Parshat Shemos: Home Sweet Home

BS"D

I dedicate these divrei Torah b'zechut Yitzchak Levi haCohen ben Chana, for a blessed and speedy refuah sheleima.

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Last Tuesday, I had the good fortune of being able to participate in a little Sichos class led by my teacher Mrs. Nechama Laber.  Over the course of our study, we learned many Chiddushim (novel insights) from two of the Rebbe's talks.  The latter was studied directly from the text, while the former was given over orally by Mrs. Laber, who used the Gutnick Chumash as a reference.  I am honored to relay to you what I learned (focusing on the first Sicha) as I draw from my many notes.

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In this week's parsha, we recount the narrative of Paroh's heinous gezeirah (decree) to eliminate all Hebrew baby boys by drowning in the Nile, in order to preserve his Hebrew workforce from the man predicted to rise as savior of the Jewish People from Egypt's crucible.  He directed this tragic command to his own men, and in addition, to the two Hebrew yaldos (midwives) by the names of Shifra and Puah.  Rashi brings down from our Sages that the true identity of these two special women was indeed Yocheved and Miriam, mother and sister of Moshe Rabbeinu!

"Vatirena ham'yaldos es-ha'Elokim v'lo asu ka'asher diber aleyhen melech Mitzrayim vat'chayeyna es-hay'ladim - The midwives, however, feared G-d, and they did not do as the king of Egypt had spoken to them, but they enabled the boys to live." {Shemos 1:17}

Shifra/Yocheved and Puah/Miriam rebelled against the wicked plan, and caused no children to die; they negated Paroh's decree even at the risk of their own lives.  To quote my classmate and friend Chaya Donat, "They feared Hashem more than they feared Paroh."  For their integrity...:

"Vayeitev Elokim lam'yaldos vayeirev ha'am vaya'atzmu m'od. Vayihi ki-yaru ham'yaldos es-ha'Elokim vaya'as lahem batim. - G-d was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became very strong.  And it came to pass when the midwives feared G-d, that He made houses for them." {Shemos 1:20-21}

Rashi comments on "vaya'as lahem batim - and He made them houses," and interprets these words to mean houses of honor - dynasties.  They were the Kehuna (priesthood) and Leviyah (Levitic family), offspring of Yocheved, and the Malchus (royalty) which has its roots in Miriam, a forerunner of Moshiach.

What a legacy...  Yet still, some of the greatest Jewish minds in our history find room for further inquiries.  The Lubavitcher Rebbe of righteous memory posed the question of why couldn't Rashi make peace with a literal understanding of the verses (i.e. Shifra and Puah's alternative identities, and "batim" as figurative houses)?  Rashi himself is puzzled by two difficulties:  1.) How could only two midwives care for a nation who "paru vayish'rtzu vayirbu - were fruitful and swarmed and increased," and bore sextuplets at once?  2.) The strong and skillful Jewish women didn't require assistance giving birth, as the yaldos reported to Paroh.  Was this truthful?  If so, why, then, were midwives necessary at all?  And why exactly did they deserve to receive such tremendous reward as Hashem granted them?

The answer is stunning.  Although it was physically impossible for Yocheved and Miriam to be present at every single birth, they were key in raising the entire nation of women's spirits by their mere presence and appointment as leaders!  All the new mothers were assured that they could call out to Yocheved and Miriam for any of their needs, whether in ruchniyus (spiritual) or gashmiyus (material), wise counsel or hope for the future.  This sense of security and knowledge alone - simply that they were there for them - was of profound strength and inspiration.  It was an incredible psychological, emotional and spiritual support.  They sacrificed everything in their duty to caring for the others, and prepared to even lay their life on the line to do so.

As for Rashi's dissatisfaction with the plain meaning of "houses..."  The nuances of the language of the verse suggest otherwise, for:  a.) It states "...Elokim vaya'as lahem batim. - ...G-d, that He made houses for them."  Hashem established these for them, and clearly not Paroh, for in that case they'd surely be physical;  b.)  "...Elokim vaya'as lahem batim. - ...G-d, that He made houses for them."  "Made," but not "built" in the conventional sense; and c.) "Vayeitev Elokim lam'yaldos... - And G-d was good to the midwives..." 

This hints to something Divinely gratifying:  Shifra/Yocheved and Puah/Miriam were not mainstays exclusive to the walls of their own home and immediate family; rather, on account of their dedication to, special way of, and success in preserving the spark and existence of Jewish homes, and readying future leaders of the Jewish People for all generations to come with Hashem's help, they are eternally regarded and praised as "mothers" of them all!!! 

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Now, one of the primary climaxes and greatest values of learning Torah, is when we can truly apply its wisdom.  Torah is forever, and always has an awe-inspiring message relevant for every generation, age, and event.

Learning about the unique manner of support Yocheved and Miriam provided for their soul-sisters, I remembered an unprecedented teaching, one which is especially exemplified by Chabad Chassidus.  The neshama is comprised of ten strengths; the first three of which are intellectual (Chochma/Wisdom, Bina/Understanding, Da'as/Knowledge - ChaBaD in short), and the last seven which are emotive.  The intellect is superior to the emotions, and therefore we explain, our thoughts give birth to our emotions. 

Each and every one of us can reflect Yocheved and Miriam today!  We all have the ability to encourage and guide this new life to come into existence, by evoking and sustaining positive thought - even simply by assuring others that we are here for them for whatever encouragement and fellowship they need - which will in turn lead to positive action, and ultimately, something new and great - a future of redemption!

Whom will you make this love and support of yours known to?  How can we encourage positive thought, emotion, spirit and action in the world around us, and break free from our own "Egypts" today?  What metaphorical "house" do you yearn to build?  You never know the full reach and impact of your deeds...

1st Year Anniversary of Blogging - Thank-You's & Shoutouts

BS"D

What an amazing year it has been...  So robust with experiences, light and dark, highs and lows, and rich with abundant new learning, inspiration and growth.  But the occupation of studying our holy Torah and disseminating its light and wisdom hasn't nearly come to a halt.  That mission is forever.

The year has come in a vast circle, and as we say, "from strength to strength..."  My first Parsha-Post, the real beginning of my blog, was written for Parshat Shemos!  Truly, no words suffice to capture my feelings and gratitude at this milestone, but I now take this opportunity to express it to the best of my ability, to all who played a role in making it possible, and assisting me in transforming this dream into reality.

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~ First and foremost thank You to my Dear Father in Heaven, Ribono Shel Olam, Hashem Yisborach, for instilling me with a mission, and the koach and gifts to fulfill the purpose of my creation.  Thank You for always believing in me - "raba Emunasecha - great is Your faith" - and for my challenges and my successes.  Thank You for Your continuous miracles, both the hidden and revealed, in every area of my existence.  Thank You for a beautiful world, and for the darkness that is a canvas to light up with Your glory and spirit.  Thank You... beyond words.  My list is infinite.

~ Thank you to my dear parents.  Thank you for your love and support.  Thank you for permitting me the luxury of time and the opportunity to do this weekly, what others need and what I love.  I know it isn't always easy when I'm not around in the afternoon or evening, as I pore over books and busily type - all my blogging and writing entails - and I want to acknowledge the sacrifice you make.  Thank you for providing me with a safe home, modest, comfortable clothes, and nourishing food; for how can one pursue ruchniyus (spirituality) if they aren't sustained as well with the gashmiyus (physical)?

~ Thank you to my dear grandparents.  Thank you, too, for your incredible love and support!  Thank you for helping spread the word about my blog, passing on the divrei Torah I share to others.  I am smiling now as I'm type, when I reminisce how the printouts I give you of my articles, though far from perfect, are always met with an undiminishing enthusiasm, and always viewed as a prestigious novelty.  Thank you for building my self-esteem to keep doing what I am doing!

~ Thank you to my rebbi, Rabbi Yosef Resnick of Monson, MA.  You started me on my path to learning Torah, and I know I can turn to you with any and all of my shailos.  You always find the time to listen, think, and answer; your love of teaching and care for each student is apparent, and truly inspiring.  Furthermore, you haven't just taught me the subject matter of things... rather, you've taught me how to teach Torah.  Hakaras hatov from the depths of my heart to you, RaYaR, for your encouragement every step of the way, and those early sparks from the very beginning.

~ Thank you to my teacher Mrs. Nechama Laber, for opening up to me so many new and enriching opportunities; for motivating me to stretch beyond and redefine my limitations; and of course for giving me my start in the innovative practice of blogging and online sharing.  Sometimes the moments shared outside the classroom are the most precious, but for them all I am eternally grateful.  Your manner of nurturing each girl individually, as if you have all the time in the world for her and she is the only one who exists, and how you identify personally with such a genuine love for each one, is indescribable.  Thank you, for you are a key player in helping mold me into a stronger, prouder, more joyous Bas Yisrael, and for your constant flow of inspiration and encouragement.  You've taught me how to sing my soul's song, and shown me the path of how I can share my light with others!

~ Thank you to my dear mentor Mrs. Susan Axelrod.  I am ceaselessly captivated with every word you speak.  Your approaches to life embrace such simple, practical truths and tools that the entire the world should - or, rather, must be reminded and encouraged to learn to apply in their own affairs.  I am inspired by your focus on future and impact, and learn tremendously from your emphasis on strategic thinking in all that we do.  Thank you for your marvelous advice on healthy and balanced, organized and sane, purposeful and mindful living.

~ A posthumous but "tremendous" thank you to Rabbi Yehoshua B. Gordon ob"m.  Rabbi Gordon, although I never merited the privilege to meet you in person, my life has been eternally impacted by your devotion to your teaching, and the unmatched intensity and humor that both distinguished and enriched it.  I know you are continuing to observe me study Torah from on high.  In your lifetime on this earth your reach as a Shliach was worldwide, thanks to your vast collection of recorded Shiyurim on Chabad.org.  While watching and listening to them, I truly feel as if I am in the room with you and the rest of your talmidim.  From your legacy, I can truly see how a person lives on through their teachings....

~ Thank you to particular relatives, whom I will not explicitly name (ahem), for your brutally honest constructive criticism... (You know who you are!)  But honestly, I am very grateful.  Thank you for helping me refine my work and writing to be the most quality and lucid that it can be!

~ Thank you to my classmate and friend Noam Wolf, for the encouragement he gave me to establish my own little niche on good ole' BlogSpot; for his suggestions and assistance in making this site clearer to navigate and more user-friendly; and aside from all this, for composing a few guest writer's columns of his own!  In general, you have a thoughtful way of looking at things through more than one perspective, and I've seen this play out in your writing.  It is also very admirable how you draw down a concept in Chassidus, and present it in an understandable way for those just getting their first taste of it.

~ A posthumous thank you to Nehama Leibowitz of blessed memory, for her brilliant and comprehensive parsha studies, and collections of commentaries from sages of ancient times to Jewish thinkers of more contemporary eras.  Her treasury is an eternal legacy.  (Thank you as well to my uncle and aunt Arie and Layah Ferber, for bestowing N.L.'s books as a beautiful Bat Mitzvah gift to me.  Perhaps I may not have been ready or able to appreciate them fully at the time, but I will now publicly declare, they have brought me literal hours of Torah pleasure and inspiration to pass on in my divrei Torah, in my blog and at the Shabbos table.)

~ Thank you to Chabad.org and Aish.com, two of the most helpful Torah resources I can refer to.  It's sometimes difficult to visualize just how far you reach to spread Torah and Yiddishekit throughout the globe.  You are truly fulfilling the purpose - as inspired by Hashem - for which technology was created, bringing so much light into the world by using it for the good.  An example for us all.

~ Thank you to Artscroll and Mesorah Publications.  You've played a tremendous part in filling up my little white bookshelves, transforming them into a library of Torah jewels.  I've drawn much inspiration, and always quote, from your publications, including siddurim, Chumashim, Mishnayos, Kinnos, etc...  I am very fortunate to have these texts.  Thank you for making that possible!

~ And last but not least... Thank you to all my beautiful readers!  Thank you for your interest, time, support, feedback and comments.  They all mean so much to me.  Just as a party is nonexistent without guests, what is a "Blog" without people reading it and enjoying it?  I look forward to, b'ezras Hashem (with G-d's help), another year of learning and getting inspired together.

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L'CHAYIM!!!

Parshat Vayechi Reflection: Hardcore Hebrews

BS"D

I dedicate the following divrei Torah l'ilui nishmas the Tenog (unnamed baby) bas Chana Leah.

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Last week, I simply ran out of time to assemble and send out a Parsha post.  Everything is meant to be though, for as I was learning Shabbos morning, Hashem led me to discover the subject of the lesson I am privileged to share with you now. 

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In traditional Jewish homes, a classic scene and cherished moment on Leil Shabbos (Friday night) before Kiddush, is when parents bless their children.  The words that define the blessing for sons exclusively, mark their place in this very parsha of Vayechi!

One of the last deeds Yaakov Avinu performed before his passing in Egypt, was bless his son Yoseif's two children, Menashe and Efrayim.  He included the following promise in his bracha:

"Vay'varcheim bayom hahu laymor 'B'cha yevareich Yisrael laymor 'Y'simcha Elokim k'Efrayim v'chi'Menashe''.... - And he (Yaakov) blessed them that day, saying 'By you shall Israel bless, saying 'May G-d make you like Ephraim and like Manasseh''..."  {Bereishis 48: 20}

Menashe and Efrayim were good boys, and children of Yoseif haTzadik, with their roots in the House of Yaakov.  But still, the question has been posed, of why do we bless our children in the names of Efrayim and Menashe?   Why not by Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, Moshe, Aharon or Dovid, the Patriarchs and the Greats?  What is so significant about Menashe and Efrayim?

Menashe and Efrayim were the first Jewish children born in Galus.  They were raised as Egyptian nobles, and grew up in the midst of Egyptian society.  Nevertheless, they were neither steeped in nor influenced by Egyptian spirit and culture.  They leaned Torah, and were dedicated students of their grandfather Yaakov; at their essence and cores, they were true sons of Israel.  They remained distinct, and never forsook their holy heritage.

Tragic but true it is to note, that when young Jews leave their communities, schools, and Jewish environment as they mature, they are at risk of "going off the derech (right path)"...  and many unfortunately do.  That is just the way of our world.  There are innumerable distractions, and ever so many voices and vices that attempt to lead us astray. 

Therefore, we pray for our children to always remain strong against the current - to be the "Ivrim" (literally 'those on the other side') - and to remain true to who they are.  We pray for them to hang onto their beliefs and traditions wherever they go, and to live in sincere and full accordance with the Torah spirit.  It takes strength... and this is what we bless them with.

Many of our ancestors were compelled to dwell in lands and among peoples adverse to the Torah way.  Just look at Avraham and Sarah, who descended to Mitzrayim; Yitzchak and Rivkah, who lived in Philistine Gerar; Yaakov and his family, who built a household and worked in Charan.  They all triumphed over the challenging circumstances, and passed it on to the next generations for all eternity.  Their tenacity and success is woven, as I often quote, into "our spiritual DNA."  That potential is locked within us, but we must pray to unleash it, to allow it to manifest and truly make a difference.

I was very moved by a story I once read in R' Yechiel Spero's book A Touch of Chizuk.  It was about a heartbroken chassid who came to meet his Rebbe, to ask for guidance in a difficult time.  With tears streaming down his face, he relayed his plight to his leader, that his son - his beautiful, talmid-chacham son - had abandoned to Torah path.  For his whole life his son had observed his father's minhagim and chumros (customs and stringencies), and he'd been raised in a household immersed in ruchniyus.  The man absolutely couldn't figure out a reason why this had happened, regardless of how hard he thought.  The Rebbe was quiet, and after the chassid finished speaking, he asked pointedly: Did you pray for him?  Did you pray for him that he would hold fast to what you taught and showed him, or did you simply expect him to remain that way?

Prayer is the key, and the bracha of "Y'simcha Elokim k'Efrayim v'chi'Menashe," is relevant and necessary for all Yidden.

May you find the strength.