Torah Thought Vayeira Friday, Nov 6 2009 

Uncategorized haravsll 7:24 am

This weeks Parshah is Parshas Vayeira. In the Parshah we continue to chronicle the life of Avroham. In fact, it a direct continuation of last weeks Parshah, seemingly telling two sides of the same story! Yet, the Torah chooses to separate them. Why would these two parshahs not be joined together?

The Torah is not a history book. It is the divine word of G-d and there is a reason for each anomaly. This is not just a second chapter in our forefather’s life but a unique self-contained entity with its own message.

But how do we find this elusive message? For the answer, we need to look no further then the name.
Last weeks Parshah was Lech Lecha: Go for yourself, describing Avroham’s trials, tribulations and travels leading up to his covenant with The Holy One Blessed Be He through circumcision.

Circumcision is more then a Mitzvah, it our most basic method of connection with G-d and includes in it the basic message of our religion. Spirituality is not confined to the heavenly realm but is tangible and even affects mans flesh and blood.

The Rebbe spoke many times against the ideal of shunning the world. Rather we must use every item at our disposal for the purpose of making this world a dwelling place for G-d.

That is why this Parshah’s name is Vayeira – and He appeared to him. This Parshah begins a new era in Avroham’s life, a time where his physical body became a vessel for spirituality through this covenant of circumcision. It was not merely another chapter but another life.

The lesson my friends is clear. As descendents of Avroham, Hashem’s presence is evident in our lives and everything we do. That is why Jewish children are drawn to kissing a mezuzah or the Torah. G-d appears to us the same way he did to our forefather the only difference is we can’t see him.

But as G-ds children, we can not be satisfied with this invisible connection. We must work to make our bodies proper receptacles for His glory and work to strengthen this age old connection. May we soon see the day where we too can see G-d as Avroham did like it says with the coming of Moshiach.

 

Torah Thought-Lech Lecha Saturday, Oct 31 2009 

Uncategorized haravsll 1:10 pm

This week’s Parshah is Lech Lecha. The Parshah begins with the narrative of Hashem telling Avram to leave the land of his fathers and travel to Israel, then called Cannan. Our sages have asked: Why did G-d choose Avram, and why did he have to go to Israel to fulfill his mission?

When The Holy One Blessed Be He gave Avram his instructions he said “Go for yourself”. (Lech Lecha) This terminology is puzzling, for one would think that Avram was far better off in his father’s house, surrounded by family and friends. The reason he had to uproot himself and his family was not for himself, but for the good of his descendants the good of the Jewish people.

Why did G-d choose Avram for this task? Why not Moses or Aaron, Samuel or David? Avram had one advantage over all others: Avram was a lover. His purpose (Avodah) in life was to help others physically and spiritually in any way he could. That was the root of the famous Tent of Avraham. Avram’s tent had four doors open in all directions welcoming everyone into his home. And it was this love that made him immediately accept this difficult mission, for the good of his children.

In this weeks Parshah we find a second anomaly. G-d changes Avrams name to Avraham or father of the nation. Through his travels for others he himself was transformed. This is the meaning of go for yourself through a struggle for others is the best way to grow yourself. But first you must Go. Leave your comfort zone and through this transform to one worthy of gods light.

In the merit of all those who Sacrificed for God through kindness form Avraham till today may we all be reunited in the land of Avraham and his children with Moshiach speedily in our days. Amen

 

Torah Thought-Noach Friday, Oct 23 2009 

Uncategorized haravsll 4:14 pm

This week’s Parshah, Parshas Noach, begins by stating that Noach was the tzadik in his generation. There is a great deal of discussion over what this means whether he was the best of the lot or had he had better influences he would have soared even higher.

Reb Zusha of Anopli once said: ” Do you know what scares me? I am not scared that when I appear before the heavenly court they will ask me why were you not like Avraham and Moshe. For my answer will be I am different then these great men I do not necessarily have those capabilities. But I do fear the question why were you not the best Zusha you could be.”

My friends, the message of Noach is clear. As the U.S Army (G-d bless them and their efforts to serve this fine nation) says: Be All You Can Be. Not every one will be a tzadik but everyone can be a tzadik in his community, in his generation. Be the best you that you can and then and only then are you called Favored by G-d.

In the end of this week’s Parshah we discuss the tower of Bavel. A group rose up in blasphemy before Hashem and his revenge was not to kill them but to separate them. Because when there is no community, all the lives in it are weakened.

May it be His will that we all join together as the best us possible and form a community, as it say “a community of priest and holy ones” and go out to greet Moshiach speedily in our days.

Good Shabbos