Friday, July 30, 2010

Yitzi’s Parshah Preview-Eikev


This week’s Parsha Preview is co-dedicated to the refuah of the following people:

Men
Menachem Mendel Ben Faigie Ruchel, Moshe Avraham Ben Chaya Freidel, Gilon Chaim Ben Yonit, Ofek Ben Tali, Shimon Ben Miriam, Avraham Moshe Ben Miriam Tova, Baruch Kalman Ben Leiben Jacobs, Mendel Ber Ben Sarah, Aharon Ben Tamar, Shmuel Baruch Ben Golda.

Women
Simcha Bat Mazel, Sara Bat Hodda, Kyla Chaya Bat Sarah Polson, Leiba Bat Devorah Esther, Tova Rochel Bat Chaya, Yocheved Yaakovite bat Leah, Ita Tzipa bat Dveyra Basha, and Sorah Rivka bat Yehudis.

May Hashem grant them all a speedy recovery and a complete healing.

Daven for the release of Gilad Shalit-Gilad Ben Aviva-may Hashem bring him home safe and sound. If you asked to have someone put on the refuah list please update me on how these people are doing. If you would like to add someone to the list please send me an e-mail
yvalloul@gmail.com

This weeks Parshah Preview dedicated in memory of Harav Ehoushuah Bat Channa on the occasion of Yartzheit. May his neshama have an aliyah.

Once again, you can have this Parshah Preview dedicated in honour or memory of a loved one, you can ask for a refuah or simply acknowledge a milestone. It does not cost a thing all you have to do is ask.

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Happy Birthday to:
Phil Kravetsky
Josh Bernick
Elly Richmond
Henry Zimmerman
Sheri Herblum
Jack Harary
Lisa Oziel
Ari Rosenblum
Allyson Taylor
Yisrael Feldman
“Ad Meyah Vesrim Shannah”


Parshah Eikev - Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25
Torah Reading for Week of July 25-31, 2010 - Av 14-20 5770

Candle Lighting in Toronto 8:25 P.M.
Candle Lighting in Thornhill 8:25 P.M.

Number Of Mitzvot in Parshat Eikev: 8
6 Mitzvot Aseh (Positive Commandments)
2 Mitzvot Lo Taaseh (Negative Commandments-Prohibitions)

Haftorah:(Additional portion, from Prophets, which is read after the Parsha)
Yeshayahu / Isaiah 49:14- 51:3. This is the second of seven Haftorot, the Seven Haftorot of Consolation, that precede Rosh HaShana).

Parha Summary
Parshat Eikev
The Torah Reading on Shabbat day is divided into 7 sections. Each section is called an Aliya (meaning to go up) since for each Aliya, one person "goes up" to make a bracha on the Torah Reading. We invite the Cohen first, followed by a Levite who then in turn is followed by an Israelite. When a Cohen is not in attendance we call an Israelite in their place, if a Levite is not in attendance then the same Cohen is called in their place.

Moshe outlines the general rewards for following the Torah, and encourages the nation to have complete confidence in Hashem's protection. Moshe forewarns them of the dangers in being overly confident and commands them in the Mitzvah of Birkat Hamazon (8:10).

Moshe cautions them regarding the pitfalls of prosperity and idolatry, and encourages them to remain humble in the face of their guaranteed victories. G-d is the one who deserves the credit.

In order to demonstrate his point, Moshe reassess the incident of the Golden Calf. He explains why G-d, being a G-d of Justice, will grant the Bnei Yisrael a victory over the inhabitants of Canaan. Not because the Jews are worthy, but because the Seven Nations warrant to be punished for their own evil actions. The actions of the Bnei Yisrael during the 40 years, such as the Golden Calf, should have resulted in the Jews' destruction. It was three factors which kept them alive and well so that they could inherit the land.
1. Hashem's promise to Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.
2. The Chillul Hashem (desecration of G-d's name) that would have occurred among the other nations who would question G-d's ability to protect His nation.
3. Moshe's constant prayer (begging) for Hashem's forgiveness.

Moshe finishes the story of the Golden Calf by retelling the giving of the Second Luchot. (The Second Tablets Of Law).

Moshe poses the famous rhetorical question of, "What does G-d want... follow His ways..." and describes other instances of Hashem's demanding justice.

Moshe describes the nature of Eretz Yisrael as demanding and responsive to our following the Torah. The second Parsha of Shema is recorded.

Moshe promises the nation total victory if they listen to the Mitzvot and follow the ways of the Hashem.

Haftorah Isaiah 49:14 - 51:3
In this week's Haftorah, Yishayuhu the Navi induces a powerful image that is consistent with this week's Parsha. He describes our relationship with Hashem as a mother who can not possibly discard or forget her children. Nothing that we will do, or that might occur, can result in Hashem being removed from His People. In fact, even though G-d seemingly "hides His face" from us and allows other nations to dominate and oppress us, they will ultimately have to answer to Him.

Parents who properly punish their children are doing G-d's work and are rewarded for their expressions of love and caring. However, the "punishing nations" have never accepted their position as the extended hand of a loving G-d disciplining and punishing His chosen people. Therefore, they will be punished, rather than rewarded.

The imagery is intended to focus us on the arousing and unbreakable bond that exists between us and Hashem. It is no different than a mother who must deal with the child who ignores and contravenes her. However, in spite of the hurt and the task to punish, the parent is incapable of distancing herself from the love and concern she feels for her child, even more so at the time of punishment. It is therefore incumbent upon the child, not the mother, to recognize the parents' ever present love, and embrace, rather than shun the relationship.

In the end, recognizing that Hashem has never and will never abandoned us, especially at the times of our greatest trials and tragedies, will reawaken our love for Hashem and bring comfort to the nation and Eretz Yisrael.

“There idolatrous statues you should burn in fire. Do not desire the silver and the gold that is upon them and take them for yourself. This will be a deadly trap for you. For this is an abomination to Hashem your G-d.” (Devarim 7:25)

Moshe tells Bnei Yisrael that they will conquer the land of Israel. He admonishes the people to destroy and uproot all forms of idolatry from the land. Moshe then cautions the people. He tells them that they will capture gold and silver idols. These are items of value and beauty. They are required to destroy these idols. However, they will be tempted to preserve them. Moshe forewarns the people that preserving these idols is a terrible error. It will lead to their demise.

Why will conserving these items of value and beauty ensnare Bnei Yisrael? It seems that Moshe fears that preserving these idols will lead to their worship. However, it is not clear how this will occur.

Sforno offers an explanation. Bnei Yisrael was not immune from primitive notions and superstitions. Members of the nation could easily revert to superstitious and primitive practices. Because of this disposition, these members of the nation could be entrapped by idols they would preserve.

How would this entrapment take place? A person preserves one of these idols. Subsequently, this person enjoys unusual accomplishments or good fortune in some endeavor. This person wishes to assure the continuation of this good fortune and success. It is natural to seek security and protection against the verities of fate. In response to this need for security, this person decides that the idol has provided the good fortune and success. Next, the person enters into an idolatrous relationship with the stature in order to preserve this good fortune.


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Thursday, July 1, 2010

Yitzi’s Parshah Preview-Pinchas

This week’s Parsha Preview is co-dedicated to the refuah of the following people:

Men
Menachem Mendel Ben Faigie Ruchel, Moshe Avraham Ben Chaya Freidel, Gilon Chaim Ben Yonit, Ofek Ben Tali, Shimon Ben Miriam, Avraham Moshe Ben Miriam Tova, Baruch Kalman Ben Leiben Jacobs, Mendel Ber Ben Sarah, Aharon Ben Tamar, Shmuel Baruch Ben Golda.

Women
Yocheved Bat Leah, Simcha Bat Mazel, Sara Bat Hodda, Kyla Chaya Bat Sarah Polson, Leiba Bat Devorah Esther, Tova Rochel Bat Chaya, Yocheved Yaakovite bat Leah, Ita Tzipa bat Dveyra Basha, and Sorah Rivka bat Yehudis.

May Hashem grant them all a speedy recovery and a complete healing.

Daven for the release of Gilad Shalit-Gilad Ben Aviva-may Hashem bring him home safe and sound.

This week’s Parsha Preview is dedicated in memory of the Yartzheit of Fiby Bat Harav David, may her Neshama have an Aliyah.

Once again, you can have this Parshah Preview dedicated in honour or memory of a loved one, you can ask for a refuah or simply acknowledge a milestone. It does not cost a thing all you have to do is ask. Please update me on the people who we are davening and learning for.

I would like to thank Rabbi Skobac for joining us and speaking at our learning Minyan.

The learning Minyan is located at 3683 Bathurst Street two blocks south of Wilson at Joicey and Bathurst next to Sue’s Fruit market. The Minyan takes place in The Nachal Yisroel Centre.

All are welcome Men and Women.

Parsha Preview will be on Holidays till the 24th of July and will return for Parshat Eikev.

Join my blog @
or

Since I will be on Holidays for most of the month of July I would like to take the opportunity to wish my friends who will be having birthdays during the month of July a Happy, Healthy and safe Birthday.

Happy Birthday to:
Shachar Atal
Francine Goldrich
Ariel Osiel
Avraham Kleinman
David Toledano
Samy Toledano
Smadar Koral
Samantha Goldstein
Laurie Silverman
Sarah Brown
Brian Waterman
Rebecca Ginsburg
Aline Emsallem
Mitchell Roness
Michelle Lazar Anhang
Alden Mamann
Michal Wasserberger
Daniel Zunenshine
Rob Schaumer
Joshua Geldman
Rachel Kandel
David Alloul
Mark Niman
Max Benaim
Tamar Oziel
Esther Chin
Yehoshua Pinto
Joshua Paton
Miriam Drori
Phil Kravetsky
Josh Birnick
Elly Richmond
Henry Zimmerman
Sheri Herblum
Jack Harary
Lisa Oziel
“Ad Meyah Vesrim Shannah”

Parshah Pinchas - Numbers 25:10-30:1
Torah Reading for Week of Jun 27-Jul 3, 2010 - Tammuz 15-21 5770

Candle Lighting in Toronto 8:44 P.M.
Candle Lighting in Thornhill 8:45 P.M.

Number Of Mitzvot in Parshat Pinchas: 6
6 Mitzvot Aseh (Positive Commandments)
0 Mitzvot Lo Taaseh (Negative Commandments-Prohibitions)

Haftorah:(Additional portion, from Prophets, which is read after the Parsha)
Yirmiyahu / Jeremiah 1:1-2:3 Divrei Yirmiyahu

Parha Summary
Parshat Pinchas
The Torah Reading on Shabbat day is divided into 7 sections. Each section is called an Aliya (meaning to go up) since for each Aliya, one person "goes up" to make a bracha on the Torah Reading. We invite the Cohen first, followed by a Levite who then in turn is followed by an Israelite. When a Cohen is not in attendance we call an Israelite in their place, if a Levite is not in attendance then the same Cohen is called in their place.

As a reward for his act of zealousness, Pinchas is appointed as a Kohain. Although a grandson to Aharon, he was not included in the original selection of Kohanim. No other person would ever be so honored.

Moshe is told to do battle against the Midianites in retaliation for the incident at Baal Peor. Moshe counts the Bnai Yisrael in preparation for entering Eretz Yisrael. The total number of men over 20 years old, not including the Leviyim, is 601,730; compared to 40 years earlier when it was 603,550. If you include all men, women and children, the total is approx. three million

Moshe divides Israel through a lottery that miraculously matched each tribe to its proper portion. The Leviyim are counted.

Motivated by the "shayla - question" of Tzelafchad's daughters regarding their father who died without any sons, the laws of inheritance are discussed. Moshe is told to prepare for his death and Yehoshua is chosen as his successor.

The remainder of the Parsha details the various public sacrifices offered throughout the year: daily, Shabbat, Musaf, Rosh Chodesh, and every Yom Tov.

Haftorah Summay- Haftorah Pinchas: Jeremiah 1:1 - 2:3
Tlat Diparanuta is the name given to the next three Haftorot. These are special selections from the Navi Yirmiyahu that were chosen because they prophesies the destruction of Yerushalayim and the 1st Beit Hamikdash.

In this Haftorah, Yirmiyahu HaNavi foretells of the Babylonian invasion. The condemnation of the Jews for abandoning G-d and Torah is somewhat softened by the concluding description of Hashem's love for His children. "I remember the devotedness of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown." as if we are given permission to envision the tears of the Creator as He confronts His beloved's infidelity.

Parshat Pinchas
Moshe asked G-d, "Let G-d, the G-d of all living spirits, appoint a man over the congregation, who may go out and come in before them, who may lead them out, and who may bring them in. The Congregation of G-d should not be like a flock which has no shepherd." (Bamidbar 27:15-17)

The Midrash on this week's parshah says that what bothered Moshe was that a leader might be chosen to replace him who would not be sympathetic to every individual of the Jewish people. Just like no two snowflakes are a like, no two people are alike, and a leader has to be able to relate to each individual on his or her own level. Otherwise, it is as if the flock "has no shepherd."

The Midrash also explains that Moshe was concerned that the next leader be one who could uphold the often tenuous relationship between G-d and the Jewish people, and created a parable to explain this point: It is a like a king who married a queen who came with a courtier. This courtier understood the king better than the queen did, and when the king became angry with the queen, the courtier knew how to mitigate the king's anger and restore peace in the palace.

One day, when the courtier was about to die, he begged the king to appoint another in his place who could do as he had done, "brokering" peace between the king and the queen. Instead, the king answered him, "Rather than I find another like you, instead, teach the queen to show me the proper respect, and this will maintain peace forever!"

So, too, the Midrash concludes, G-d told Moshe: You are worried that the next leader should know how reduce My anger as you have done on several occasions until now? Instead, command the Jewish people to show Me the proper and due respect, and they will never need a third party to act on their behalf! This is why the Torah follows with:

G-d told Moshe, "Command the children of Israel to be careful to offer My Fire-Offerings for a pleasing fragrance to Me in its proper time." (Bamidbar 28:1-2)

As the rabbis point out, G-d does not need our sacrifices, In fact, the Midrash says, if G-d ever actually needed to eat, He wouldn't depend upon us, because man can be so cruel. So then why does the Torah command us "to be careful to offer" G-d's Fire-Offerings? Because we need to offer sacrifices to G-d, or, in our times Tefillah (prayer) to G-d, because this is one of the crucial ways we build the proper respect for G-d (each person according to his ability).

The more we are able to do this, and the better we perform the tefillah service, which means treating tefillah times with the utmost respect, and putting a full-heart into what we are saying, the less we will need to mitigate the anger of G-d; the more blessing we will receive. And, this is what Jewish leadership is very much about: instilling respect for G-d and His Torah in one's congregation, and being an example of this for all. Certainly speaking to others while Tefillah service is taking place not only disturbes this connection to Hashem it totally negates the purpose of growing closer to Hashem.

This Parshah Preview is sponsored by Cars And Trucks 4 Less, Sales, Leasing and Financing. If you are in the market for a New or Used Vehicle give us a call “we will steer you in the right direction”. Please call 416-829-1761.

If you would like your company or service listed here please do not hesitate to ask. I do not take a fee for this. It is very important for us to support and promote local Jewish businesses. We spend so much time looking for the best deal possible that we lose sight of obligation to support our “brothers”. It’s forbidden to give business to others; we are obligated to do business with fellow Jews. Trust me when I say that the other nations put the welfare of their own first and not looking for the best deal in town. Again, there is no charge and would be my pleasure to list your service, product or business. All you have to do is ask.
Shabbat Shalom Umevorach-A peaceful and Blessed Shabbat
Yitzchak Alloul

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