Yitzi's Parsha Preview

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Yitzi's Parsha Preview

Please note that Yitzi’s Parsha Preview will be on hiatus and will return with powerful insight for Parshat Tazria Metzorah. April 16, 2010

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my family, friends and loyal readers a Chag Pesach Kasher Vesamayach. A happy and Kosher Passover

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Yitzchak Alloul

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Vayakel Pekedei and Parshat Hachodesh

Happy Birthday to my friends who will celebrate Birthday’s this coming week:

Happy Birthday to:
Charlie Abeziz
Alexandre Alloul
Meir Bienenstock
“Ad Meyah Vesrim Shannah”

Vayak'hel-Pekudei & Hachodesh
Exodus 35:1-40:38 & 12:1-20
Candle Lighting in Toronto 6:02 P.M.
Candle Lighting in Thornhill 6:02 P.M.

Shabbat Mevarchim Chodesh Nisan
Rosh Chodesh - Tuesday March 16, 2010
The Molad for Rosh Chodesh Nissan is Monday March 15, 2010, 3:11 P.M. and 13 Chalakim Jerusalem Time.

******Turn clock forward one hour Saturday at Midnight***********

Number Of Mitzvot: 1
0 Mitzvot Aseh (Positive Commandment)
1 mitzvah Lo Taaseh (Negative Commandment - Prohibition)

This year, (5770 / 2010)Vayakel-Pekudei is a special Shabbat.
It is Shabbat Parshat HaChodesh :

The Shabbat preceding Rosh Chodesh Nisan, (or when Rosh Chodesh Nisan falls on Shabbat, the Shabbat of Rosh Chodesh Nisan,) is called Shabbat HaChodesh. The Maftir, from Shmot / Exodus, Parshat Bo, (12:1-20), starts with the first Mitzva given to the Bnei Yisroel, while they were still in Mitzrayim, even before the Mitzvot of the Yom Tov Pesach (Passover festival) - the Mitzva of Kiddush Hachodesh (the sanctification of the new moon). The reading begins with the declaration that the Hebrew month of Nisan, and not Tishrei, is to be considered the first month of the year. The passage then continues with some of the mitzvot of Pesach / Passover, which are certainly appropriate to be read and studied as the holiday approaches.

Haftora: (Additional portion, from Prophets, which is read after the Parsha)
AFTER PARSHAT PEKUDEI
Yechezkel / Ezekiel 45:16-46:18 (Ashkenazim);
Yechezkel / Ezekiel 45:18-46:15 (Sepharadim)
Some Sephardic communities begin the Haftora with 45:16.

Main characters of this week’s Parshah
Hashem
Moshe

Moses assembles the people of Israel and reiterates to them the commandment to observe the Shabbat. He then conveys G-d's instructions regarding the making of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The people donate the required materials in abundance, bringing gold, silver, copper, blue, purple and red-dyed wool, goat hair, spun linen, animal skins, wood, olive oil, herbs and precious stones. Moses has to tell them to stop giving.

A team of wise-hearted artisans make the Mishkan and its furnishings (as detailed in the previous Torah readings of Terumah, Tetzaveh and Ki Tisa): three layers of roof coverings; 48 gold-plated wall panels, and 100 silver foundation sockets; the Parochet (Veil) that separates between the Sanctuary's two chambers and the Masach (Screen) that fronts it; the Ark and its cover with the Cherubim; the Table and its Showbread; the seven-branched Menorah with its specially-prepared oil; and the Golden Altar and the incense burned on it; the Anointing Oil; the outdoor Altar for Burnt Offerings and all its implements; the hangings, posts and foundation sockets for the Courtyard; and the Basin and its pedestal, made out of copper mirrors .

An accounting is made of the gold, silver and copper donated by the people for the making of the Mishkan. Betzalel, Ahaliav and their assistants make the Eight Priestly Garments -- the Efod, Breastplate, Cloak, Crown, Turban, Tunic, Sash and Breeches -- according to the specifications communicated to Moses in the Parshah of Tetzaveh.

The Mishkan is completed and all its components are brought to Moses, who erects it and anoints it with the holy Anointing Oil, and initiates Aaron and his four sons into the priesthood. A cloud appears over the Mishkan, signifying the Divine Presence that has come to dwell within it.

“Make Your way known to me”. (Shemot 33:13)

When the Talmud states: There is no mazel for a Jew, it means that, even though physical life is indeed governed by the constellations - as messengers of G-d, a Jew can rise above his destiny. Alternatively, the gentile world is governed by something called Hashgachah Klallit (General Providence), a Jew's life, by virtue of his acceptance and adherence to Torah, is governed by something called Hashgachah Pratit (personalized Divine Providence):

Regarding that which is written (Shabbat 156a), that there is no mazel for a Jew, it means that mazel is not the deciding factor, because each Jew personally lives according to His Providence and specific guidance,. (Sha'arei Leshem, p. 62)

In other words, yes, there is a mazel for a Jew; there is a mazel for every human being. However, a Jew possesses the ability to alter his destiny, or perhaps more accurately, go above his destiny, as the following explains:

. . . Even if the mazel is for bad to happen, it can be changed for good . .

The obvious question is, how? To be able to consciously affect one's mazel suggests that one must have a tremendous amount of control over one's personal life. However, before one can understand how to affect one's mazel, one must understand what mazel is, and why it makes such a difference to one's life. Therefore, it says:

A mazel has been established for each person regarding his life and sustenance, from the time he was born until the end of his life. Each person's [mazel] is different from another [person's mazel]. All of it is based upon G-d's HIDDEN guidance, a function of Kavshei d'Rachmana (Mysteries of the Merciful One), which is not revealed to any living being. It is the basis of why good or bad can occur for a righteous person, which Moshe Rabbeinu asked to understand when he said, "Make Your way known to me" (Shemot 33:13). According Rebi Meir, his request was not fulfilled, for G-d answered him, "I will be gracious to whom I will show favor, and I will be merciful to whom I will be merciful" (Brachot 7a). (Ibid.)

In other words, G-d was telling Moshe Rabbeinu, even if a person appears in man's eyes not to be worthy of it, G-d may still show him favor - because of his mazel. G-d's picture and decision about a person include much more than what the person is doing at that given moment in time.

Thus, why is one person's mazel to become wealthy, and another person's to become poor, even though he worked harder than the man who was financially successful? We don't know. However, G-d does know, and it is all part of a remarkable equation and puzzle called "G-d's Master Plan," or, "Kavshei d'Rachmana" in Talmudic terms:

The mazalot in the heavens have been established by G-d, and determine all that will happen to a person down below, and all the levels of Domaim, Tzomayach, Chiyah, and Medabehr . . . (Ibid.) That is, the Mineral World, the Vegetable World, the Animal World, and the World of Man. All of these are controlled by a particular mazel, as the Midrash states:

There isn't a blade of grass below that does not have a mazel in Heaven "hitting" it, telling it, "Grow!" (Bereishit Rabbah 10:6)

Therefore, all that happens to them, and through them, is a function of the same cause-and-effect relationship imbedded in the mazalot, even though, unlike man, they have no free-will. There is no randomness in Creation. Therefore, no matter what we perceive or how we perceive it, if it exists, it does so as a function of G-d's CONSCIOUS will. He may have created "agents" to carry out that consciousness will, but it is still the result of His will.

Thus, Creation is, if you will, the largest interactive "game" ever to have been masterminded. And, not only is it the largest game, but it is the most perfect as well. For, whereas human interactive games can only account for so many causes and designs with only so many effects for them, that Creation has taken into account every possible cause mankind will create, and has designed the perfect effect for each of them. This is in order to guarantee that the objective of Creation is achieved precisely in the manner the Creator has intended, and while at the same time, allowing us too use our free-will choices to join with G-d in bringing ourselves and Creation to fulfillment.

Chazak Chazah Vnitchazek!!!!

If you need a place for Shabbat Meals or you would like to experience a more traditional Shabbat experience please do not hesitate to call. 416-829-1761.

Shabbat Shalom Umevorach-A peaceful and Blessed Shabbat
Yitzchak Alloul

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 416-829-1461.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Yitzi's Parshah Preview-Ki Tisa Parshat Parah

This week’s Parsha Preview is co-dedicated to the refuah of Menachem Mendel Ben Faigie Ruchel, Yocheved Bat Leah, Simcha Bat Mazel, Ofek Ben Tali, Shimon Ben Miriam, Sara Bat Hodda, Avraham Moshe Ben Miriam Tova, Baruch Kalman ben Leiben Jacobs, Yisrael Ben Sara and Kyla Chaya Bat Sarah Polson may Hashem grant them all a speedy recovery and a complete healing.

***** Please daven and say a Mesheberach in your shuls on shabbat for Rav Moshe Refael Ben Chasiba Halevy (Rav Levy is the Rav of Nachal Yisrael) he is recovering from quadruple bypass surgery. We wish him a speedy and complete recovery.

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.

Join my blog @
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Happy Birthday to my friends who will celebrate Birthday’s this coming week:
Happy Birthday to:
Cynthia Pechenick
Jay Sobel
Mira Cabessa
Nessim Yves Ohayon
Daniel Elcabas
“Ad Meyah Vesrim Shannah”

Ki Tis-Parshat Parah
Exodus 30:11-34
Candle Lighting in Toronto 5:53 P.M.
Candle Lighting in Thornhill 5:53 P.M.

Number of Mitzvot: 9
4 Mitzvot Aseh (Positive Commandment)
5 Mitzvot Lo Taaseh (Negative Commandment - Prohibition)

This year, (5770/ 2010)Ki Tisa is a special Shabbat.
It is Shabbat Parshat Parah:

The Shabbat immediately following Purim is called Shabbat Parshat Parah. The Maftir, from Bamidbar, Parshat Chukat, (19:1-22), describes the preparation of the Parah Adumah (Red Heifer), whose ashes were used in the spiritual purification process during the time of the Bait Hamikdash. This purification was carried out at this time of the year to ensure that everyone would be able to partake in the Korban Pesach (Pascal Lamb) to be offered on the 14th day of Nisan.

Haftora: (Additional portion, from Prophets, which is read after the Parsha)

Yechezkel / Ezekiel 36:16-38 (Ashkenazim);
Yechezkel / Ezekiel 36:16-36 (Sepharadim)

Main characters of this week’s Parsha
Hashem
Moshe
Bezalel
Oholiab

G-d commands Moses to take a census of the Jewish adult male population by collecting an atonement offering of half a silver shekel from each individual. The collected silver was melted down, and was made into sockets for the beams of the Tabernacle. G-d instructs Moses to make a copper washstand for the Tabernacle. The priests would use this laver to wash their hands and feet before their service. G-d tells Moses the recipe for making holy "anointing oil." This oil, which was prepared with various aromatic herbs and fine spices, was used to anoint and sanctify the Tabernacle, its vessels, and Aaron and his sons. The remainder of the oil was put aside, and was used to anoint kings and high priests of future generations. G-d also gives Moses the formula for the incense which was offered twice-daily in the Tabernacle. The duplication of the anointing oil or incense for personal use is prohibited. G-d imbues Bezalel with wisdom, and appoints him to be the chief craftsman of the Tabernacle and its contents. G-d appoints Oholiab as his assistant. The Jewish people are commanded once again to observe the Shabbat, the eternal sign between Him and the Children of Israel.

After G-d revealed Himself to the entire nation at Mount Sinai and told them the Ten Commandments, Moses ascended the mountain where he remained for forty days. There he was to study the Torah and receive the Tablets. The Jews miscalculate when Moses is supposed to return, and when he doesn't appear on the day when they anticipate him, they grow impatient and demand of Aaron to make for them a new god. Aaron cooperates, all along intending to postpone and buy time until Moses' return, but despite his efforts, a Golden Calf emerges from the flames. The festivities and sacrifices start early next morning. Moses pleads with an incensed G-d to forgive the Jews' sin. G-d acquiesces and relents from His plan to annihilate the Jews. Moses comes down with the Tablets, sees the idolatrous revelry, and breaks the Tablets. Moses enlists the Tribe of Levi to punish the primary offenders. 3000 idol worshippers are executed on that day. Moses ascends Mount Sinai again, in an attempt to gain complete atonement for the sin. G-d tells Moses to lead the Jews towards the Promised Land, but insists that He won't be leading them personally; instead an angel will be dispatched to lead them. Seeing G-d's displeasure with the Jews, Moses takes his own tent and pitches it outside the Israelite encampment. This tent becomes the center of study and spirituality until the Tabernacle is inaugurated.

Moses asks G-d to reconsider the matter of the angel leading them. G-d reconsiders, and agrees to lead them Himself again. Moses then requests that G-d's presence never manifest itself on any other nation other than the Jews.

G-d's agrees to Moses request that His presence only dwell amongst the Jews. Moses requests to be shown G-d's glory. G-d agrees, but informs Moses that he will only be shown G-d's "back," not G-d's "face."

G-d tells Moses to carve new tablets upon which G-d will engrave the Ten Commandments. Moses takes the new tablets up to Mt. Sinai, where G-d reveals His glory to Moses while proclaiming His Thirteen Attributes of Mercy.

G-d seals a covenant with Moses, assuring him again that His presence will only dwell with the Jews. G-d informs the Jewish people that He will drive the Canaanites from before them. He instructs them to destroy all vestiges of idolatry from the land, and to refrain from making any covenants with its current inhabitants. The Jews are then commanded not to make molten gods, to observe the three festivals, not to eat chametz on Passover, to sanctify male firstborn humans and cattle, and not to cook meat together with milk.

Moses descends Mount Sinai with the second tablets, and unbeknownst to him beams of light were projecting off his face. Aaron and the people are originally afraid of him. Moses teaches the people the Torah he studied on the mountain. Moses wears a veil on his face from that time on, but removes it when speaking to G-d and when repeating G-d's words to the people.

Parshat Parah
"This is the decree of the Torah, which Hashem has commanded, saying: Speak to the Children of Israel, and they shall take to you a completely red cow, which is without blemish, and upon which a yoke has not come." (BaMidbar 19:2)

This is an example of Law of the Torah which is considered completely above human comprehension. The paradox is that those who are involved in the preparation of the ashes of the cow become ritually impure, while the sprinkling of water with those ashes is used to remove contamination! It is an example of a Law which must be accepted on faith alone.

On the Shabbat after Purim, two Torah Scrolls are removed from the Ark. The Sidrah of the week is read from the first, and from the second, the chapter of Parah Adumah, the Red Cow (or Red Heifer), is read. It gives the procedure through which people can purify themselves from the contamination caused by a human corpse.

The reading of this chapter was instituted for this time of the year because Jews were required to purify themselves before coming to Jerusalem for the pilgrimage festival of Passover.

The Haftarah read on the Sabbath of Parashat Parah contains the verse, "And I shall sprinkle pure water upon you, that you be cleansed. From all your contamination and from all your filth I will cleanse you" (Ezekiel 36:25). There are other parallels in the Haftarah between the concepts of sin represented by contamination, and atonement represented by purity.

This idea is discussed in the commentary to the ArtScroll Ezekiel (pp.534-5), as follows: Freedom of will in moral matters is the first and irreplaceable condition for living one's life on the higher plane demanded by the Torah. Belief in man's freedom of action, however, is endangered by the fact that man cannot avoid death and that he is subject to the superficial limitations imposed by the forces of nature.

This belief is particularly shaken by the sight of a dead human being. If the whole human being has succumbed to death, been overpowered by physical forces - If man, like all other organic beings, cannot escape the spell of an overpowering force - then there is no room for the moral "you shall" next to the physical "you must." Moral freedom of will would then be an illusion, and the Divine law of morality with its demand for total free-willed devotion to the illuminating, purifying fire of its sanctuary would be incomprehensible. (R'Hirsch, Numbers 19:22)

Thus, sin is related not only to death, but also to contamination, which is closely associated with death. Because the sinner is shackled by his desires, he loses spiritual control of actions. He is swept along by the physical lusts that have overpowered his spiritual self. Thus, the most meaningful part of life, the spiritual, has been killed. For this reason, when G-d forgives man's sin and grants him a new heart and a new spirit, He is imbuing him with purity, the state of mind in which man is the sole master of his actions.

A living (and therefore a pure) person uses his body as he wills; it is his tool to use as he sees fit. The regenerate sinner, upon returning to the state of purity, joins once more the state of the living - and the free. (Chazon HaMikra)

If you need a place for Shabbat Meals or you would like to experience a more traditional Shabbat experience please do not hesitate to call. 416-829-1761.

Shabbat Shalom Umevorach-A peaceful and Blessed Shabbat
Yitzchak Alloul

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 416-829-1461.

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Thursday, February 25, 2010

Yitzi’s Parshah Preview-Tetzaveh

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Yitzi’s Parshah Preview- Terumah

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.

Join my blog @

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Happy Birthday to my friends who will celebrate Birthday’s this coming week:

Happy Birthday to:
Howie Cohen
Uzi Diamond

Jeff Toledano

“Ad Meyah Vesrim Shannah”

Terumah

Exodus 25:1-27:19

Candle Lighting in Toronto 5:35 P.M.
Candle Lighting in Thornhill 5:35 P.M.

Number of Mitzvot: 3

2 Mitzvot Aseh (positive commandment)

1 Mitzvot Lo Taaseh (negative commandment - prohibition)

HAFTORA: (Additional portion, from Prophets, which is read after the Parsha)

Melachim I / I Kings 5:26-6:13

Taanit Esther is observed on Thursday, February 25, 11 Adar.

Main characters of this week’s Parsha

Hashem

Moshe

G-d instructed Moses to accept contributions from the Israelites for the construction of a Tabernacle: "Let them make for Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell amongst them." The needed materials: precious metals, dyed wools and hides, flax, wood, olive oil, spices and gems. G-d then gave detailed instructions regarding the construction and dimensions of the Tabernacle and its vessels—starting with the Ark that housed the Tablets. The Ark was to be made of gold-plated acacia wood. Rings were to be attached to the corners of the Ark, wherein were inserted the poles that were used to transport the Ark.

The Ark was to be covered with a slab of pure gold. Two golden, winged cherubs (angels resembling young children; relief images of two winged cherubim were part of the cover of the Holy Ark) were to protrude from this cover. Next G-d gave instructions for constructing the Table for the Showbread (The bread offered on the sacred table in the Sanctuary each week). This table was also to be made of gold-plated acacia wood, and also to contain rings for transportation poles.

The seven branched Menorah (candelabra) was next on G-d's list. It was to be beaten out of a single block of pure gold, with decorative cups, knobs and flowers on its body. The Torah now turns its attention to the construction of the Tabernacle's sanctuary. The covering of the Sanctuary was to consist of several layers of tapestries. The first layer was to be a woven mixture of dyed wools and linen. The second layer was to be made of goat's hair. These two over-sized coverings also covered the outsides of the Tabernacle's walls. The very top of the Tabernacle was then to be further covered by dyed ram skins and tachash hides.

The walls of the Tabernacle were to be upright beams made of gold-plated acacia wood. The bottom of each beam had two projections that were to be inserted into two silver sockets. The Tabernacle's front side (to the east) was to have no wall. Its northern and southern side were to have twenty beams each. Its western wall was to have eight. Altogether the inside of the sanctuary was 30 cubits (approx. 45 feet) by 10 cubits, and 10 cubits high. The beams were held together by several crossbars.

The Tabernacle's sanctuary was to consist of two sections: the innermost chamber was the Holy of Holies, wherein the Ark was to be placed; and the outer chamber was the Holy Chamber, which housed the Menorah and the Table (as well as the Golden Altar which will be described in next week's reading). Two curtains were to be woven of dyed wools and linen. One was to be placed between the Holy of Holies and the Holy Chamber, the other covered the eastern side of the Tabernacle—its entrance.

G-d then gave instructions for the construction of the Outdoor Altar. This altar was to be made of copper-plated acacia wood, and it was to have four "horns," vertical projections, protruding from its uppermost corners. The altar, too, was equipped with rings and transportation poles.

The Tabernacle courtyard was to be 100 cubits (approx. 150 feet) by 50 cubits, and enclosed by mesh linen curtains. The entrance to the courtyard was to be on its eastern side, and the entrance was to be covered by a curtain woven of dyed wools and linen.

G-d told Moshe, “Tell the Children of Israel that anyone who desires to bring to Me an elevated-offering should do so.” (Shemot 25:1-2)

There are few Hebrew words that can be used to refer to a “gift”, but when it comes to the procurement of the materials for the construction of the Mishkan in this week’s parshah, the Torah uses the word “terumah”, which means “elevated-offering”. Giving to the construction of the Mishkan was not only about making a gift of it, it was about elevating the gift to a higher level of sanctity so that it can become worthy of being used for the Mishkan.

The truth is, just by designating something for Temple use is enough to change its halachic status. One moment you can be drinking from a glass cup without having to think twice, and the next moment a person can be guilty of misappropriation of Temple property if in-between sips he gifted the glass to the Temple. Same glass, different owner, and more importantly, a different level of holiness.

In fact, we could look at all of this differently. It would seem that the goal was to build a Mishkan, and that the terumot were just a means to do so. But, maybe it was the other way around. Maybe the goal was to give terumot, and the Mishkan was just the means for doing that. After all, the Mishkan was only the response to the golden calf, and as the commentators point out, had it not been for the calf, each and every Jew would have been his own Mishkan.

The Ultimate Terumah

“They shall make a sanctuary for Me so that I may dwell among them.” (Shemot 25:8)

Why does the pasuk say, “so that I may dwell in them” and not, “so that I may dwell in it ?” Rav Chaim Volozhin (Chaim Ben Yitzchok January 21, 1749 - June 14, 1821) says that the Mishkan was a prototype for what a person should be: a temple in his own right. However, when we allowed the golden calf to come into existence, we lost the right to be our own temples, and it was transferred to an actual building, the Mishkan.

Had we become our own temples, then we would have been responsible for using our terumot for that. And, we certainly would not have had to build all the various different elements about to be described in the upcoming parshiot. Then what would have been the terumot and how would we have given them? What would we have “elevated”?

Our da’at (our perception of G-d and reality) and that translates into what we give to G-d, or what we should be trying to give to G-d. We are told that G-d does not need sacrifices. Then why do we have to bring them? On one level it is for a tikun of the four elements of Creation that Adam’s sin blemished. By using salt with the sacrifice, we rectified the mineral world. By using wood to burn the sacrifice, we rectified the world of vegetation. The animal itself was to help the animal world achieve rectification, and by consuming the sacrifice, man became rectified as well.

However, the deeper purpose of the sacrifice was to affect the da’at of the person bringing it. The actual sacrifice was a means to achieve that result, because human beings need to see things or experience them before they can truly comprehend the reality of them. The experience of bringing a sacrifice with all of its parts and details was a powerful way to snap into reality and reach a higher level of awareness, and only once that was achieved did the person actually give to G-d what He was waiting for: an elevation of da’at, the true terumah, and the real “Elevated-Offering”. After all, what does G-d want from Creation? As the Arizal (Yitzhak Ben Shlomo Ashkenazi 1534 – July 25, 1572) explains at the beginning of Otzrot Chaim, G-d made Creation so that someone would exist who would call Him “Master”, or so someone would exist to whom He can be merciful or gracious to, and therefore be called “Merciful” or “Gracious”. A king without a kingdom is not a king at all, so G-d made a kingdom over which He could be King.

The Arizal continues not for His own good, but for our good. He doesn’t need to be called “king” or “merciful”, or anything else for that matter. It is our opportunity, not His, to recognize Him, and to “see” Him in life. That’s all He wants us to be able to do, to see Him. That, of course, is always a function of da’at, and the more elevated one’s da’at becomes, the greater a terumah it is.

If you need a place for Shabbat Meals or you would like to experience a more traditional Shabbat experience please do not hesitate to call. 416-829-1761.

Shabbat Shalom Umevorach-A peaceful and Blessed Shabbat

Yitzchak Alloul

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

Yitzi’s Parshah Preview-Mishpatim

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Happy Birthday to my friends who will celebrate Birthday’s this coming week:

Happy Birthday to:
Moishe Posner
Marcelle Jennings
Liliane Alloul
Sharon Landis
“Ad Meyah Vesrim Shannah”

Mishpatim
Exodus 21:1-24:18
Candle Lighting in Toronto 5:25 P.M.
Candle Lighting in Thornhill 5:25 P.M.

Number of Mitzvot: 53
Only 3 parshas have more mitzvot
23 Mitzvot Aseh (positive Commandments)
30 Mitzvot Lo Taaseh (Negative Commandments- Prohibitions)

This Shabbat, (the Shabbat preceding Rosh Chodesh Adar), is Shabbat Parshat Shekalim.

The Maftir, (additional reading), from Shemot / Exodus, Parshat Ki Tisa, (30:11-16), describes the census or counting of every Jew and the obligation to give a Half-Shekel terumah (contribution) during the month of Adar to pay for the public Korbanot (sacrifices) in the Bait Hamikdash in Yerushalayim.

Shabbat Mevarchim Chodesh Adar
Molad for Adar is Sunday February 14, 2010 2:27 A.M. and 12 Chalakim Jerusalem Time. Rosh Chodesh - Sunday February 14, 2010 & Monday February 15, 2010.

Adar is the happiest, most joyous month of the Hebrew calendar. In fact, its motto is "When Adar comes, joy is increased."

Main characters of this week’s Parsha
Moshe
Aaron
Nadav
Avihu
Zekainim

This weeks parshah discusses laws pertaining to the Israelite servant (eved ivri), his mandatory release after six years of service, and the procedure followed when a servant expresses his desire to remain in his master's service. The Torah continues with the laws of the Israelite maidservant, and her terms of release. Other laws contained in this section: a husband's obligations towards his wife; punishments for murder, manslaughter, kidnapping and abusing parents; and the penalties accrued by a person who injures another.

The Parshah continues with laws of personal injury: the punishment for one who kills or injures his servant and for one who causes a woman to miscarry. The Torah then shifts its focus to a person's liabilities for damages caused by his possessions, such as an ox that gores; or his actions, such as leaving an open pit uncovered. A person who steals is liable to pay the capital plus punitive damages. The section concludes with a person's right to self-defense when facing a marauding thief. The first set of Mitzvot are known as Bein Adam L’makom between Man and G-d and the second set are known as Mitzvot bein Adam L’adam-between man and his fellow man.

An arsonist is liable for damages caused by fires he ignites. The Torah then details the potential liabilities of an individual who undertakes to be a guardian of another's possessions, a borrower, and a renter. More laws: the punishment for seducing a young woman, sorcery, bestiality and offering an idolatrous sacrifice; prohibitions against harassing a foreigner, widow, or orphan; the mitzvah of lending money to the poor and the prohibition against lending with interest.

The Parshah continues and introduces us to many new mitzvot: the prohibitions against cursing a judge or leader, consuming meat that was not ritually slaughtered (treif), offering a sacrifice before the animal is eight days old, perjury, and judicial corruption; the commandments to separate all agricultural tithes in their proper order, sanctify the first-born son, return a lost animal to its owner, and help unload an overburdened animal.

We are commanded not to lie or take a bribe. The mitzvah of the Shemitah (Sabbatical year) is introduced: six years we work and harvest the land, and on the seventh year we allow the land to rest. Similarly, on a weekly basis, six days we work and on the seventh day we – and our cattle and servants – must rest. We are forbidden to mention the name of other gods. We are commanded to celebrate the three festivals — Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot – and to make pilgrimages to the Holy Temple on these occasions. Finally, we are told not to cook meat in (its mother's) milk.

G-d informed the Israelites that He would dispatch an angel to lead them into Canaan. This angel would not tolerate disobedience. If, however, the Israelites would hearken to the angel, and eradicate idolatry from the Promised Land, then they will be greatly rewarded. Their Canaanite enemies will fall before them and G-d "will bless your food and your drink, and will remove illness from your midst."

The Parshah continues describing the blessings the Israelites will receive if they faithfully serve G-d: no miscarriages or barren women, longevity, wide spacious borders and supernatural assistance in their quest to conquer the Holy Land. G-d warns the Israelites against entering into treaties with the Canaanite natives or allowing them to remain in the land after the Israelite invasion. The Torah now relates some of the events that occurred in the days immediately prior to the giving of the Torah. Moses went up the mountain and received a message from G-d which he communicated to the people. The Israelites enthusiastically committed themselves to following all of G-d's laws. Moses transcribed the "Book of the Covenant" and read it to the people. Then, together with the Israelite firstborn, Moses offered sacrifices and sprinkled the blood on the people, bringing them into a covenant with G-d. This section concludes with G-d summoning Moses – after the giving of the Torah – to ascend the mountain where he would remain for forty days and nights, and would then be given the Tablets.

According to the Pri Tzaddik (Rabbi Zadok HaKohen Rabinowitz of Lublin (Kreisburg, 1823 - Lublin, Poland, 1900), this weeks parshah is called "Mishpatim" (Judgments) because, in the Zohar, the word "mishpat" implies mercy. However, one could argue (and rightly so), "Is this not an oxymoron?" After all, judgment implies strict justice, whereas mercy speaks of ignoring the demands of justice and forgiving the offender in spite of the law.

At least that is what every child in trouble has thought out loud when he yells to his about-to-punish parent, "Mercy! Mercy! Mercy!"

Of course, the parents answers the child, "This is going to hurt me more than it will hurt you!" which certainly confuses the child, who thinks to himself, "Someone has the wrong definition of mercy here ... and I'm about to pay for it!"

However, what the Pri Tzaddik is alluding to is the idea that there is no greater mercy than justice. After all, though our bodies dream of a painless society, one in which "you can have your cake and eat it to," our souls long for the World-to-Come, and eventual closeness to G-d. But let us not forget that the world of the body is destined to last 6,000 years; the world of the soul will last forever!

If so, what need is there for mercy that does nothing to correct the acts of the transgressor, and allows children to physically grow while remaining spiritually stunted? What good is mercy that allows a person to improperly indulge in This World, while at the same time denying him eternity with G-d?

This is why Parashas Mishpatim is the last of the parshiot that make up the six-week period of Shov'vim-Shemot, Vaeira, Bo, Beshalach, Yitro, and Mishpatim, which we said was a time for teshuva (repentance) from love, as opposed to because of a fear of punishment. By "giving it to us straight," these judgments are the biggest act of mercy that G-d could do for us, since they provide us with the key to self-fulfillment, spiritual maturity, and G-d willing, our ticket to the World-to-Come.

Taking all of this to heart could do wonders to improve the spiritual and physical quality of one's life, not mention of the present security threat facing the Jewish people.

If you need a place for Shabbat Meals or you would like to experience a more traditional Shabbat experience please do not hesitate to call. 416-829-1761.
Shabbat Shalom Umevorach-A peaceful and Blessed Shabbat
Yitzchak Alloul

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 416-829-1461.

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Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Yitzi’s Parshah Preview- Yitro

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Happy Birthday to my friends who will celebrate Birthday’s this coming week:

Happy Birthday to:

Pesach Wolicki

Reuben Osiel

“Ad Meyah Vesrim Shannah”

Yitro

Exodus 18:1-20:23

Candle Lighting in Toronto 5:16 P.M.

Candle Lighting in Thornhill 5:16 P.M.

Main characters of this week’s Parsha

Jethro

Moses

Hashem

Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, learns of the vast miracles which G-d performed for the people of Israel, and comes from Midian to the Israelite camp, bringing with him Moses' wife and two sons. Jethro counsels Moses to appoint a chain of command of magistrates and judges to assist him in the task of leading and managing justice to the people.

The Children of Israel camp opposite Mount Sinai, where they are told that G-d has chosen them to be His "kingdom of priests" and "holy nation." The people respond by proclaiming, "All that G-d has spoken, we shall do."

On the sixth day of the third month (Sivan), seven weeks after the Exodus, the entire nation of Israel assembles at the foot of Mount Sinai. G-d comes down on the mountain amidst thunder, lightning, billows of smoke and the blast of the shofar, and summons Moses to ascend.

G-d proclaims the Ten Commandments, commanding the people of Israel to believe in G-d, not to worship idols or take G-d's name in vain, to keep the Shabbat, honor their parents, and not to murder, commit adultery, steal, bear false witness or covet another's property. The people cry out to Moses that the revelation is too intense for them to bear, begging him to receive the Torah from G-d and convey it to them.

Number of Mitzvot in this week’s Parsha: 17

(14 of 17 are within the Aseret HaDibrot)

3 Mitzvot Aseh (Positive Comandment)

14 Mitzvot Lo Taaseh (Negative Commandment – Prohibition )

These are the mitzvot listed in the Torah in chronological order

1. 25^th Mitzvah. Exodus 20:2

You shall know that HaShem is G-d,

2. 26^th Mitzvah. Exodus 20:3

You shall not have the gods of others in My presence.

3. 27^th Mitzvah. Exodus 20:4

You shall not make for yourself a graven image or any likeness which is in the heavens above, which is on the earth below, or which is in the water beneath the earth.

4. 28^th Mitzvah. Exodus 20:5

You shall neither prostrate yourself before them

5. 29^th Mitzvah. Exodus 20:5

Nor worship them

6. 30^th Mitzvah. Exodus 20:7

You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain.

7. 31st Mitzvah. Exodus 20:8

Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it.

8. 32^nd Mitzvah. Exodus 20:10

You shall perform no labor, neither you, your son, your daughter, your manservant, your maidservant, your beast, nor your stranger who is in your cities.

9. 33^rd Mitzvah. Exodus 20:12

Honor your father and your mother.

10. 34^th Mitzvah. Exodus 20:13

You shall not murder.

11. 35^th Mitzvah. Exodus 20:13

You shall not commit adultery.

12. 36^th Mitzvah. Exodus 20:13

You shall not steal

13. 37^th Mitzvah. Exodus 20:13

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

14. 38^th Mitzvah. Exodus 20:14

You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, his manservant, his maidservant, his ox, his donkey, or whatever belongs to your neighbor.

15. 39^th Mitzvah. Exodus 20:20

You shall not make [images of anything that is] with Me. Gods of silver or gods of gold you shall not make for yourselves.

16. 40^th Mitzvah. Exodus 20:22

And when you make for Me an altar of stones, you shall not build them of hewn stones, lest you wield your sword upon it and desecrate it.

17. 41^st Mitzvah. Exodus 20:23

And you shall not ascend with steps upon My altar, so that your nakedness shall not be exposed upon it.

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If you need a place for Shabbat Meals or you would like to experience a more traditional Shabbat experience please do not hesitate to call. 416-829-1761.

Shabbat Shalom Umevorach-A peaceful and Blessed Shabbat

Yitzchak Alloul

This Parshah Preview is sponsored by Cars And Trucks 4 Less, Sales, Leasing and Financing. If you are in market for a New or Used Vehicle give us a call “we will steer you in the right direction”. Please call 416-829-1461.

Singles event this Sunday February 7, 2010 please check link for more info:

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