Category: shiurim

Orientation Toward Mercy

“As for me, in the abundance of Thy lovingkindness will I come into Thy house; I will bow down toward Thy holy temple in the fear of Thee.” – Psalm 5:8, JPS 1917 Tanach

 The reality is that when we face East to recite our prayers (outside of Israel), we do so in regard to directing our thoughts, heart, and focus toward the location of the Beis HaMikdash. This seems especially prescient to me, after Tisha b’Av, when the intent of that day is to dwell upon and reflect the loss of the Temple, and the on the otherside of the coin, acknowledge the rebuilding of the Third Temple. May we all merit to see that day.

Until we arrive at that day, where we are not only praying toward, rather, also, praying at the Holy Temple, we are called upon to pray in small sanctuaries (Ezekiel 11:16). Our prayer should be like entering into an inner sanctuary of solitude as well, finding refuge and solace.

Yet, upon leaving the physical space of worship, and stepping out of sacred time spent in communion with HaShem, we need to carry over those positive feelings into our lives. We each have certain areas of our lives that need improvement. This may include relationships with others. As such I offer these prayers, based upon the first few morning prayers in the siddur:

Ribono shel olam, may Your mercy overwhelm your attributes. And, may our limited capacity to show mercy toward others, also influence our middos. Specifically, may our mercy diminish our anger and frustration toward others. Amein.

In like manner that we request G-d to deal with us according to his attributes of kindness of mercy, we should be be compelled to show kindness, and have mercy toward others; so, that our negative emotions be overruled, diminished, and vanquished for the sake of the good, and peaceful relations with others, especially family, friends, and acquaintances.

©2024 Tzvi Fievel all rights reserved

shiur Vayeishev 5784

shiur for motzei Shabbat: parasha Vayeishev 5784

Distractions lead toward refinement if taken well. If we understand the higher purpose of distractions in our lives, we may use them for the benefit of the soul. For example, unpleasant circumstances in our lives may compel us to draw closer to Elokim (G-d).

Jacob had hoped to spend the later years of life, settled down in the land of Canaan, relatively speaking, in ease, compared to the hardships that he endured working for his Uncle Laban for twenty years. However, the disappearance of Joseph brought great anguish and grief upon him.

Commentary explains that the righteous are guaranteed a place in Olam Haba (the World to Come); so, they should be content with the reassurance of future bliss. This life, concomitant with all of its hardships, is a proving ground for testing one’s character, with the reward for a life well-lived mostly being in the World to Come.

So, where do we stand in our own lives with the challenges that we confront on a day-to-day basis? In regard to our goals, are we pursuing them in a manner whereof we are not downcast, when obstacles appear along the road to success? The spiritual goals in our lives, should ultimately take precedent; if not, how can we bring them to the forefront of our attention as we walk through this life?

By spiritual, I do not necessarily mean those endeavors that could otherwise be categorized as religious. Rather, I mean those that may be characterized as having to do with our character, morals, and values. If we are informed by a greater set of aspirations, based upon the wisdom of G-d, then we will do well. May an informed conscience lead us in the right direction. As is written, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6, JPS).

©2023 all rights reserved

shiur: Bereishis 5784

A Time to Speak: a brief message of hope, resilience, and light

“A time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.” – Ecclesiastes 3:7–8

Last Shabbat, on Shemini Atzeret, words of wisdom from the Book of Ecclesiastes were read. These words are apropos of the events that transpired that day in Israel, when Israeli’s were about to celebrate Simchat Torah, usually a day of joy and dancing, in celebration of the Torah, the Etz Chayim, our way of life.

There is “a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). Today, more than ever, for the sake of Eretz Yisrael, Israelis, and Jews all around the world, today, is not a time to remain silent; rather, today is most significantly a time to be outspoken. Primarily, it is a time to speak to H’Shem, Who views Israel as “the apple of His eye.” His gaze is upon Israel day and night, and all throughout the seasons. On Shemini Atzeret, upon the religious calendar, the season of the Mediterranean cool, rainy winter began in Israel, and with the seasonal change, war also arrived upon the southern border of Israel.

Through prayer we appeal to the Almighty, as in all previous generations, for the courage, hope, and reassurance that light will triumph over darkness. We should not even doubt in the slightest, because, ultimately, the promises of G-d to the Children of Israel will be fulfilled. We look forward to a time of peace and harmony, under the banner of Moshiach who will reign from Jerusalem, according to G-d’s timing.

Yet, the road toward that day is fraught with times of trouble, the darkness before the dawn. Yet, “the path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18, PS). Let us look forward to that day with sincere and heartfelt expectation, despite the darkness that currently surrounds us. For, this is emunah (faith).

©2023 all rights reserved

A Restoration of Values

parasha Nasso 5782 – a restoration of values in the postmodern world

“Speak unto the children of Israel: When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to commit a trespass against the L-RD, and that soul be guilty; then they shall confess their sin which they have done.” – Numbers 5: 6-7, JPS 1917 Tanach

According to Rambam, this verse is the basis of the importance of confession (vidui), within the context of teshuvah (repentance). “And shall make reparation in full” (Numbers 5:7, OJB). This latter part of the pasuk (verse) denotes reparations made to others, if the aveirah (transgression) is against another person. Yet, it is interesting to note that the Hebrew word for reparation is from the same shoresh (root word), shuv, as teshuvah, meaning to return. Repentance is a return to H’Shem (the L-RD). “Let us return unto the L-RD” (Hosea 5:15b, JPS 1917 Tanach).

The Mishkan along with the Levitical system of offerings were meant to restore the relationship of the people with H’Shem. A restored relationship with H’Shem begins with vidui (confession), whereby we confess our sins to Him; additionally, we return to Him by not making the same transgression again. We must also increase our mitzvoth, spending more time engaged with godly pursuits, and less time in that which could be considered frivolous. This is all the more important in today’s world of instant gratification, social media, and encroaching nihilism.

Unless we are conscious of leading a godly life, we may not even realize that a diminished connection to G-d, is a result of our own lack of mitzvot (good deeds). “Your iniquities have separated between you and your G-d (Isaiah 59:2, JPS 1917 Tanach). In order to experience G-d’s presence in our lives, then we need to approach Him in righteousness. If we have not been cognizant of what He expects from us, then we need to educate ourselves, according to His ways. Now is a good time to start.