Jun 11th, 2010
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas Korach
Personal Responsibility
Parshas Korach is famous for its tale of strife, conflict and ambition as the leadership of Klal Yisrael is called into question by Korach and his minions. Corrupted by jealousy they fatally err in questioning the authority of Moshe and Aharon. They are forever known as baalei machlokes – dangerous fomenters of dissent whose ego and pride literally removed them from this world and the next! Ultimately they find themselves swallowed alive to declare forever Moshe emes v’Toraso emes.
Though the machlokes and downfall of Korach is the primary feature of the parsha there are many other iyunim to be studied. One interesting issue to explore is found in the details of pidyon haben reviewed again (more…)
Jun 4th, 2010
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas Shelach
Dvar Hashem Baza
Parshas Shlach Lecha is filled with lessons for eternity. Nestled in between the chet hameraglim and parshas tzizis is a fascinating phrase with significant halachic impact. The Torah tells us that an individual who transgresses the aveirah of avodah zarah intentionally is chayav kares. The reason given is ki dvar Hashem baza, the idolator has disgraced the word of Hashem.
The Gemara in Meseches Sanhedrin (99a) darshens many halachos from this phrase. One drasha is so extraordinary it seems not to go with the rest, (more…)
May 28th, 2010
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parsha Beha’aloscha
Nisunim Nisunim
For three weeks we have been learning of the uniqueness, responsibility and leadership expected from the tribe of Yaakov and Leah’s third son, shevet Levi. The Rambam explains their role in his famous words which conclude hilchos shmitta v’yoveil and teaches us that shevet Levi is huvdal la’avod es Hashem l’sharso . . . as cheil Hashem. Moreover, the Rambam continues not only is shevet Levi so designated but any Yid, who wishes to devote his life to the total service of the Ribbono Shel Olam, is considered an honorary member of shevet Levi as well.
While parshiyos Bamidbar and Naso introduced us to the Levites role and their special tasks of the nosei haMishkan, Bahaaloscha defines their ascent to distinction. (more…)
May 7th, 2010
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parsha Behar Bechukosai
V’tzivisi Birchasi
Giborei koach oseh Dvaro. The laws of Shmitta are well known as the barometer of personal and communal yiras Shamayim. Indeed., Chazal tell us that golus Bavel was a direct result of our being negligent in adhering to the Shmittah codes. In exploring the fascinating psukim and narrative of the parsha there are many fabulous lessons to be learned, one insight from the Alshich serves as a valuable reminder as we prepare ourselves for Shavuos. (more…)
Apr 29th, 2010
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas Emor
U’shmartem V’asissem
In parshas Emor (22:32), we are warned, v’lo sichalalu es shem kadshi, not to create a chilul Hashem. Furthermore, the passuk challenges us, v’nikdashi bisoch yisrael, to create a kiddush Hashem in all our endeavors. A simple passuk, but seemingly a tall order, to live lives al kiddush Hashem. While we are aware of the spiritual adrenaline that gave strength to those who gave up their lives al kiddsuh Hashem, we know that it is equally as important, and much more difficult, to live our lives b’kedushas Hashem each and every day. Fortunately, the limud of smichos haparshiyos, or in this case smichos hapassukim, shows us how. (more…)
Apr 23rd, 2010
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas Achrei Mos – Kedoshim
V’lo Sissa Alav Cheit
Parshios Achrei Mos and Kedoshim are chock full of mitzvos bein adam l’chaveiro and bein adam l’Makom. So many opportunities for making Hakadosh Baruch Hu proud leap off the pages of these parshiyos providing us the opportunity to earn Olmei Olamim. One of the most formidable opportunities to earn our eternal reweard is the mitzvah of tochacha. This command is often misunderstood, yet at the same time it is a vital responsibility of each and every member of Klal Yisrael. Let us explore it further. (more…)
Apr 15th, 2010
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas Tazriah-Metzorah
Toras HaAdam
The study of smichas haparshiyos always reveals fascinating insights into the inner meanings of Torah. Text and context are so vital in shaping the values and mores that are to shape our outlook as well. One significant message is presented by Chazal as we traverse the yesodos of parshas Shimini, read last week, and begin the study of parshas Metzorah this Shabbos. It is a bridge which reminds us of the proper context of our avodas Hashem still today. (more…)
Mar 25th, 2010
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas Tzav
Ears, Thumbs and Toes
The Parsha details the process of the consecration and training of Aharon Hakohein and his sons to serve in their capacity as Kohanim in the newly erected Mishkan. Moshe Rabbeinu guides them through all necessary procedures. They don the priestly vestments and are anointed with the shemen hamishcha. Finally, a variety of Korbanos are brought, and a sacrificial rite completes their transformation. Upon closer examination it is interesting to note that sacrificial blood from the eil hamiluim was specifically placed on the ear, thumb and big toe of Aharon and his sons. Why? What appears at first glance to be a bizarre ritual, actually offers a lesson in leadership of the highest degree. (more…)
Mar 19th, 2010
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas Vayikra
Pretense, Arrogance and Salt
The avodas hakorbanos is a defining aspect of our avodas Hashem. Sefer Vayikrah begins by outline the specific details of sacrifice. We are taught, adam ki yakriv the offerings we bring our us. It is as if we our selves are being put on the alter and being offered in the fiery pyre to the Ribbono Shel Olam. Only as give ourselves to Him can we strengthen our connection to Hakadosh Baruch Hu, the source of all goodness.
One interesting halacha in the avodas hakorbanos is worth closer scrutiny. We are told that both se’ohr (chametz) and d’vash are prohibited from being offered on the mizbeiach. (more…)
Mar 11th, 2010
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas Vayakheil Pikudei
Mirror Worlds
As we conclude sefer Shmos we are provided with a full accounting of the donations to the Mishkan. Moshe Rabbeinu answers the call of his critics who wondered whether or not he was truly an honest leader. A full accounting is provided. It is interesting to note that Moshe Rabbeinu’s din v’cheshbon vis-a-vis the funds contributed to the Mishkan provide the backdrop of the actual hakomas hamishkan for the very first time. We are being taught that in order for the Mishkan to be a repository for the Shechina, we must be willing to accept accountability. Chazal, however, draw another wonderful yesod from this context. (more…)
Mar 5th, 2010
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas Ki Seesa
A Kesher Shel Kayama
We find in Parshas Ki Seesa the catastrophic sin of the eigel hazahav, which tragically placed Klal Yisrael at the precipice of destruction. Moshe Rabbeinu beseeches Hakadosh Baruch Hu on our behalf. He successfully assuages Hashem Yisborach’s anger and by doing so insured our survival to this very day. Realizing that He was privileged to experiencing an obvious eis ratzon, Moshe is emboldened to ask for a keener understanding of Hashem Yisborach. (more…)
Feb 25th, 2010
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas Titzaveh – Parshas Zachor
Pitom Hakitores
The Mizbeach Hazahav is mentioned in this week’s parsha as the final utensil Hashem Yisborach instructed Klal Yisrael to fashion for the Mishkan. Upon it, B’nai Yisrael offered the Ketores, the fragrant incense offering. Seemingly, the Mizbeach should have been sequenced along with the other keilim in Parshas Trumah. With its, zer zahav, golden crown, corresponding to the kesser kehuna, it naturally belongs together with the Aron and the Shulchan. Chazal wonder why this tzivui is saved for last. What lesson are we being taught? (more…)
Feb 18th, 2010
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas Teruamah
Keeping it Fresh
Parshas Terumah is filled with the beauty and grandeur of the mishkan v’keilav. The home for the Shechina was to be built of the finest materials in a precise manner outlined by the prasha. The detail of its construction is not simply a description of early Israelite architecture. (more…)
Feb 5th, 2010
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas Yisro
Achdus, Emunah and Simcha
The raison-d’être of maaseh braisheis and the essential tachlis of Klal Yisrael is defined in parshas Yisro with the experience of Matan Torah. No other event in world history more profoundly impacted the world for eternity. (more…)
Jan 28th, 2010
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas B’shalach
Lasting Inspirations
The inspiration of Krias Yam Suf was short lived. Almost immediately following the parting of the sea, Bnai Yisrael challenges Moshe (and Hashem Yisborach) with a litany of complaints. First there is no water, then no bread, next ,no meat and then again no water. One complaint after another. (more…)
Jan 21st, 2010
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas Bo
Borrowed Success and a Shared future
The process of Geulas Mitzrayim is filled with the Hashgacha of the yad Hashem each step of the way. It reaches its climax with makas bechoros, as Pharaoh finally demands that Klal Yisrael leave what was left of his tattered empire. The Torah delineates the events leading up to and immediately following Yitzias Mitzrayim to teach us that the Geula was a step-by-step process. Along the way, a fascinating dichotomy is revealed. As the Mitzrim were being readied to expel Bnei Yisrael from their midst – through the impact of the makkos, Klal Yisrael was being prepared for Geula through various takanos and tzivuyim which culminated with the Korban Pesach and continued to progress until ma’amad Har Sinai.
One interesting requirement was the tzivui to “borrow” gold and silver from the Mitzrim. (more…)
Jan 14th, 2010
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas Va’era
V’heiveisi
The national celebration of Klal Yisrael’s first taste of freedom and our unlimited spiritual potential is commemorated each year at the Seder table. Punctuating the ritual are four cups of wine corresponding to the arba lishonos shel geula elucidated in the parsha; v’hotzeisi, v’hitzati, v’goalti, v’lakachti. As we lift each kos we feel ourselves transformed from avadim to bnai chorin. We are reminded that we were once four very large steps away from redemption and Hashem Yisborach redeemed mitachas sivlos Mitzrayim, our tolerance for horrific state of affairs Yidden experienced amongst the decadence of Egyptian society. (more…)
Jan 10th, 2010
by rabbifink.
A Guest Post By The Thief
Introduction here. Part I here.
Now you know what my life as a thief was like, why I stole and how great it felt. Part II is about my transition from thief to non-thief. My learning of Judaism which caused me to no longer be a thief did not follow a progressive time line. One event did not lead to the next. I do not know in which order I learned which concepts, but it was a conceptual relationship between the ideas, not a temporal one which caused a shift in my outlook and life choices. In addition, at no point in my life (prior to my change) did I ever regret being a thief or have any intention of learning how to fix that part of my personality.
So this section will instead list the various Jewish stories and laws which gave me a new perspective on things. (more…)
Jan 9th, 2010
by rabbifink.
A Guest Post By The Thief
Introduction here.
I used to be a thief. Let me tell you my story.
As a child I always played by my own rules. My mother would often say that I danced to the beat of a different band. A different drum was not enough to describe my differences, no, I needed a full band.
My career as a thief started when I was about 5 years old. At-least, that was the first time I remember recognizing that I was a thief. Perhaps I started earlier, but it just did not have the same impression on myself. (more…)
Jan 7th, 2010
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Looking Forward and Dreaming On
With parshas Shemos we begin to discover the many yesodos which define our destiny for eternity. Every posuk contains nuanced filled messages for us to model and learn from. One halacha derived from this week’s parsha is especially insightful on inspiring the vision each Yid is supposed to seek to build a successful future. (more…)
Dec 31st, 2009
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Kol Brama Nishma – Rachel’s Voice
As Yaakov Avinu prepares for his final farewell he tells Yosef Hatzaddik of the circumstances surrounding the death of his mother, Rachel Imeinu . He expresses regret for her not being buried in Ma’aras Hamachpeila like the rest of the imahos. He explains that he had to bury her on the way to Bais Lechem not simply due to an immediate need for rapid interment. But more importantly, as the Navi tells us, kol brama nishma. . . Rachel mivakah al baneha, to secure her voice and passionate cries for Klal Yisrael in times of crisis in the future. (more…)
Dec 25th, 2009
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
The Fall into Exile
The drama of the parsha seems to reach its climax with Yosef’s revelation to his brothers. In reality, however, a message and pattern of events much more profound than the discovery of Yosef’s identity is being conveyed to us for eternity. Indeed, the inner lesson of parshas Vayigash is really Bnai Yisrael’s descent into golus. To emerge into a state of geula we must heed its lesson and learn how to undo the damage and prepare ourselves for redemption. Let us explore further. (more…)
Dec 11th, 2009
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Commitment and Pride
The pursuit of success is a human attribute which enables individuals to shteig in ruchniyus and to achieve accomplishments in their inyanei d’alma as well. There is so much to strive for in every aspect of our lives. Yet, we often wonder, “how do we know if we are matzliach?” What is the formula for achieving true hatzlacha – success? Parshas Vayeishev offers a clue as it sheds light on the essence of our Chanukah experience. (more…)
Dec 4th, 2009
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
A Support Staff
As Yaakov prepares to greet Eisav after his many decades away from home he sends him gifts and a message stating, “Im Lavan Garti—I lived with Lavan.”
Chazal derive from this unusual expression the famous dictum of Yaakov Avinu – Im Lavan Garti V’Taryag Mitzvos Shamarti – I lived with Lavan but I kept all of the 613 Mitzvos (“Garti” and Taryag have the same letters) . This declaration of Yaakov is extraordinary. After years away from home, surrounded by the deceit of Lavan’s home and the decadence of society at large, Yaakov remained the Ish tam yosheiv ohalim he was when he left Eretz Yisrael some 35 years earlier.
How did he do it? (more…)
Nov 27th, 2009
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov on Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Yetzias Tzaddik Oseh Roshum
Vayeitzei Yaakov. We are familiar with the famous Rashi, which explains that the word vayeitze teaches us a very special lesson. Really, the parsha could have started with vayeilech Charana. However, by commencing with the word vayeitzei, we learn that yetzias tzaddik oseh roshum. When a tzaddik leaves town it makes an impression – while the tzaddik is in town, he is its pride and splendor. When he leaves the city, its pride and splendor are diminished.
On a practical level it is important to remember that one can never overestimate the impact of the tzaddik on his community. (more…)
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
