humility – The Tree of Life

dvar Korach 5785

G-d requires our cooperation in making the world better; for, He may guide us in the right direction, yet, we must discern and act upon His promptings. Sometimes this may be through intuition, our conscience or awareness of the mitzvot, and how they may apply to the circumstances of our lives. In any case, we must discern between G-d’s will for us according to Torah and hashgacha peratis (divine guidance) versus the unruly emotions and thoughts of our hearts that need to be brought under the reign of shomayim (heaven).

Korach acted upon his own accord, based upon the directive of his own ego. To do so is contrary to G-d. In opposing Moses and Aaron, he was actually going up against HaShem. “Thou and all thy company that are gathered together against the L-RD” (Numbers 16:11). So, there is a right way to follow, under the banner of G-d for the sake of heaven. This was the way of Moses and Aaron, the kohanim and the Levites, whose sanctity was restored in the eyes of the people after the rebellion of Korach and his followers.

If we are to remain in alignment with G-d, then we must put our pride in check. Unlike Korach and his followers, we must not think too much of ourselves, as if we are better than we really are. In doing so, we neglect to see our faults, and, subsequently leave no room for improvement. It is also important to use self-restraint in regard to our aspirations, if they are too much for us.

It is better to remain content with what has been provided for us. “Who is a rich man? He who is content with his lot” (pirkei avos). Korach and his followers descended into the pit. The Talmud records that they did not enter into Olam Haba. If we are content with what we have been provided for in Olam HaZeh, we can look forward to so much more in Olam Haba.

Omer Count: Day 34 – yesod shebbe hod

foundation within humility

The foundation of humility in our lives is mentioned by the Rambam, in his letter. He recommends distancing ourselves from anger. This will lead toward the quality of humility becoming imbued in the heart. The means that he gives for a practical manner to protect against anger is to always speak gently to all people. How much moreso to parents, grandparents, and the elderly in general? (a rhetorical question, meant to prompt us to do so).

Since many people’s relationship and feelings toward G-d is based upon their relationship to their parents, honoring our parents should also lead toward humility toward HaShem. The Ramban explains that in general, humility leads toward yiras HaShem (awe, reverence and respect toward G-d). So, humility can serve as a stepping-stone to a foundational aspect of yiddishkeit: yiras HaShem.

If we focus on improving our character, one step at a time, the goal will not seem so distant. Talking to others in a gentle manner can serve to help us place one foot in front of the other on the road to humility.

parasha Korach 5783

weekly Torah reading: parasha Korach 5783

“In the morning the L-RD will reveal who is His and who is holy. The one whom He will let come near to Him; will be the one He chooses to come near unto Him.” – Numbers 16:5,

Korach separated himself from the assembly of the H’Shem. He purported to champion the people, inasmuch that he claimed that everyone was holy, saying that Moses and Aaron should not lift themselves “above the assembly of the L-RD” (Numbers 16:3, JPS); yet, commentary explains that Korach wanted Aaron’s position of Kohein Gadol (High Priest) for himself. Therefore, his mass appeal was a ruse, made only to aggrandize himself, and his followers.

In response to the challenge of Korach and his followers, Moshe spoke of a test, whereby “the L-RD will show who are His, and who is holy.” He said, “take ye everyman his fire-pan, and put incense upon them, and bring ye before the L-RD every man his fire-pan, two hundred and fifty fire pans; thou also, and Aaron, each his fire-pan” (Numbers 16:17).

Meanwhile, H’Shem told Moshe, “Speak unto the congregation, saying: Get you up from about the dwelling of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram” (Numbers 16:24). The earth opened up its mouth, and swallowed Korach, his family, and his followers; they “went down alive into the pit; and the earth closed upon them, and they perished from among the assembly” (24:33). “Fire came forth from the L-RD, and devoured the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense” (24:35).

Moshe and Aharon, as well as the kohanim (Aaron’s sons), and the Levites were chosen by H’Shem; however, Korach and his followers challenged that decision. The price they paid may seem steep; yet, if the rebellion had not been quenched, G-d’s plan would have been overthrown. Moreover, one lesson to be learned for ourselves is as follows: instead of praising ourselves, like the haughty Korach, we should seek to please H’Shem within the parameters He has bestowed upon us, in regard to our calling in life (see also Proverbs 21:2, 27:2).

Omer Count: Day 5 – Splendor of Love

the splendor of love:
hod shebbe chesed (splendor within love)

The attribute of hod has to do with the character trait of humility. In this respect, when we humble ourselves before G-d, then His splendor may shine through us. Also, hod is likened to the quality of sincerity in our lives. A certain amount of sincerity is required to be humble. For example, when we are sincere about our abilities , without exagerating our talents, nor our accomplishments, this will pave the way towards an honest assessment of ourselves.

From this point of humility within, we may act with sincerity towards others. Furthermore, it is possible to recognize that only when we humble ourselves, can we truly allow H’Shem’s splendor to inspire us to give to others. Therefore, in expressing kindness to others, we are actually reflecting the Image of G-d, whose splendor flows to all who observe His commandments. This is explained in chassidus, as the mitzvah (good deed) drawing down His light through the presence of the Shechinah (Practical Tanya, ch. 41, section 9).

[These are my personal reflections on the implications of today’s combination of middot (character traits). These reflections are not meant to be comprehensive, inasmuch that they are not based upon any one particular system. Nor, may these ideas be characterized as authoritative, because I profess to being a student, not a teacher. I hope to inspire others to delve into an exploration of their personality, for the sake of tikkun hanefesh (rectification of the soul)].

On the Road Again

I will be traveling across the country by train for the first time in three years to attend the bar Mitzvah of my nephew. I intend to post some updates – a travelogue – of my journey along the way. I will be travelling, after this event, to visit my mother who will not be attending, because of a serious heart condition. If you feel inspired to contribute a few dollars for my travelling expenses, I would greatly appreciate your contribution.

Thank you very much. G-d bless.

Please, find link to contribute here.

Omer Count: Day 5 – Splendor of Love

Omer 5781 Day 5 – the splendor of love
(hod shebbe chesed – splendor within love)

The attribute of hod has to do with the character trait of humility. When we humble ourselves before G-d, then His splendor may shine through us. Also, hod is likened to the quality of sincerity in our lives. A certain amount of sincerity is required to be humble. For example, when we are sincere about our abilities, without exaggerating our talents, nor our accomplishments, this will pave the way towards an honest assessment of ourselves.

From a point of humility within, we may act with sincerity towards others. Only when we humble ourselves, can we truly allow G-d’s splendor to inspire us to give to others. In expressing kindness to others, we are actually reflecting the Image of G-d, whose splendor flows to all who observe His commandments. As explained in chassidus, the performance of a mitzvah (good deed) draws down His light through the presence of the Shechinah (Practical Tanya, ch. 41, section 9).

note: These are my personal reflections on the implications of today’s combination of middot (character traits). These reflections are not meant to be comprehensive, inasmuch that they are not based upon any one particular system. Nor, may these ideas be characterized as authoritative, because I profess to being a student, not a teacher. I hope to inspire others to delve into an exploration of their personality, for the sake of tikkun hanefesh (rectification of the soul).

parasha Shemini 5782

“And Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting, and came out, and blessed the people; and the glory of the L-RD appeared unto all the people. And there came forth fire from the L-RD.” – Leviticus 9:23, JPS 1917 Tanach

“The fire came down like a pillar from heaven to earth.” – Sifra

The people had grown expectant, to the point of concern, over the previous seven days, in which Moses daily performed the inauguration service on his own. On the eighth day, corresponding to the first of Nissan, one year after leaving Egypt, everything was in place; yet, still there was no fire from Shomayim (Heaven).

The offerings of that day included a calf as a sin-offering, of which commentary mentions atoned for Aaron’s role in the making of the golden calf. Also, a goat as a sin-offering to atone for the people. Additionally, an olah, and the people’s shelamin – peace offering – as well as the daily morning Tamid offering.

It was at this point, that “Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting.” One possible explanation, offered by Rashi, who refers to Sifre, is that when Aaron perceived that the offerings had been made, yet, the heavenly fire had not descended, he thought that H’Shem was still angry with him, because of his role in the sin of the golden calf. He pleaded to Moshe, in the midst of his “inner shame,” whereupon they both entered the sanctuary to pray for H’Shem’s mercy.

What can be learned from this event? Even upon beginning his role as Kohein Gadol, when making the first offerings, Aaron recalled his sin, and through the prayers of Moshe, sought complete atonement and forgiveness for his role in the making of the golden calf. Overall, this must have been a humbling experience for him; elsewhere, commentary explains that even though he felt ashamed, this was precisely why he had been chosen, because he remained humble, as a result of recalling his sin. The principle is encapsulated in the pasuk (verse), “my sin is ever before me” (Psalm 51:5). If we keep our past sins in mind, this will help us to keep our ego in check.

dvar Shemini 5781 – Inner Shame

B”H

dvar for parashas Shemini 5781

“And Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting, and came out, and blessed the people; and the glory of the L-RD appeared unto all the people. And there came forth fire from the L-RD.”

– Leviticus 9:23, JPS 1917 Tanach

“The fire came down like a pillar from heaven to earth.” – Sifra

It was at this point, that “Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting.” According commentary, one possible explanation, offered by Rashi, who refers to Sifre, is that when Aaron perceived that the offerings had been made, yet, the heavenly fire had not descended, he thought that H’Shem was still angry with him, because of his role in the sin of the golden calf. He pleaded to Moshe, in the midst of his “inner shame,” whereupon they both entered the sanctuary to pray.

Even upon beginning his role as Kohein Gadol (High Priest) upon making the first offerings, Aaron recalled his sin, and through his prayers, may have sought further atonement for his transgression. Surely, this must have been a humbling experience for him; elsewhere, commentary explains that even though he felt ashamed, this was precisely why he had been chosen, because he remained humble, as a result of recalling his sin. The principle is encapsulated in the pasuk (verse), “my sin is ever before me” (Psalm 51:5). If we keep our past sins in mind, this will help us to keep our ego in check.

Omer Count: Day 5 – Splendor of Love

April 2, 2021

Omer 5781 Day 5 – the splendor of love
hod shebbe chesed splendor within love)

Mikeitz 5781

parashas Mikeitz 5781

According to the Zohar, for every descent, there is an ascent: apropos to this weeks parashas, we see Joseph, whose feet were placed in fetters, His person was laid in iron; until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the L-RD tested him (Psalm 105:19, JPS). Josephs descent to Egypt, and eventually into prison, began with his literal descent into the pit that his brothers callously cast him. He was then sold to Midianite traders, who brought him down to Egypt. He became the servant of Potiphar, who put Joseph in charge of his estate; yet, he was wrongfully accused by Potiphars wife; as a result, he wound up in prison.

Even in prison, Joseph flourished; the L-RD was with Joseph, and showed kindness unto him, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison (Genesis 39:21, JPS 1917 Tanach). He gained notoriety as an interpreter of dreams, after correctly interpreting, b’ezrach H’Shem (with the L-RDs help) the dreams of two prisoners who had been in stewardship in Pharaohs court. When the cup bearer, who was restored to his position in Pharaoh’s court, two years later, saw how disconcerted Pharaoh was about his own dreams, he recommended Joseph to Pharaoh.

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph: Forasmuch as G-d hath shown thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou’ (Genesis 41:39, JPS 1917 Tanach). Pharaoh was so impressed with Josephs interpretation, that he elevated him to second in command of Egypt, thereby charging him to care for Egypt during the famine, by developing a means to store food during the seven years of plenty, to be subsequently distributed during the famine that would ensue, according to Pharaohs dream. Thus, Josephs ascent followed his descent, all for the sake of others. Joseph models the qualities of endurance, patience and self-giving.