Judaism – Page 13 – The Tree of Life

Chayei Sarah – A Life Well-Lived

weekly Torah reading: parasha Chayei Sarah – A Life Well-Lived

“And the life of Sarah was one hundred years and twenty years and seven years; [these were] the years of the life of Sarah.” – Genesis 23:1, The Complete Jewish Tanach

Commentary notes that there is a specific reason that the word “years” appears after each component number of the total number of years of her life. Inasmuch as each time frame of her life is to be understood in a certain manner, the following rendering is given: her childhood, young adulthood, and adulthood were all equally good (based on Rashi). Imagine an amalgamation of identity, intention, and purpose spanning the entirety of a life.

This may be contrasted with the lives of many of us in modernity. Popular language currently describes different formative years in a negative way, for example, the terrible twos, the rebellious adolescence, and the burdensome task of “finding oneself” given to the young adult through differentiation or individuation.

And, with the proliferation of Wokism, today’s youth face even more challenges in regard to identity formation: falling into different identity groups, assigned by a movement based on identity Marxism. Individuality is cast aside in favor of identification with an external identity-group that is automatically defined by race, sex, and the ever-changing gender categories.

Yet, despite this smorgasbord of identity touted by the Woke Agenda, there is still something to say for the normative values and ways of life defined by the Bible. The wisdom of scripture, inspired by G-d may provide us with a framework of instruction for our lives. Especially, as the values of Western society continue to crumble before our very eyes.

motzei Shabbos reflections: Vayeira 5784

“If the Holy One, blessed be He, were to require all my members, I would not delay.” – Targum Yonaton on Genesis 22:1, sefaria.org

According to Targum Yonaton, Ishmael challenged Isaac, concerning the inheritance, claiming that because he was more righteous he should receive the inheritance. “Izhak responded and said, Behold now, today I am thirty and six years old; and if the Holy One, blessed be He, were to require all my members, I would not delay” (ibid; see above). The following test ensued, to see if Isaac was sincere in his words – he was to be brought up as an offering on Mount Moriah.

This rendering is the perspective given from the vantage point of Isaac, who went willingly with his father Abraham. We are not our own; and, our children are gifts from G-d. Abraham’s acknowledgment of G-d’s commandment to give up what was most precious to him, namely his son, Isaac, was a demonstration of this tenet. In a way, he would have only been giving back to G-d what had been given to him. (This may be challenging to understand, unless one reflects upon this).

The Torah states, v’haelokim nisa, that G-d tested Abraham, thus connoting the ordeal that Abraham was being placed under to test his character, commitment, and devotion to H’Shem. Commentary explains that the Hebrew word, נסה (nisa) is rendered by the Midrash as having the connotation of being “elevated,” like a נס (banner). Each of Abraham’s ten trials elevated him in character to a new level, a heightened spiritual stature, until the tenth test, wherein he reached the pinnacle of his personal development in regard to his faith in H’Shem.

Yet, Isaac was willingly about to give up his own life in order to serve H’Shem. And, who amongst Israel would be willing to yield their life to G-d’s decree? Without realizing it, whatever situation that we are put in life, this is where G-d expects us to be. We do not know what may be required of us.

H’Shem’s blessing is upon us, when we serve Him wholeheartedly; regardless of the outcome, we may be assured that it is ultimately for our benefit, as well as others. Despite how we might think, if circumstances appear to be negative, we should think, “into your hand, shall I entrust my spirit.” Our personal salvation is dependent upon nothing more than G-d’s attention to every detail in our lives. He would not give us a challenge that would be more than we are able to face.

parasha Vayera 5784

weekly Torah reading: parasha Vayera 5784- Abraham’s Tenth Trial

“And He said, “Take your son, your favored one, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a [olah] burnt offering on one of the heights that I will point out to you.” – Genesis 22:2, JPS 1985 Tanach

The pinnacle of Abraham’s trials occurred when he was commanded to bring his son, Isaac up onto a mountain as an offering. Isaac was heir to the legacy of Abraham, in line to serve as patriarch of the next generation. Yet, despite the incongruency of the command, with the promise of the blessing to have many descendants, Abraham responded out of obedience to H’Shem. One might equivocate, stuck in cognitive dissonance; yet, not Abraham, who trusted that there must be a hidden reckoning of the two mutually exclusive communications from G-d. On the one hand, Isaac was to be his heir; on the other hand, Isaac was to be brought up as an offering.

This was the tenth and final test of his faithfulness towards G-d. Unparalleled resolve was necessary on the part of Abraham, to follow through with G-d’s commandment to bring his son, Isaac as an offering to the mountain shown to him. Prior to this, Abraham trusted in G-d, to follow His directives, despite all of the challenges, ramifications, and risks involved. Now, he acceded to the command to give up Isaac, his only son, who was destined to carry on the legacy, mission, and message of the One True G-d.

How can this be? Abraham reconciled the dilemma in his mind, realizing that H’Shem would bestow His grace upon Isaac. in a miraculous way. Abraham trusted in H’Shem; knowing that He would be able to resurrect Isaac, as implied by the Zohar, whereof the beracha (blessing), “Blessed is He who quickens the dead,” is attributed to Abraham, right before he was about to offer up Isaac.

Abraham’s Calling

weekly Torah reading: parasha Lech Lecha 5784

“Now the L-RD said unto Abram: ‘Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto the land that I will show thee.’” – Genesis 12:1, JPS 1917 Tanach

According to the Midrash, Abraham arrived at the realization that there was only one G-d, Who was the Creator and Ruler of all things. He realized this monumental truth, based upon his rational inquiry into the nature of all things. Although his father was an idolater, and the land from where he was from was steeped in idolatry, he was a thinker extraordinaire, who went above and beyond the narrative norm, in search of the truth. Abraham pondered upon the brilliance of the sun that disappeared at night, and the moon that diminished at dawn. Therefore, Abraham realized that there must be a Creator the rules both the sun and the moon.

Another explanation given, as to how Abraham became the first monotheist, is based on a mashal (parable): A sojourner once passed a palace that had a candle burning inside. He asked himself, isn’t there someone in charge of this building? In like manner, Abraham thought to himself, that, surely, there must be someone in charge of the world. In response to Abraham’s inner question, H’Shem replied, “I am the Master of the world.” (Bereishis Rabbah 39).

Going beyond the plain sense of the midrash, the meaning may be further rendered as such: the candle in the mashal (parable) may be understood as symbolic of the soul. According to this rendering, then, Abraham was really asking, Who is the Lord of my life? Abraham demonstrated that H’Shem was the L-Rd of his life, when in faith, because of his prior introduction to G-d, he responded immediately to G-d’s call. When Abraham was called by H’Shem, lech lecha, to go to a land that would be shown to him, he left everything behind him for the sake of the journey.

Pray for the Captives

Thus saith the L-RD: even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; and I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.”

– Isaiah 9:25, JPS 1917 Tanach

Lettered

This flock has followed

in the footsteps of shepherds –

ever since its inception, told

in pages that have been lettered

with divine truths, folded

within the collective memory

of a people emboldened

by faith, prayer, and a history

of covenantal relationship

with the Almighty.

Israel will Prevail

In the still of the night,

in the early hours of the morning,

when there is no sign of light,

there is no time for adorning

oneself with endless fantasies

of who one would like to be,

by ignoring the actualities

that exist for all of humanity.

Rather, there is only time

to huddle with the teams of angels

assigned to strengthen the line

of defense against the enemy.

The true test of life

with all of its challenges

is how we deal with strife,

as the world rearranges

itself, turning chaos into order,

when the kedoshim prevail

over the destructive forces

that threaten Israel.

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).

dvar Bereishis 5784

“The heavens declare the glory of G-d, and the firmament showeth His handiwork.” – Psalm 19:2, JPS 1917 Tanach

The luminosity of G-d’s Kavod (Glory) prevails, when one with spiritual eyes looks upon the heavens. The earth, too, contains the beauty of G-d’s essence revealed to the sensitive soul. Chassidus teaches that He sustains the world through His Kavod. What we call nature is maintained by G-d’s nature, His invisible attributes that make up all things. Yet, He is at once immanent in the world, and transcendent, above and beyond the world. G-d’s name, Elokim has the same gematria (numerical value) as HaTeva (the natural order); so, this connection implies that nature is a shield or veil that only partially reveals G-d’s Glory. “The whole earth is full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:3). “Do I not fill the heaven and the earth?” (Jeremiah 23:24).

Additionally, just as G-d sustains the world, so does the soul empower the body. Its spiritual properties maintain the health and well-being of the body, like its spiritual power source. Adam and Eve had a direct connection to H’Shem, through their souls, that brought life to them, as is written, “The L-RD G-d formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7, JPS). Therefore, every breath that we take is a re-enactment of the original infusing of soul and body. Yes, each and every breath we take is a gift from H’Shem as are our very lives.

Light will Prevail

Words have no proximity
to speak of the calamity,
perpetrated upon Israelis.

Support all of humanity,
by siding with the light
of a nation led by G-d.

He is our shelter, in the barrage
of missiles, our place of refuge,
when the sirens sound.

Our G-d will fight for us,
against the enemies of all that is just,
as we preserve our own integrity.

For, we seek the good of all,
and will not let terror fall
upon innocent lives again.