unbelievable mitzvah of saving a girl; the mitzvah of Pidyun Shevuyim and in shamayim they were so moved that it was decreed that whatever this person would ask for would be granted immediately. Suddenly in shamayim there was a big debate, how can a simple person be given such unbelievable power of blessing, maybe he will use it for the wrong things? So they decreed that he would be a drunkard all the time so he would not even realize this power that was given to him.

"THE CHIDUSHEI HARIM EXPLAINED THAT ON PURIM THERE IS A LAW THAT "KOL HAPOSHET YAD NOSNIN". ANYONE WHO ASKS YOU HAVE TO GIVE. THIS IS TRUE ALSO REGARDING PRAYING, WHEN WE DAVEN TO HASHEM HE HAS TO ANSWER OUR REQUESTS. SO TO COUNTER THIS UNBELIEVABLE POWER OF PRAYER, THE CHACHOMIM MADE THE LAW OF DRINKING ON PURIM SO THAT WE DON'T USE THE DAY FOR PRAYING FOR THE WRONG THINGS. THE CHIDUSHEI HARIM CONTINUES THAT IF SOMEBODY FEELS THAT HE WANTS TO BE SMARTER THEN THE CHACHOMIM AND HE WON'T DRINK AND WILL SIT AND DAVEN ALL DAY LONG, HE IS WRONG FOR NOT LISTENING TO THE CHACHOMIM."

THERE IS A MISHNA IN MEGILLAH THAT SAYS "EIN BAIN ADAR RISHON L'ADAR SHENIE ELE KRIAS MEGILLAH UMATONAS LEVYONIM BILVAD"; THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FIRST ADAR AND THE SECOND ADAR ONLY THAT YOU CAN NOT DO YOUR OBLIGATION OF READING MEGILLAH AND PRESENTS FOR THE POOR.

THE POWER OF PRAYER REMAINS EXACTLY THE SAME; HOWEVER, BY THE FIRST ADAR THE RABBIS DID NOT MAKE AN OBLIGATION TO DRINK.

SO HERE WE HAVE A DAY THAT HAS THE TREMENDOUS POWER OF PRAYER AND THE CHACHOMIM DID NOT COUNTER IT WITH AN OBLIGATION TO DRINK.

LET US USE THIS FRIDAY TO DAVEN TO HASHEM FOR ALL THE RIGHT THINGS, KLAL YISROEL IS LIVING THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES AND THERE ARE MANY THINGS TO DAVEN FOR...WE SHOULD BE ALL BE ZOCHE TO SEE MOSHIACH BMIHERA BYOMEINU.

THIS SHOULD BE A ZECHUS FOR THE NESHAMA OF MOSHE DOVID BEN PINCHUS DOV, HIS NESHAMA SHOULD HAVE AN ALIYA.