Aliya Summary: The next three generations are chronicled in this Aliya -- concluding with Noach, the tenth generation from Adam. At this point in time, the wickedness and immorality of the people on earth reached such proportions that G‑d regretted creating man. G‑d gave the world 120 years to clean up their act or be destroyed. Noach, on the other hand, was an exception. He was righteous and found favor in G‑d's eyes.
The Midrash Rabah records the following important story/lesson: A gentile asked Rabbi Joshua ben Korchah, “Do you not admit that the Holy One, blessed be He, foresees the future?” Rabbi Joshua replied to him, “Yes.” He retorted, “But it is written: and He became grieved in His heart!” Rabbi Joshua replied, “Was a son ever born to you?” “Yes,” the gentile replied. “And what did you do?” Rabbi Joshua asked. He replied, “I rejoiced and made everyone rejoice.” “But did you not know that he was destined to die?” he asked. The gentile replied, “At the time of joy, joy; at the time of mourning, mourning.” Rabbi Joshua said to him, “So is it with the work of the Holy One, blessed be He; even though it was revealed before Him that they would ultimately sin, and He would destroy them, He did not refrain from creating them, for the sake of the righteous men who were destined to arise from them.”
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Daily Aliya for Bereishit, Shishi (6th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: Lemech accidentally killed his great-great-great-great-grandfather Cain in a hunting accident; the blood of Abel was finally avenged. Adam and Eve gave birth to a third son, Shet. This Aliya then chronicles the first seven generations of mankind, from Adam to the righteous Enoch.
Lemech's wives knew of the impending flood, and that almost everyone would be killed, and therefore stopped having kids. Lemech complained about them to Adam, and Adam argued that "You perform your commandments, and He will do His", meaning that we do what we're supposed to do, and let G-d deal with the consequences. The wives countered that Adam should take his own advice, to which he stood corrected, and proceeded to have Shet, of whom Noach was a descendant, who did survive the flood, and who led the new world!
Lemech's wives knew of the impending flood, and that almost everyone would be killed, and therefore stopped having kids. Lemech complained about them to Adam, and Adam argued that "You perform your commandments, and He will do His", meaning that we do what we're supposed to do, and let G-d deal with the consequences. The wives countered that Adam should take his own advice, to which he stood corrected, and proceeded to have Shet, of whom Noach was a descendant, who did survive the flood, and who led the new world!
Daily Aliya for Bereishit, Chamishi (5th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: The sixth generation descendant of Cain was Lemech, who fathered several children -- seventh generation descendants of Cain.
This Aliya contains the story of Lemech, the great-great-great-grandson of Kayin and his accidental killer, Lemech's two wives Ada and Tzila. The Torah mentions more descendants of Kayin and their roles as the "firsts" in various fields of human activity. This portion also contains Lemech's lament for having killed Kayin.
This Aliya contains the story of Lemech, the great-great-great-grandson of Kayin and his accidental killer, Lemech's two wives Ada and Tzila. The Torah mentions more descendants of Kayin and their roles as the "firsts" in various fields of human activity. This portion also contains Lemech's lament for having killed Kayin.
Daily Aliya for Bereishit, Revii (4th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: Adam and Eve were then expelled from the idyllic Garden of Eden. Eve gave birth to two sons, Cain and Abel. When Abel's offering to G‑d was accepted, while Cain's was rejected, Cain murdered his brother in a jealous rage. G‑d punished Cain, designating him to be a lifelong wanderer, but postponing his ultimate punishment for seven generations.
It may be no coincidence that as soon as Adam lost his innocence by eating from the Tree of Knowledge, he had children, who are born with that same initial innocence. As children are raised, their parents try to shelter their innocence by protecting them from the harsh realities of life and the world around them. In a way, we all try to get back to the bliss of the Garden. In a world filled with information on demand, we often forget that in reality we should always have a filter in place - not everything is meant for us to see and understand. We must know our place, our role, our limitations.
It may be no coincidence that as soon as Adam lost his innocence by eating from the Tree of Knowledge, he had children, who are born with that same initial innocence. As children are raised, their parents try to shelter their innocence by protecting them from the harsh realities of life and the world around them. In a way, we all try to get back to the bliss of the Garden. In a world filled with information on demand, we often forget that in reality we should always have a filter in place - not everything is meant for us to see and understand. We must know our place, our role, our limitations.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Daily Aliya for Bereishit, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)
Aliya Summary: G‑d caused Adam to fall into a deep slumber and formed a woman, Eve, from one of his sides. Adam was delighted with his new mate. The serpent, at the time the wisest of all animals, sweet-talked Eve into eating from the fruit of the forbidden Tree of Knowledge. Eve shared the fruit with Adam, and imbued with a new sense of knowledge and awareness, they were ashamed of their nakedness and clothed themselves. The fallout was quick to come: G‑d cursed the serpent, Eve, and Adam too, with various maledictions.
Why did G-d have to make Adam fall asleep to give him Eve? The Gemara explains that had Adam seen where Eve came from, she would have been repulsive to him. The question is what would have been so repulsive. Is it because he is no longer whole, and requires a partner to be complete? Is it because he understood that the process of courtship would be difficult for some, impossible for others? Was it because the process would create so much heartbreak in the world? All because he wanted an external partner? Interesting points to ponder.
Why did G-d have to make Adam fall asleep to give him Eve? The Gemara explains that had Adam seen where Eve came from, she would have been repulsive to him. The question is what would have been so repulsive. Is it because he is no longer whole, and requires a partner to be complete? Is it because he understood that the process of courtship would be difficult for some, impossible for others? Was it because the process would create so much heartbreak in the world? All because he wanted an external partner? Interesting points to ponder.
Daily Aliya for Bereishit, Sheni (2nd Aliya)
Aliya Summary: This section discusses the events of the sixth day of creation in greater detail. After Adam was formed from the earth, G‑d placed him in a garden just east of Eden. G‑d permitted Adam to eat from any tree in the garden, with the exception of the Tree of Knowledge. Adam named all the animals and birds, and G‑d decided that Adam needed a mate.
In the first account of Creation, Man was the final act of Creation, but not so much the purpose and focus of creation. In this second account, Man seems to be the focus of creation. We have to see things both ways. The accounts of Creation are very cryptic. Why have them at all? Perhaps it is to challenge each of us to understand some tiny point in this whole grand portion of the Torah that can make our existence more meaningful.
In the first account of Creation, Man was the final act of Creation, but not so much the purpose and focus of creation. In this second account, Man seems to be the focus of creation. We have to see things both ways. The accounts of Creation are very cryptic. Why have them at all? Perhaps it is to challenge each of us to understand some tiny point in this whole grand portion of the Torah that can make our existence more meaningful.
Daily Aliya for Bereishit, Rishon (1st Aliya)
General Overview: In the Torah's opening reading, Bereishit, G‑d creates the world in six days and rests on the seventh. Adam and Eve eat from the Tree of Knowledge and are expelled from the Garden of Eden. Cain slays Abel and is punished accordingly. Enumeration of the ten generations between Adam and Noach, the birth of Noach, and the degeneration of mankind.
Aliya Summary: This Aliya recounts the story of creation in six days. On the first day G‑d made darkness and light. On the second day He formed the heavens, dividing the "upper waters" from the "lower waters." On the third day He set the boundaries of land and sea and called forth trees and greenery from the earth. On the fourth day He fixed the position of the sun, moon and stars. Fish, birds and reptiles were created on the fifth day; land-animals, and then the human being, Adam, on the sixth. G‑d ceased work on the seventh day, and sanctified it as a day of rest.
Aliya Summary: This Aliya recounts the story of creation in six days. On the first day G‑d made darkness and light. On the second day He formed the heavens, dividing the "upper waters" from the "lower waters." On the third day He set the boundaries of land and sea and called forth trees and greenery from the earth. On the fourth day He fixed the position of the sun, moon and stars. Fish, birds and reptiles were created on the fifth day; land-animals, and then the human being, Adam, on the sixth. G‑d ceased work on the seventh day, and sanctified it as a day of rest.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Daily Aliya for Haazinu, Shvii (7th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: Moshe and Joshua teach this song to the Israelites. Moshe implores the people: "Pay close attention to this: it isn't an empty teaching; it is our life, and with it we will long endure on our land." G‑d then tells Moshe to climb up Mount Nevo, from where he will view the land of Israel from afar before he passes away.
Only if we make the Torah our life will we be worthy of occupying the land which G-d gave us. It's not a right, it's a privilege we need to constantly earn.
Only if we make the Torah our life will we be worthy of occupying the land which G-d gave us. It's not a right, it's a privilege we need to constantly earn.
Daily Aliya for Haazinu, Shishi (6th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: Then G‑d will turn His wrath against Israel's oppressors. "I will make My arrows drunk with their blood, My sword will consume their flesh." At that time, when G‑d will avenge the blood of His servants, the nations of the world will sing the praises of Israel. With this, the song of Ha'azinu concludes.
The Parsha until this point is written (in a Torah scroll) in an unusual manner. This is a Tradition passed down through the generations from scribe to scribe. The only other portion of the Torah to be written differently from the rest of the Torah (and different from Haazinu as well) is the Song of the Sea in B'shalach.
The Parsha until this point is written (in a Torah scroll) in an unusual manner. This is a Tradition passed down through the generations from scribe to scribe. The only other portion of the Torah to be written differently from the rest of the Torah (and different from Haazinu as well) is the Song of the Sea in B'shalach.
Daily Aliya for Haazinu, Chamishi (5th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: If the nations were wise they would have understood that no nation could experience such utter devastation unless G‑d had completely abandoned them and delivered them to their enemies. Otherwise, "How can one enemy pursue a thousand of Israel and two put ten thousand to flight?" Rather, the Israelites' misery came as a result of their actions, which resembled those of Sodom and Gomorrah, actions which G‑d chronicled from the start. However, the time will then come when G‑d will have a change of heart regarding His people. At that point He will ask them to note that all the gods which they had patronized were unable to help them when He unleashed His punishments against them, for only G‑d has the ability to injure or heal, cause death or bring life.
Our challenge is to contemplate the above and understand the many lessons contained in G-d's (and Moshe's) words. The bottom line is that although Israel strays from the proper path, G-d will not abandon us, and He will rally to our side in the face of our enemies, if we would only realize this and appreciate the awesome power of G-d.
Our challenge is to contemplate the above and understand the many lessons contained in G-d's (and Moshe's) words. The bottom line is that although Israel strays from the proper path, G-d will not abandon us, and He will rally to our side in the face of our enemies, if we would only realize this and appreciate the awesome power of G-d.
Daily Aliya for Haazinu, Revii (4th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: G‑d became incensed by His children's behavior. He decided to hide His face from them, and to send upon them invading armies, wild beasts, plagues, demons, and famine. If not for the obtuse nations who would have foolishly taken credit for Israel's demise, G‑d would've utterly destroyed the Jewish nation.
The Gemara, in a play on words, tells us that the concept of Hester Panim (hiding G-d's face) is personified in Esther (Hester/Esther), who lived in exile and at a time that G-d chose not to reveal himself in open ways and generally operates through nature.
The Gemara, in a play on words, tells us that the concept of Hester Panim (hiding G-d's face) is personified in Esther (Hester/Esther), who lived in exile and at a time that G-d chose not to reveal himself in open ways and generally operates through nature.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Daily Aliya for Haazinu, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)
Aliya Summary: Moshe then speaks of the Israelites' future. G‑d settled them in the Land of Israel, the "peak of the earth." He provided them with their every need, the choicest produce, fruit and cattle. But Israel "became fat and rebelled," and abandoned the G‑d that made them and provided them with all their wealth and fortune. Instead they strayed after idols and abominable activities.
Even from this poetic - essentially non-halachic context, we learn things of a halachic nature. Because the Torah uses the expression: To suckle honey from a rock, we are taught that honey has the status in halacha of a liquid. Because of its unique physical proper ties, honey might have been considered as a solid food rather than a drink.
Even from this poetic - essentially non-halachic context, we learn things of a halachic nature. Because the Torah uses the expression: To suckle honey from a rock, we are taught that honey has the status in halacha of a liquid. Because of its unique physical proper ties, honey might have been considered as a solid food rather than a drink.
Daily Aliya for Haazinu, Sheni (2nd Aliya)
Aliya Summary: Moshe beseeches the Israelites to contemplate their history, starting with the generation of the Tower of Babylon. When that generation sinned, G‑d could have destroyed humanity, but instead chose to spare them, only because of Israel -- G‑d's portion -- which was destined to arise from those people. In the desert, in a "desolate, howling wasteland," G‑d enveloped and protected the Israelites with clouds, caring for His nation as an eagle tenderly cares for his offspring, treating them like the pupil of His eye. "G‑d alone guided them, and no other god was able to disturb them."
Rashi mentions several ways that eagles be have towards their offspring for their benefit. Apparently, eagles are extremely protective, and they do many things meant to prepare their fledglings for their adult lives, as well. The Torah's analogy is thus very appropriate.
Rashi mentions several ways that eagles be have towards their offspring for their benefit. Apparently, eagles are extremely protective, and they do many things meant to prepare their fledglings for their adult lives, as well. The Torah's analogy is thus very appropriate.
Daily Aliya for Haazinu, Rishon (1st Aliya)
General Overview: The bulk of this week's Torah reading, Ha'azinu, consists of a poetic song delivered by Moses and Joshua. The song is a prophecy of what will transpire to the Jews – the good and the bad – until the end of times. The portion concludes with G‑d commanding Moshe to climb Mount Nevo, from where he would see the Promised Land before his passing.
Aliya Summary: The heavens and earth, permanent fixtures of this world, are called upon to be witnesses to the words which Moshe will now say. The Torah, Moshe declares, is life to this world, much as rain and dew are to vegetation. G‑d is righteous and just, and all corruption stems from His children, who are thankless and lack the wisdom to recognize the source of all their blessing.
Aliya Summary: The heavens and earth, permanent fixtures of this world, are called upon to be witnesses to the words which Moshe will now say. The Torah, Moshe declares, is life to this world, much as rain and dew are to vegetation. G‑d is righteous and just, and all corruption stems from His children, who are thankless and lack the wisdom to recognize the source of all their blessing.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Daily Aliya for Nitzavim-Vayelech, Shvii (7th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: Because, G-d explains, I am bringing the people to a Land flowing with milk & honey, the People will eat in contentment and turn from G-d. The Torah, however, will not be completely forgotten from the lips (and hearts) of future generations. Moshe wrote the Torah on that day (Rambam says that he wrote 13 Torahs - one for each tribe and one in the care of the Kohanim/Leviim) and taught it to the People. G-d "commanded" Yehoshua to be strong and courageous in his new role as leader. Moshe completed the writing of the Torah. (Some say that Moshe even wrote the final 8 p'sukim of the Torah, which discuss his death.) Moshe commands the Leviim to take the Torah and place it at the side of the Aron.
Daily Aliya for Nitzavim-Vayelech, Shishi (6th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: G‑d commanded Moshe to enter the Tabernacle together with Joshua. G‑d appeared to them both and informed them that a time will come when the Israelites will abandon G‑d and stray after alien gods. At that time, G‑d will hide His countenance from the nation, and they will be subjected to much evils and troubles. Therefore, G‑d says, "Write for yourselves this song, and teach it to the Children of Israel. Place it into their mouths, in order that this song will be for Me as a witness..." This 'song' is narrated in next week's Torah reading.
We are commanded to write "The Song" (namely the whole Torah), to teach it to the people, so that it should serve as a testament among the People of Israel. This is mitzva #613, to write a Sefer Torah. Our Sages include in this mitzva the significance of acquiring books from which to learn Torah. Since the Torah itself specifies that the "purpose" of writing a Torah scroll is to learn and teach from it, then writing, buying, acquiring all learning texts would be in the spirit of this mitzva.
We are commanded to write "The Song" (namely the whole Torah), to teach it to the people, so that it should serve as a testament among the People of Israel. This is mitzva #613, to write a Sefer Torah. Our Sages include in this mitzva the significance of acquiring books from which to learn Torah. Since the Torah itself specifies that the "purpose" of writing a Torah scroll is to learn and teach from it, then writing, buying, acquiring all learning texts would be in the spirit of this mitzva.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Daily Aliya for Nitzavim-Vayelech, Chamishi (5th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: Moshe summoned Joshua and told him to be strong and courageous, for G‑d will be going before him and will not forsake him. Moshe then wrote the entire Torah and gave it to the Kohnaim (priests) and the Israelite elders. Moshe gives the commandment of Hakhel (assembly), whereby every seven years, during the holiday of Sukkot which follows the Sabbatical year, all men, women, and children assemble and the king publicly reads sections of the Torah.
As the new leader of the Jews, Joshua gets the perfect advice from Moshe, a line that many use today: "Be strong and courageous" (Chazak V'ematz). Be steadfast and strong with your morals, ideals and behavior, and be courageous in your faith in G-d and the future. Present and future both addressed, and a forward-looking encouragement, where the fact that it's forward looking is just as important as the encouragement itself, both to Joshua and to us today and every day.
As the new leader of the Jews, Joshua gets the perfect advice from Moshe, a line that many use today: "Be strong and courageous" (Chazak V'ematz). Be steadfast and strong with your morals, ideals and behavior, and be courageous in your faith in G-d and the future. Present and future both addressed, and a forward-looking encouragement, where the fact that it's forward looking is just as important as the encouragement itself, both to Joshua and to us today and every day.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Daily Aliya for Nitzavim-Vayelech, Revii (4th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: Moshe told the Jewish people that they have been given free choice to choose between good and evil, life and death. Their choice will determine whether they are the beneficiaries of G‑d's blessings or curses. Moshe implored the Israelites to choose life. Moshe informed the people that he is 120 years of age on that day, and he is not permitted to cross the Jordan River together with them. Instead, Joshua will lead them, and G‑d will go before them and destroy their enemies. Moshe enjoined the Israelites to be strong and not fear their enemies.
From ou.org: The concept of Free Will is beautifully expressed in the concluding Aliya of Nitzavim. It marks the difference between human beings and all other creations. The sun and the moon "fulfill" G-d's commands without conscious decisions. A bee doesn't think things out and decide to pollinate a flower. Nor does a lion attacking a weak zebra evaluate the morality of his act. Only humans have the choice to do good or evil. G-d recommends and pleads with us to choose Life and Good, but He leaves the choice to us. That is why we are accountable for our actions; and that is why we stand before G-d in judgment on Rosh Hashana, while animals do not.
From ou.org: The concept of Free Will is beautifully expressed in the concluding Aliya of Nitzavim. It marks the difference between human beings and all other creations. The sun and the moon "fulfill" G-d's commands without conscious decisions. A bee doesn't think things out and decide to pollinate a flower. Nor does a lion attacking a weak zebra evaluate the morality of his act. Only humans have the choice to do good or evil. G-d recommends and pleads with us to choose Life and Good, but He leaves the choice to us. That is why we are accountable for our actions; and that is why we stand before G-d in judgment on Rosh Hashana, while animals do not.
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