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…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
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 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 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…)
Oct 8th, 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.
Lev Tahor, A Pure Heart
So often understudied, the final parsha in the Torah is as its name implies filled with bracha. In his final words, Moshe Rabbeinu offers us the gift of nitzchiyus.
Indeed, included in his closing blessing to his beloved people are the essential words with which we begin and define the paradigm for our chinuch Habanim, Torah tziva lanu Moshe, morasha kehillas Yaakov! All we must do is follow the lessons contained therein. The entire corpus of Torah is ours. We must treat it, study it and live it as a treasure. As such, we conclude the Torah and start it right over again. (more…)
Oct 1st, 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.
Sweet Waters of Torah
In Parshas Haazzinu, Moshe Rabbeinu compares the Torah to rain, dew and other forms of precipitation which sustain the earth. Chazal teach, ein mayim elah Torah. Torah is the water of our life. There are many poignant lessons to be learned from the fact that Torah is compared to water. First and foremost, without water life would cease to exist. Torah too, is the sam hachaim, the elixir of life for us all.
Another insight comes from the Chassidic masters who note that when one waters a garden he is engaged in a tremendous act of bitachon. (more…)
Sep 25th, 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.
An Eye on One’s Heart
With the conclusion of the parsha Moshe finishes his soliloquy, beseeching Klal Yisrael to stay the course of Yiras Hashem and Shmiras Hamitzvos. After 40 years of leadership, the prose of Haazinu and indeed all of Sefer Devarim was to be his epitaph and our eternal inspiration.
The Torah tells us that after Moshe Rabbeinu concluded his message he framed his final instructions by saying (more…)
Sep 18th, 2009
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov on Monsey NY. Part of a (hopefully) weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
I Think I Can
With the Yamim Noraim upon us, our thoughts and deeds turn to preparations for the yemei hadin. This is the season of “Dirshu Hashem bihimatzo.” We seek to reconnect to the Ribbono Shel Olam, Who lovingly awaits us kaviyachol with open arms.
Indeed, He gifted us the mitzvah of teshuva so that we could return to Him with love. It is a priceless gift. However, looking back over a year past the task seems daunting.
Can we really recall our every action? Can we justify our every endeavor from Rosh Hashannah past till present? How do we rectify our mistakes? Where do we begin? Last week’s Torah portion, Parshas Nitzavim offers a clue. (more…)
Sep 11th, 2009
by rabbifink.
A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov on Monsey NY. Part of a (hopefully) weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Arvus
As a part of Moshe’s last words of chizuk and reproach to Am Yisrael, we are told that there will be a time when we will r”l stray so far from the Ribbono Shel Olam that Hakadosh Boruch Hu will be doubly hidden from us. Bereft of feeling His presence we suffer terrible tragedy. What are we to do? (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.
