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All Blog Posts Tagged 'medrash' (29)

Shabbos: Taam HaChaim Vayeitzei 5770

שבת טעם החיים ויצא תש"ע Shabbos: Ta’am HaChaim Vayeitzei 5770 A Dream of Ascent Introduction ויחלם והנה סלם מצב ארצה וראשו מגיע השמימה והנה מלאכי אלקים עלים וירדים בו And he dreamt, and behold! A ladder was set earthward and its top reached heavenward; and behold! Angels of G-d were ascending and descending on it. (Bereishis 28: 12) The Torah records how Yaakov was headed to his uncle Lavan in Aram (modern day Iraq) and he stopped off at the site of the Holy Temple. The sun set early and Yaako… Continue

Added by Ben on November 26, 2009 at 5:49am — No Comments

Shabbos: Taam HaChaim Parashas Pinchas 5769

שבת טעם החיים פרשת פינחס תשס"ט Shabbos: Ta’am HaChaim Parashas Pinchas 5769 Ignoring the media Introduction This week commences the period known as the bein hametzarim, the Three Weeks. What is the significance of these three weeks? We know that on the seventeenth of Tammuz, Nevuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, breached the walls of Jerusalem, and this siege culminated with the destruction of the first Bais HaMikdash on Tisha Baav. Thus, we are in a period of mourning for the loss of The Divine… Continue

Added by Ben on July 9, 2009 at 8:26pm — No Comments

Shabbos: Taam HaChaim Parashas Korach 5769

שבת טעם החיים פרשת קרח תשס"ט Shabbos: Ta’am HaChaim Parashas Korach 5769 Korach was not for the sake of Heaven Introduction In this week’s parashah the Torah records the incident where Korach challenged the authority of Moshe. The Mishna in Avos (5:17) refers to this dispute as a machlokes shelo lisheim shamayim, a dispute not for the sake of Heaven. There are various explanations for this statement. One opinion is that the Mishna refers to the machlokes as a dispute between Korach and his ento… Continue

Added by Ben on June 25, 2009 at 6:30am — No Comments

Shabbos: Taam HaChaim Parashas Shelach 5769

שבת טעם החיים פרשת שלח תשס"ט Shabbos: Ta’am HaChaim Parashas Shelach 5769 Our mission in this world Introduction In this week’s parasha the Torah records the incident of the Meraglim, the spies that Moshe sent to ascertain if the Jewish People would be capable of conquering Eretz Yisroel. The spies retuned from their forty day journey with a slanderous report, and this report was the catalyst for the Jewish People to die out in the Wilderness. There are many aspects to this episode, but I wish… Continue

Added by Ben on June 18, 2009 at 3:44am — No Comments

Shabbos: Taam HaChaim Parashas Bamidbar 5769

שבת טעם החיים פרשת במדבר תשס"ט Shabbos: Ta’am HaChaim Parashas Bamidbar 5769 Peace through the actions of the wicked Introduction This week I was discussing with a friend of mine the name of the leader of the tribe of Shimon, Shlumiel Ben Tzurishaddai, whose name is mentioned in this week’s parashah (Bamidbar 2:12). I mentioned that the Ohr HaChaim (Bamidbar 7:36) writes that one possible reason that he was thus called was because his name alludes to the fact that shileim lo Keil al cheit Yosef… Continue

Added by Ben on May 22, 2009 at 5:21am — No Comments

Shabbos: Taam HaChaim Parashas Behar-Bechukosai 5769

שבת טעם החיים פרשת בהר-בחוקותי תשס"ט Shabbos: Ta’am HaChaim Parashas Behar-Bechukosai 5769 Sustenance Torah and Shabbos Introduction In the difficult economic times that are currently prevalent, it is worth noting that this week’s parasha provides the solution. It is said (Vayikra 26:3) im bichukosai teileichu, if you will follow My decrees. Rashi quotes the Toras Kohanim that interprets this verse to mean, “if you toil in Torah,” then you will receive all the blessings mentioned further on. Th… Continue

Added by Ben on May 15, 2009 at 2:11am — No Comments

Shabbos: Taam HaChaim Parashas Emor 5769

שבת טעם החיים פרשת אמור תשס"ט Shabbos: Ta’am HaChaim Parashas Emor 5769 Sticking together Introduction In this week’s parasha, the Torah informs us of the man who was a son of an Egyptian man and a Jewish woman, who blasphemed using the Name of HaShem. This man was sentenced to death by stoning. The Medrash (Toras Kohanim) states that the background of this incident was that this man sought to pitch his tent in the encampment of the tribe of Dan, and he was informed that the encampment was dete… Continue

Added by Ben on May 8, 2009 at 9:15pm — No Comments

Shevii Shel Pesach 5769

Shevii Shel Pesach 5769 Tonight is Shevii Shel Pesach. What is the significance of Shevii Shel Pesach? In a simple sense, Shevii Shel Pesach is the day that the Jewish People crossed the Yam Suf and Hashem drowned the Egyptians. The Jewish People sang Shirah, praise to HaShem, and that song became a part of our daily prayer service. Yet, considering that Shevii Shel Pesach is viewed somewhat as a separate holiday from Pesach, we must understand its deeper significance. Rabbeinu Bachye (Devarim… Continue

Added by Ben on April 17, 2009 at 6:28am — No Comments

Shabbos: Ta’am HaChaim Parashas Vayakhel-Pekudei-HaChodesh 5769

שבת טעם החיים פרשת ויקהל-פקודי-החדש תשס"ט Shabbos: Ta’am HaChaim Parashas Vayakhel-Pekudei-HaChodesh 5769 Returning to the level of Divine Presence of the Patriarchs on our tents Introduction This week’s parashah discusses the actual construction of the Mishkan and we also read Parashas HaChodesh, which discusses the Exodus from Egypt. The Ramban writes in his introduction to the Book of Shemos that this Book is called Sefer HaGeulah, the Book of Redemption, because of the Exodus from Egypt. Fu… Continue

Added by Ben on March 20, 2009 at 6:50pm — No Comments

Shabbos: Taam HaChaim Parashas Beshalach 5769

שבת טעם החיים פרשת בשלח תשס"ט Shabbos: Ta’am HaChaim Parashas Beshalach 5769 Shabbos, manna and daas Introduction In this week’s parasha we learn about the fascinating chapter of the manna that HaShem provided for the Jewish People while they sojourned in the Wilderness. The manna was miraculous in that it fell from heaven every day except for Shabbos and every Jew received exactly what he needed for sustenance. Furthermore one who ate the manna did not need to relieve himself afterwards and… Continue

Added by Ben on February 6, 2009 at 7:59am — No Comments

Shabbos: Taam HaChaim Parashas Vaera 5769

שבת טעם החיים פרשת וארא תשס"ט Shabbos: Ta’am HaChaim Parashas Vaera 5769 Completely separate from the nations of the world Introduction In this week’s parasha the Torah records how after Pharaoh hardened his heart and refused to allow the Jewish People to leave Egypt, HaShem sent Moshe and Aharon to be the instruments that would afflict Pharaoh and the Egyptians with the ten plagues. It is noteworthy that each of the plagues had a specific lesson to teach the Egyptians and simultaneously, the… Continue

Added by Ben on January 23, 2009 at 8:59am — No Comments

Shabbos: Taam HaChaim Parashas Vayechi 5769

שבת טעם החיים פרשת ויחי תשס"ט Shabbos: Ta’am HaChaim Parashas Vayechi 5769 If not with Shabbos, then with Tosefes Shabbos Introduction In this week’s parashah the Torah relates how Yaakov blessed his children. The Torah states regarding the blessing that Yaakov conferred on Reuven (Bereishis 49:3-4) Reuven bechori atah kochi vireishis oni yeser sieis viyeser az pachaz kamayim al tosar ki alisa mishkivei avicha az chilalta yitzui alah, Reuven, you are my firstborn, my strength and my initial vig… Continue

Added by Ben on January 9, 2009 at 8:55am — No Comments

Doreish Tov on Medrash Rabbah Parashas Vayigash 5769 (1)

Doreish Tov on Medrash Rabbah Parashas Vayigash 5769 93:1 The Medrash The Medrash states that it is said (Bereishis 44:18) vayigash eilav Yehudah vayomer bi adoni yidbaeir na davar avdecho davar biaznei adoni vial yichar apcha biavdecho ki chomocha kiPharaoh, then Yehudah approached him and said, “If you please, my lord, may your servant speak a word in my lord’s ears and let not your anger flare up at your servant – for you are like Pharaoh.” The Medrash cites the verse (Mishlei 6:1-3) that… Continue

Added by Ben on January 1, 2009 at 7:28am — No Comments

Ramazei DiOraysa: Hints in the Torah Volume 1 Issue 8

רמזי דאורייתא Ramazei DiOraysa: Hints in the Torah Volume 1 Issue 8 It is said (Bereishis 32:4) vayishlach Yaakov malachim lifanav el Esav achiv artzah Seir sideh Edom, then Yaakov sent angels ahead of him to Esav his brother to the land of Seir, the field of Edom. It is noteworthy that when one rearranges the last letters of the words artzah Seir sideh Edom, they spell out the words sa eish, fire will carry. This alludes to the idea that Esav is symbolized by straw and Yaakov is symbolized by… Continue

Added by Ben on December 14, 2008 at 6:38am — No Comments

Shabbos: Taam HaChaim Parashas Vayishlach 5769

שבת טעם החיים פרשת וישלח תשס"ט Shabbos: Ta’am HaChaim Parashas Vayishlach 5769 Shabbos: Challenge at twilight and receiving the wealth of Shabbos Introduction In this week’s parashah the Torah relates how Yaakov encountered the angel of Esav and struggled with him. The Torah records that the angel of Esav requested from Yaakov that he let him go and Yaakov refused. It is said (Bereishis 32:27) vayomer shalcheini ki alah hashachar vayomer lo ashaleichacho ki im beirachtani, and he said, “I will… Continue

Added by Ben on December 12, 2008 at 8:31am — No Comments

Doreish Tov on Medrash Rabbah Parashas Vayishlach 5769 (1)

Doreish Tov on Medrash Rabbah Parashas Vayishlach 5769 75:1 The Medrash The Medrash states that it is said (Bereishis 32:4) vayishlach Yaakov malachim lifanav, then Yaakov sent angels ahead of him. Rabbi Pinchas in the name of Rabbi Reuven commenced with the verse that states (Tehillim 17:13) kumah HaShem kadmah fanav hachrieheiu paltah nafshi meirashah charbecha, rise up, HaShem, confront him and bring him to his knees; rescue my soul from the wicked one, who is Your sword. Rabbi Pinchas sai… Continue

Added by Ben on December 12, 2008 at 3:52am — No Comments

Doreish Tov on Medrash Rabbah Parashas Vayeitzei 5769 (1)

Doreish Tov on Medrash Rabbah Parashas Vayeitzei 5769 68:1 The Medrash The Medrash states that it is said (Bereishis 28:10) vayeitzei Yaakov miBeer Sheva vayeilech Charanah, Yaakov departed from Beer-Sheva and went toward Charan. Rabbi Pinchas in the name of Rabbi Huna bar Pappa commenced with the following verse that states (Mishlei 3:23) az teilech lavetach darkecho… im tishkav lo sifchad, then you will walk on your way securely… when you will lie down you will not fear. The words az teilec… Continue

Added by Ben on December 2, 2008 at 7:28am — No Comments

Doreish Tov on Medrash Rabbah Parashas Toldos 5769 (2)

Doreish Tov on Medrash Rabbah Parashas Toldos 5769 63:2 The Medrash The Medrash states that it is said (Mishlei 17:6) ateres zikeinim binei vanim visiferes banim avosam, the crown of elders is grandchildren, and the glory of children is their parents. The fathers are a crown to the children, and the children are a crown to their fathers. The fathers are a crown to the children as it is said visiferes banim avosam, and the children are a crown to the fathers as it is said ateres zikeinim binei… Continue

Added by Ben on November 25, 2008 at 9:08am — No Comments

Doreish Tov on Medrash Rabbah Parashas Toldos 5769 (1)

Doreish Tov on Medrash Rabbah Parashas Toldos 5769 63:1 The Medrash The Medrash states that it is said (Mishlei 23:24) gil yagil avi tzaddik viyoleid chacham yismach bo, the father of a righteous will be mirthful; one who begets a wise child will rejoice in him. The repeated words gil yagil teaches us that when a righteous person is born it is joy that follows joy. It is said (Yeshaya 7:1) vayehi bimei Achaz, it happened in the days of Achaz. Rabbi Hoshia said, the ministering angels said bef… Continue

Added by Ben on November 25, 2008 at 9:07am — No Comments

Doreish Tov on Medrash Rabbah Parashas Chaye Sara 5769 (1)

Doreish Tov on Medrash Rabbah Parashas Chaye Sara 5769 58:1 The Medrash The Medrash states that it is said (Bereishis 23:1) vayihyu chaye Sara meah shanah, Sara’s lifetime was one hundred years... this is what is said (Tehillim 37:18) yodeia Hashem yimei temimim vinachalasam liolam tihyeh, HaShem knows the days of the perfect, their inheritance will be forever. Just like the righteous are perfect, so too their years are perfect. Sara at twenty years old was as beautiful as she was when she wa… Continue

Added by Ben on November 16, 2008 at 8:07am — No Comments