Bo 5786

A seemingly essential part of Yetzias Mitzrayim was the need for Bnei Yisroel to leave with massive amounts of wealth from the Egyptians. Shortly before the final plague of Makkas Bechoros, Hashem tells Moshe to instruct Bnei Yisroel to ask their Egyptian neighbors for their wealth. They do so that very night to the point where they "empty out" Egypt. 

However, the Gemara in Brachos (32a) seems to lament the fact that this occurred as said wealth led to Bnei Yisroel sinning with the golden calf. Moshe brings a claim before Hashem, stating that the very gold He provided them is what led to them making this idol. A few lines later, Hashem shockingly agrees with Moshe on this point! On the other hand (and if you hold that there's no chronological order in the Torah), Rashi in Shir Hashirim (1:13) notes that Hashem gave Bnei Yisroel an opportunity to do Teshuva and to use this gold for the Mishkan's purposes. It appears that this wealth was a double-edged sword.

Why was this wealth needed? What purpose did this task serve Bnei Yisroel? From a technical standpoint, the Torah Temima quotes a Gemara (Brachos 9a) that explains Hashem's request was to fulfill the prophecy of Bris Bein Habesarim in totality. "Let not the righteous one claim that I fulfilled only the slavery aspect but not the wealth aspect." The Torah Temima expands on this and identifies the "righteous one" as Avraham (as the Bris Bein Habesarim was directed at him). He then asks, why couldn't Bnei Yisroel just do this on their own? Were they incapable of being proactive and doing this on their own?

The Torah Temima states that in fact they were incapable. He gives a parable of a captive of many years who is promised that he will be free the next day along with being given riches. The captive responds that he would rather be freed today with nothing in hand. Bnei Yisroel were burned out at this point; they had been slaves for over 200 years. They had no desire for physical possessions or wealth; all they wanted was to be free. Hashem had to instill in them a fresh spirit in order to build up the ability to ask the Egyptians for wealth.

R' Kalman Ber, the current Chief Rabbi of Israel and former Ram in Kerem B'Yavneh, adds to the Torah Temima's explanation and states that Bnei Yisroel had a slave mentality. They lived and thought like slaves. By instructing them to address their masters and ask for their possessions was a starting point to shatter this mentality. Hashem was telling them, "you are no longer slaves to them, it's time to change the way you think and view yourselves." As James Hetfield puts it, "the slave becomes the master."

Leaving with wealth from Egypt then did suit some sort of purpose for Bnei Yisroel. So how can we reconcile the Gemaras from before that disapprove of it?

I believe what Hashem was teaching Bnei Yisroel and us is the idea of potential. In Kabbalistic thought there are three impure shells, or Kelipos, that are the source of evil and forbidden things in this world. A fourth shell, known as the Kelipas Nogah, contains some good in it and is more neutral than the former three. A Jew's purpose is to elevate this Kelipas Nogah, to "garb" his soul with holiness, and to redeem the lost sparks of holiness spread throughout Creation. However, if a Jew opts to sin, this Kelipah then clings to the three impure shells and further strengthens the forces of evil in this world. This ties into Judaism's philosophy of taking mundane acts and items and instilling Kedusha into them.

Bnei Yisroel had the potential to elevate these newly acquired possessions and directly dedicate them to their service of Hashem. This is what Hashem and Moshe were lamenting over in Brachos 32a. They were upset how Bnei Yisroel had erred at first by making an idol instead of donating such spoils to the Mishkan. However, as mentioned before, their giving to the Mishkan then became a means to achieve atonement for such a sin.

While we do have the free will to choose between doing Mitzvos or not, Hashem encourages us to choose life (Devarim 30:19). He has shown us the potential we each have to further perfect the world and to bring G-dliness into it. Even giving a small amount of tzedakah brings light into the world and provides an abode for the Divine to dwell in. May we continue to recognize the potential we have in ourselves and always do the right thing.

Shemos 5786

After HKB”H speaks with Moshe and tells him that he’ll lead BY out of Mitzrayim, He adds that Aharon will be waiting for him to act his Moshe’s spokesperson. HKB”H notes that Aharon would be happy to see Moshe; Rashi points out that because of Aharon’s happiness at Moshe’s new position and title, Aharon merited to become the Kohen Gadol.

There is a fascinating Midrash in Rus (5:6) that speaks of three individuals who seemingly did not perform mitzvos wholeheartedly; had they known that HKB”H would record their actions, the Midrash claims that they would’ve gone the extra mile. These individuals are Reuven, Aharon, and Boaz. Reuven had made efforts to save Yosef from his brothers and convinced them to throw him into a pit instead of killing him. Had Reuven known that HKB”H recorded how he saved Yosef, he would’ve put Yosef on his shoulders all the way back to Yaakov. As noted, Aharon went out to greet Moshe on the way to Mitzrayim with a happy heart. Had Aharon known that HKB”H recorded his feelings, he would’ve greeted Moshe with an ensemble of drums and dances. Boaz showed kindness to Rus and provided her with some grain to eat upon her first visit to his field. Had Boaz known that HKB”H recorded his kindness, he would’ve prepared fattened cows as a meal for her. This Midrash seems to imply that these Tzaddikim would be motivated by honor. How could that be? Doesn’t Pirkei Avos (6:6) count “distancing oneself from honor” is a way to acquire Torah?

The Yefeh Anaf (Rabbi Shmuel Yaffe Ashkenazi) explains that this is not how understand this Midrash. Chas V’shalom that such holy people would pursue honor in such ways! Rather, had they known their actions would have been recorded for future generations, they would’ve gone the extra mile with these mitzvos to set a precedence. Their wholehearted actions would inspire their descendants to act the same way in giving 100% to their dedication.

The Yefeh Anaf then continues on saying how even such Tzaddikim will refrain from full efforts at times for certain reasons. In Reuven’s case, he was outnumbered by his brothers, and he was afraid that his brothers would rise up against him. Had he known he would be role model for future generations, he would’ve put his life on the line for Yosef. Regarding Aharon, he was afraid of being mocked by others if he were to greet Moshe in a grandiose way. Had he known he would be an example for his descendants, he would’ve gone full red carpet for Moshe despite the mockery. Lastly, Boaz was afraid of criticism from his workers saying that he was only looking to distinguish himself from the rest of the group in an act of haughtiness to impress Rus. Had he known his actions would be recorded forever, he would’ve provided her with a lavish meal despite the potential criticism.

The Yefeh Anaf concludes by saying that the lesson here is to do mitzvos to the greatest extent you can despite potential reasons to refrain from doing so. While the topic of finding human faults in such holy people is a debated topic, it allows us to connect more with these figures. We get to see their human side and how they dealt with emotions despite their greatness. The Midrash is emphasizing how there is always room for improvement no matter what your spiritual level is.

Terumah 5782

The Ramban on the opening verse to the Parsha explains that once Bnei Yisroel accepted upon themselves that they would be Hashem's people and that they would follow the Torah, they were now worthy of housing the Divine Presence in their midst. The Mishkan would function as a mini "Mt. Sinai" for Bnei Yisroel. The same glory that rested on the mountain would dwell in the Mishkan. Moshe's interactions with Hashem would be the same way he spoke with Hashem on Mt. Sinai. Why was it important that the Mishkan resemble Mt. Sinai? I would like to suggest that Hashem felt it was important to maintain a constant reminder to Bnei Yisroel about their experience receiving the Torah and the idea of consistency. Waking up to such a presence would motivate the people to continue in the ways of Hashem and further improve their relationship with Him.

Shemot 5782

There is a difficult group of verses (4:24-26) in the middle of the story in the Parsha that takes place when Moshe is on his way back to Egypt to begin the Exodus. While Moshe stops at a hotel with his family, G-d looks to encounter him and kill him. Tziporah, Moshe's wife, immediately circumcises their son and the threat is avoided. The story then continues on. The commentaries from the time of the Talmud are baffled by this story and the details of it. How could Moshe be moments from death as he is on his way to free the Bnei Yisroel?

I believe the answer can be found based on an idea the Rambam writes about at the beginning to his opening commentary on the Mishnah. The Rambam explains that there are four types of prophets, two within the realm of prophesizing in the name of idolatry and two in the name of Hashem.

1.A. The prophet who says a foreign deity came to him and commanded him to worship them. He then encourages the masses to follow suit.

1.B. The prophet who says he received a message from Hashem to begin worshipping a foreign deity such as the sun or the moon. He may even provide miracles and wonders.

2.A. The prophet who prophesizes in the name of Hashem and encourages people to strengthen their faith and service to Him. However, he notes the Hashem also told him to add/subtract a commandment; this also includes reinterpreting a commandment that the Oral Torah explains. 

2.B. The prophet who prophesizes in the name of Hashem and calls to others to strengthen their faith and service to Him without any exceptions or ramifications. He warns them about sinning and gives them directives based on his visions. 

The first three categories of prophets are to be executed for being false prophets; only the last category is accepted. With this information in mind, let us return to the story of Moshe. He is to be the prophet that returns to Egypt to save the Bnei Yisroel. He even performs miracles with his staff, his hand, and the river water. However, his son would not be circumcised at the time. What if someone from the Bnei Yisroel noticed this? This would put Moshe's validity into question and theoretically make him liable to the death penalty as the lack of a bris would mean that he did not believe in such a commandment. What Hashem was doing was holding Moshe accountable and giving him the chance to correct this mistake before he went to Egypt and therefore was moments away from killing him.

The lesson here is how one should be consistent in their service to Hashem in every facet, especially when it comes to core beliefs and foundations.

Toldot 5782

 The commentators give many reasons for why Yitzchak became blind at the time of blessing Yaakov. Rashi gives a couple of explanations. One is that he became blind from the smoke of the idolatrous offerings given by Esav and his Canaanite wives. A second is when he was about to be slaughtered by Avraham the angels' tears fell into his eyes. 

These are the classic answers given. However, the S'forno explains that Yitzchak became blind due to his lack of discipline towards Esav. He draws the comparison to Eli, the Kohen in the story of Shmuel Hanavi. The posuk notes that his sons weren't righteous children and because of this he lost his sight. The Da'as Zekenim gives another reason in that it was because of Esav's trickery towards Yitzchak. The posuk says that Esav was a hunter and "had a taste for game", "tzayid b'fiv" (25:28), which is why Yitzchak loved him. The Da'as Zekenim explains that this was Esav's way of "bribing" Yitzchak and convincing him that he was righteous. As we learn in Parshas Mishpatim, bribes blind the upright. 

Chayei Sarah 5782

There is a well-known Rashi that explains the actions of Eliezer when he gives gifts to Rivkah at the well. Before he even knows who she is, Eliezer proceeds to give her bracelets and a nose ring; only then does he ask for more information. When he retells the story to Rivkah's family, he switches the details and says he asked her first before giving the gifts. Rashi explains that Eliezer put his trust in Avraham's merits that Rivkah was the right woman for Yitzchak. He only switched the details later on so that he wouldn't be bombarded by questions about his judgement.

The Be'er Basadeh (24:47) expands on this explanation and points out that the verse says he merely took the items, not that he actually put them on her as he tells the story ("Vayikach" and not "Vayasem"). Additionally, he points to Rashi's wording in saying Eliezer switched the details and not that he straight out lied. The Be'er Basadeh explains that Eliezer wasn't 100% relying on Avraham's merits; he put the gifts on Rivkah that signified that they were given only as deposits and not full fledged gifts.

Vayeira 5782

Shortly after the parsha begins, Hashem decides to tell Avraham about His plan to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Avraham then prays to Hashem to spare them. But why does Hashem tell Avraham in the first place, almost to get some sort of feedback from Him? Rabbi Ben Keil, from the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway, explains that Hashem was teaching Avraham a very important lesson about prayer. Every day we pray for things in hopes that we receive what we ask for. However, the answer isn't always "yes". Though Avraham had prayed to spare the cities, Hashem's answer in this case was "no". This is why the Torah records Hashem's commentary about how Avraham will follow in His ways and lead his descendants in the path of Torah. This was a golden opportunity to teach a foundation of prayer and its mechanics.