Our Parsha this Shabbos is Parshas Vayeitzei where Yaakov leaves Be'er Sheva and heads for Charanah.On the way,Jacob has his very Holy dream of a 'Sulam' a 'Ladder' with angels going up and down on it.
Our Parsha is called 'Vayeitzei,' which means to go out from or depart.It does not just mean Yaakov's physical journey from one place to another but also Yaakov's spiritual journey upwards in Holiness.The entire Parsha is of this theme,like the ladder which Yaakov dreamt of.This is the same as our lives and where we choose to take our lives.Will we make the life we are given by HaShem one of growing higher spiritually or waste each breath HaShem gives us,on meaningless physical pursuits that have no lasting value.The word 'Sulam' - 'Ladder' also means 'grading' which again shows how one's choices can help one better oneself if one continues on to the path of HaShem.
The ladder that Yaakov saw,was endless,as is HaShem's Holiness an endless pursuit to climb toward.There is always space for betterment and more goodness and. Kindness.G-D is beyond the infinite and our path to Holiness is never ending.One can never say one has reached one's full potential as one can always climb higher and be a better person.
But inorder to do this,we must first 'Vayeitzei' - 'Leave behind' who we were,to change to the better,every moment we are given-to climb above ourselves ever higher all the time closer to G-D.To stay static and not improve,is akin to not living.HaShem gave us the breath of life and that breath of life is an eternal chord that pulls us closer to HaShem with every move we make,if we decide and choose to go toward G-D.That choice is ours to make as HaShem told us in the Tanach,'Choose life and live,' - choose HaShem and grow higher and closer to HaShem every day and we will be 'living.'This is true living and true use of HaShem's breath of life.
We know that people are not eternal right now (right now,as in Olam Hazeh - this World,but will be eternal in Olam Habah - The World To Come ) but we can spiritually help our soul live eternally by 'living' - growing each day toward HaShem and so,we will live as HaShem wanted us to live ,bringing ourselves into eternity and Olam Habah.The world as it is now has physical boundaries where life ends in the physicality ,so we need to constantly look to our children to carry on the light for us .Yaakov knew this,when he set up twelve stones around him before he slept (representing his twelve sons and the twelve tribes ) to see if his sons could be holy enough to carry on the journey of Yiddishkeit to holiness and when he awoke,they had become one stone showing that his sons would carry on as one,the singular oneness of the holy journey toward G-D with the singular purpose of serving G-D as One, together.
So,to climb higher every day and live,we need to keep leaving the static of being satisfied as we are and grow and climb every moment toward holiness,going out from - 'Vayeitzei' ourselves at every moment and climbing up the 'Ladder' toward HaShem.
We notice that in Yaakov's dream,it mentions 'ascending' before the word 'descending' when it describes what the angels are doing on the 'Ladder'.This shows,that when we climb to HaShem,we must first make that choice to climb and not to stay down and though we may sometimes backtrack a little bit,we must carry on as we will continue to rise and climb higher toward HaShem.
In the first verse of this Parsha,it says that Yaakov 'headed for' 'Charanah .' It does not actually say he reached it at this stage but at a later stage.The word. Charanah in Gematriah comes to 263 which is the same as the word 'Garas,' in Hebrew,which means 'To Study.'Here is a sweet hint of how to come closer to HaShem.We cannot ever reach as High as HaShem,but through Study of His Torah and Commandments,we can climb higher every day up the spiritual ladder towards our precious HaShem.
Yaakov saw Angels -Malachim on the ladder ascending and descending.The word 'Malachim' also means 'Messengers,' and can relate to each part and experience of our life being a message that assists us to climb higher and overcome that which we need to overcome so we can rise toward HaShem.
Pirkei Avot reminds us that we are not obligated to complete the journey,but we are not free to withdraw from it.Even though we may only climb a little every day,we must remember to climb higher and do more and follow HaShem's loving Commandments more every day and 'Vayeitzei' and 'Leave' our previous level and grading behind,to continue to climb ever higher toward HaShem , so that we may live,for true living is within HaShem.
With deepest special love,I wish HaShem a Blessed Holy Shabbos Kodesh with love and to all , a Blessed Holy Shabbos Kodesh with love.
Friday, 28 November 2014
Friday, 21 November 2014
Parshat Toldos
Our Parsha this Shabbos is Parshat Toldot and starts with ,'Ve'Eileh Toldot Yitzchak Ben Avraham,Avraham Holid Et Yitzchak,' - 'And these are the offspring (Toldot) of Isaac son of Avraham,Avraham begot Isaac' where the birth of Yaakov and Eisav are spoken of.
We see that the first verse tells us that these are the offspring of Isaac son of Avraham and then repeats that Avraham begot Yitzchak.Why the need to repeat what was just stated?Our Rabbis tell us that at the time,people doubted that Isaac was the son of Avraham and said that the father was Avimelech.So HaShem,in His Wisdom,made the features of Isaac so much like Avraham,that people undeniably had to admit that Avraham was genuinely the Father of Isaac.
Even till today,people try to deny that the Jews are from Avraham.But our Toeah states clearly that Isaac was the son of Avraham and his offspring are HaShem's chosen people from Isaac.Thus the covenant that HaShem made with Avraham,will remain with Yitzchak and his 'Toldot' - 'Offspring.' Those that doubt to whom HaShem gave Eretz Yisrael,need only look for themselves in HaShem's given gift of the Torah to see that Israel is given to the biological offspring of Avraham,Yitzchak and Yaakov.
Right from the very beginning of this Parsha,HaShem shows us that there are two different ways to live.The Torah was of G-D and the path away from G-D.The path towards G-D leads toward G-D.But the path away from G-D (Chas Ve Shalom) leads away from G-D (Chas Ve Shalom) and thus,away from the truth.
The Hebrew word 'Toldot' in Gematria comes to 840 which is 8+4+0=12 and 1+2=3.Here,Rivka had 2 sons so what is the 3? HaShem is part of the birth of every child that gets born,where there is HaShem,a Mother and a Father,thus making '3.'This is the way of all human births.No human birth can take place without HaShem and the Mother and Father that HaShem created,no matter what other religions come and tell you.HaShem is ther at every birth.So,the '3' here in our Parsha of Toldot refers to HaShem,the Mother and the Father.But it also shows something else.There were two sons so again,what was the '3?' The 3 was HaShem who was there ensuring that these two 'regimes' would be separate.This is how it had to be.Yaakov knew this when his brother Eisav asked him to come back with him and Yaakov refused,as these two regimes must be separate.But doesn't separation create a lack of peace,where HaShem wants us to be one?Not in this case,for we must always separate ourselves from that which is not a path to HaShem.That is true peace.But why would HaShem want to separate the children of Yitzchak and Rivka? Right at the very start HaShem wants to ensure that the Jewish People will be totally pure and Holy and G-Dly.Those traits that are not,have no place in Yiddishkeit.
From the very beginning of Creation,HaShem gave us this same choice-Heaven or Earth-Good or bad.The world as HaShem made it has these two choices at all times and wants us to keep a separation - a Kashrut-a Havdallah between Good and Bad,Holy and profane,Shabbos and Mundane.The free choice we live with,thus allows us to climb spiritually and become Holy.We are to lift ourselves out of this physicality and rise to HaShem.
With all we do,there is a choice to do Right or Wrong-Good or Bad.The choice is ours and the result is from the path and way of life on which we choose to travel.It is like two paths diverging in a wood,where only one path leads out of the forest while the other one leads further in.If we take the wrong path,then we go off course only one step at a time,but by the end,the true path is so far away and unseen.Yet HaShem can always be reached,as HaShem always gives us the choice-Yaakov or Eisav.
Our Rabbiis when asked how could children of Avraham have had any negativity,when Avraham had reached such a state of Holiness.Our Rabbis teach us,that Rivka's family were idolworshippers.Though Rivka was totally pure,her family was not and so,to keep her purity and her line clear,clean and pure,the negativity had to separate itself so the Jewish people could be totally pure and so,Eisav too was born.This birth from Rivka came at a painful cost,for Eisav damaged his own mother on his birth,ensuring she would have no more offspring.This can teach us that we are able to make up for our parent's ,if they have done wrong and help them gain Holiness by the way we act.Again,the choice of how we live is ours.
So use every moment and breath that HaShem gives you,wisely and make each one count by traveling with each step we are given,toward HaShem and His Torah,for once each moment we are given has passed,it will never come again.
It is for the sake of our children,that HaShem forgave our aveirah when Moshe pleaded for our forgiveness,So make sure that each and every member of our offspring,leads and follows a Holy Torah life,toward HaShem.
With deepest love,HaShem I wish You Beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with love and to all,a beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with love.
We see that the first verse tells us that these are the offspring of Isaac son of Avraham and then repeats that Avraham begot Yitzchak.Why the need to repeat what was just stated?Our Rabbis tell us that at the time,people doubted that Isaac was the son of Avraham and said that the father was Avimelech.So HaShem,in His Wisdom,made the features of Isaac so much like Avraham,that people undeniably had to admit that Avraham was genuinely the Father of Isaac.
Even till today,people try to deny that the Jews are from Avraham.But our Toeah states clearly that Isaac was the son of Avraham and his offspring are HaShem's chosen people from Isaac.Thus the covenant that HaShem made with Avraham,will remain with Yitzchak and his 'Toldot' - 'Offspring.' Those that doubt to whom HaShem gave Eretz Yisrael,need only look for themselves in HaShem's given gift of the Torah to see that Israel is given to the biological offspring of Avraham,Yitzchak and Yaakov.
Right from the very beginning of this Parsha,HaShem shows us that there are two different ways to live.The Torah was of G-D and the path away from G-D.The path towards G-D leads toward G-D.But the path away from G-D (Chas Ve Shalom) leads away from G-D (Chas Ve Shalom) and thus,away from the truth.
The Hebrew word 'Toldot' in Gematria comes to 840 which is 8+4+0=12 and 1+2=3.Here,Rivka had 2 sons so what is the 3? HaShem is part of the birth of every child that gets born,where there is HaShem,a Mother and a Father,thus making '3.'This is the way of all human births.No human birth can take place without HaShem and the Mother and Father that HaShem created,no matter what other religions come and tell you.HaShem is ther at every birth.So,the '3' here in our Parsha of Toldot refers to HaShem,the Mother and the Father.But it also shows something else.There were two sons so again,what was the '3?' The 3 was HaShem who was there ensuring that these two 'regimes' would be separate.This is how it had to be.Yaakov knew this when his brother Eisav asked him to come back with him and Yaakov refused,as these two regimes must be separate.But doesn't separation create a lack of peace,where HaShem wants us to be one?Not in this case,for we must always separate ourselves from that which is not a path to HaShem.That is true peace.But why would HaShem want to separate the children of Yitzchak and Rivka? Right at the very start HaShem wants to ensure that the Jewish People will be totally pure and Holy and G-Dly.Those traits that are not,have no place in Yiddishkeit.
From the very beginning of Creation,HaShem gave us this same choice-Heaven or Earth-Good or bad.The world as HaShem made it has these two choices at all times and wants us to keep a separation - a Kashrut-a Havdallah between Good and Bad,Holy and profane,Shabbos and Mundane.The free choice we live with,thus allows us to climb spiritually and become Holy.We are to lift ourselves out of this physicality and rise to HaShem.
With all we do,there is a choice to do Right or Wrong-Good or Bad.The choice is ours and the result is from the path and way of life on which we choose to travel.It is like two paths diverging in a wood,where only one path leads out of the forest while the other one leads further in.If we take the wrong path,then we go off course only one step at a time,but by the end,the true path is so far away and unseen.Yet HaShem can always be reached,as HaShem always gives us the choice-Yaakov or Eisav.
Our Rabbiis when asked how could children of Avraham have had any negativity,when Avraham had reached such a state of Holiness.Our Rabbis teach us,that Rivka's family were idolworshippers.Though Rivka was totally pure,her family was not and so,to keep her purity and her line clear,clean and pure,the negativity had to separate itself so the Jewish people could be totally pure and so,Eisav too was born.This birth from Rivka came at a painful cost,for Eisav damaged his own mother on his birth,ensuring she would have no more offspring.This can teach us that we are able to make up for our parent's ,if they have done wrong and help them gain Holiness by the way we act.Again,the choice of how we live is ours.
So use every moment and breath that HaShem gives you,wisely and make each one count by traveling with each step we are given,toward HaShem and His Torah,for once each moment we are given has passed,it will never come again.
It is for the sake of our children,that HaShem forgave our aveirah when Moshe pleaded for our forgiveness,So make sure that each and every member of our offspring,leads and follows a Holy Torah life,toward HaShem.
With deepest love,HaShem I wish You Beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with love and to all,a beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with love.
Friday, 14 November 2014
Parshas Chayei Sarah
Our Parsha this Shabbos is 'Chayei Sarah,' and starts with Avraham going and purchasing a burial plot for Sarah.The plot that Avraham bought ,he knew,was the entry into Gan Eiden,a plot he had found earlier,when trying to prepare a bullock for the three angels and the bullock ran into this cave,where Avraham had seen a special light and smelt the beautiful fragrance of Gan Eiden.Angels then,had told him,this was where Adam Ve Chava was buried.This was the Cave of Machpeilah.
We see that in the first verse,Sarah's life is divided into three distinct periods where she had lived a hundred years and twenty years and seven years.Our Rabbis say,that her life was mentioned like this as she was as sinless at a hundred years as a twenty year old and as purely innocent and beautiful at twenty years old,as she was when she was seven,innocent and pure.
One wonders though why ,if this Parsha starts out about her burial,why is it called 'Chayei Sarah,- 'Sarah lived?'If her precious Neshoma went to Shamaim,why is she still considered as living in this world?
This is the way of a Tzaddik and Tzaddekes.They continue spiritually to Bless this world and their goodness and Holiness live on.Thus their spirit lives on and works to raise this world to Holiness.Even though death comes,it does not mean that the person stops working for HaShem.In fact,they continue in their special way and their essence never dies.Also,in the heart and soul of every Jew,Sarah lives on as our Mother for all time,for we Jews come from her.The same is for Avraham,who also passed on and this is mentioned near the end of this Parsha.These two Holy people continue to live on in every single one of us.They,within them,contained the souls of every Jew that would come from them.So great was their Holiness and thus,they continue (even though they passed away) ,to 'Chayei'- 'Live.'Each and every Jew that came from these very Holy people,contain a part of Avraham and Sarah.
Holy people that do HaShem's Will,become Holy spiritual beings that carry HaShem within them and so,they will never spiritually die.They continue to live.
We are all the bearers of their Holiness.What a beautiful sweetness for us all to carry.This brings upon us a very precious responsibility to continue in their path and carry the Torah for HaShem and them and literally become a living Torah within ourselves within where HaShem can dwell.These two Holy giants of Holiness carry us into every generation and thank you to them that we are Jews.We too,need to carry them too,by being a Holy Torah-keeping and following nation so that we can once again bring HaShem down to this world to fill the world with HaShem's Light and Love.
So many have gone on adventures looking for the way to gain eternal life.The answer has been with us all along.If we carry HaShem within us,keeping HaShem's Commandments,HaShem,Who is beyond eternal,will carry us to Eternity in Goodness,Holiness,Love and Light.
So,may we all have the Holy strength and yearning to live Holy Torah lives and Bless and welcome HaShem to this world.
With love,I wish You HaShem a truly special and Holy Shabbos Kodesh with love and to all,with love,a special Holy Shabbos Kodesh.
We see that in the first verse,Sarah's life is divided into three distinct periods where she had lived a hundred years and twenty years and seven years.Our Rabbis say,that her life was mentioned like this as she was as sinless at a hundred years as a twenty year old and as purely innocent and beautiful at twenty years old,as she was when she was seven,innocent and pure.
One wonders though why ,if this Parsha starts out about her burial,why is it called 'Chayei Sarah,- 'Sarah lived?'If her precious Neshoma went to Shamaim,why is she still considered as living in this world?
This is the way of a Tzaddik and Tzaddekes.They continue spiritually to Bless this world and their goodness and Holiness live on.Thus their spirit lives on and works to raise this world to Holiness.Even though death comes,it does not mean that the person stops working for HaShem.In fact,they continue in their special way and their essence never dies.Also,in the heart and soul of every Jew,Sarah lives on as our Mother for all time,for we Jews come from her.The same is for Avraham,who also passed on and this is mentioned near the end of this Parsha.These two Holy people continue to live on in every single one of us.They,within them,contained the souls of every Jew that would come from them.So great was their Holiness and thus,they continue (even though they passed away) ,to 'Chayei'- 'Live.'Each and every Jew that came from these very Holy people,contain a part of Avraham and Sarah.
Holy people that do HaShem's Will,become Holy spiritual beings that carry HaShem within them and so,they will never spiritually die.They continue to live.
We are all the bearers of their Holiness.What a beautiful sweetness for us all to carry.This brings upon us a very precious responsibility to continue in their path and carry the Torah for HaShem and them and literally become a living Torah within ourselves within where HaShem can dwell.These two Holy giants of Holiness carry us into every generation and thank you to them that we are Jews.We too,need to carry them too,by being a Holy Torah-keeping and following nation so that we can once again bring HaShem down to this world to fill the world with HaShem's Light and Love.
So many have gone on adventures looking for the way to gain eternal life.The answer has been with us all along.If we carry HaShem within us,keeping HaShem's Commandments,HaShem,Who is beyond eternal,will carry us to Eternity in Goodness,Holiness,Love and Light.
So,may we all have the Holy strength and yearning to live Holy Torah lives and Bless and welcome HaShem to this world.
With love,I wish You HaShem a truly special and Holy Shabbos Kodesh with love and to all,with love,a special Holy Shabbos Kodesh.
Friday, 7 November 2014
Parshas Vayeira
Our Parsha this Shabbos is 'Parshas Vayeira,' where HaShem appears to Avraham after his circumcision on the third day,the most painful day,after a Bris.Avraham was sad because HaShem had made the days very hot to help heal Avraham and also,so visitors wouldn't come traveling and thus Avraham,in his pained state would want to give his Chesed,to welcome guests,when he wasn't really up to it and needed to heal.Avraham was sad that he couldn't give the mitzvah of hospitality,so HaShem came to visit Avraham himself.This is where we learn that it is a Mitzvah to visit the sick.
In the very next verse,we are told that Avraham 'Vayisa,' - 'lifted up' his eyes and saw Three men (who were actually angels).
Avraham lifted up his eyes and HaShem Appeared.Avraham was in tremendous pain,but still lifted his eyes above the pain and so HaShem appeared.This teaches one that no matter what one goes through,HaShem is always close and one needs to learn to lift oneself above the hardships and look to G-D,for all is for one's Neshoma's good,even if one cannot always see that while one is going through the hardship.HaShem is always there.So,two ideas,one of 'Lifting up one's eyes,' and 'HaShem appears,' are brought in this Sedra.
If we put these two ideas of HaShem appearing and lifting up one's eyes,we learn,that to come close to HaShem,we need to loft up our 'eyes' above the physicality around us to a more spiritual existence.So many waste and spend their lives pursuing money and wealth and physical pleasures that are just that,physical objects and tools of a physical world one leaves behind.Such wasted physical pursuits of riches,cause one to forget HaShem and to constantly look down at the Earth,waiting to see what the Earth will give to them.They don't stop to realize,that it isn't the Earth that is the source of all living and all things,but HaShem,HaKadosh Baruch Hu,The Holy One Blessed Be He,who is the source of all.We need to learn to 'Vayisa' - 'Lift up' our eyes and look to G-D and G-D will 'Vayeira,' - 'Appear.'
We all would love to see HaShem's Essence,but we are all looking in the wrong direction.HaShem has always been there all along.It is only when we 'Vayisa' -Lift up,' our eyes to HaShem,then HaShem's Shechinah appears in the way we are able to understand.Learn to look for HaShem,by not. Just looking at all that is around us,but looking within.For that. Is where HaShem is to be found.To acknowledge G-D in all things and keeping G-D on our mouth and in our heart always.This physical world is not what it appears.Look beyond it,for the real true world is sweetened by finding HaShem within all things He made.No one can see HaShem,but HaShem's Shechinah can appear to us in a way our spirtual holiness will allow.It all depends on us.Moshe saw the clearest Essence of the back of HaShem,that any person has ever seen.This was because Moshe did not waste his life on physical pursuits and wealth,but always 'Vayisa'-'Lifted up' his eyes in reverence to G-D.While the Children of Israel were concerned with leaving Egypt and removing what was rightfully theirs for all the years of hardship and heavy labor they had sadly been subjected to,Moshe was bringing up the bones of Yoseif to fulfill the word made that we will bring Joseph out of Egypt when we leave.Moshe reached the 49th level of Holiness and Purity and so,HaShem appeared to Moshe.
As our holy forefathers and holy men before, knew to look up toward G-D ,so must we learn from their example ,that physical things and Earthly treasures are actually of no value ,to what is truly real.What matters only,is our pursuit of Holiness and this path is fulfilled by 'Vayisa' - 'Lifting up' our Eyes to HaShem.If we look above and lift up our eyes to HaShem,HaShem can appear to us and Olam Habah will surround us.Let us learn to lift up our eyes to HaShem and HaShem,who is always there will appear to us in His Own Sweet Way.Let us make this world a world in which HaShem can dwell.
I love you HaShem.With love to HaShem,I wish HaShem a Holy Beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with love and to all,a holy beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with love.
In the very next verse,we are told that Avraham 'Vayisa,' - 'lifted up' his eyes and saw Three men (who were actually angels).
Avraham lifted up his eyes and HaShem Appeared.Avraham was in tremendous pain,but still lifted his eyes above the pain and so HaShem appeared.This teaches one that no matter what one goes through,HaShem is always close and one needs to learn to lift oneself above the hardships and look to G-D,for all is for one's Neshoma's good,even if one cannot always see that while one is going through the hardship.HaShem is always there.So,two ideas,one of 'Lifting up one's eyes,' and 'HaShem appears,' are brought in this Sedra.
If we put these two ideas of HaShem appearing and lifting up one's eyes,we learn,that to come close to HaShem,we need to loft up our 'eyes' above the physicality around us to a more spiritual existence.So many waste and spend their lives pursuing money and wealth and physical pleasures that are just that,physical objects and tools of a physical world one leaves behind.Such wasted physical pursuits of riches,cause one to forget HaShem and to constantly look down at the Earth,waiting to see what the Earth will give to them.They don't stop to realize,that it isn't the Earth that is the source of all living and all things,but HaShem,HaKadosh Baruch Hu,The Holy One Blessed Be He,who is the source of all.We need to learn to 'Vayisa' - 'Lift up' our eyes and look to G-D and G-D will 'Vayeira,' - 'Appear.'
We all would love to see HaShem's Essence,but we are all looking in the wrong direction.HaShem has always been there all along.It is only when we 'Vayisa' -Lift up,' our eyes to HaShem,then HaShem's Shechinah appears in the way we are able to understand.Learn to look for HaShem,by not. Just looking at all that is around us,but looking within.For that. Is where HaShem is to be found.To acknowledge G-D in all things and keeping G-D on our mouth and in our heart always.This physical world is not what it appears.Look beyond it,for the real true world is sweetened by finding HaShem within all things He made.No one can see HaShem,but HaShem's Shechinah can appear to us in a way our spirtual holiness will allow.It all depends on us.Moshe saw the clearest Essence of the back of HaShem,that any person has ever seen.This was because Moshe did not waste his life on physical pursuits and wealth,but always 'Vayisa'-'Lifted up' his eyes in reverence to G-D.While the Children of Israel were concerned with leaving Egypt and removing what was rightfully theirs for all the years of hardship and heavy labor they had sadly been subjected to,Moshe was bringing up the bones of Yoseif to fulfill the word made that we will bring Joseph out of Egypt when we leave.Moshe reached the 49th level of Holiness and Purity and so,HaShem appeared to Moshe.
As our holy forefathers and holy men before, knew to look up toward G-D ,so must we learn from their example ,that physical things and Earthly treasures are actually of no value ,to what is truly real.What matters only,is our pursuit of Holiness and this path is fulfilled by 'Vayisa' - 'Lifting up' our Eyes to HaShem.If we look above and lift up our eyes to HaShem,HaShem can appear to us and Olam Habah will surround us.Let us learn to lift up our eyes to HaShem and HaShem,who is always there will appear to us in His Own Sweet Way.Let us make this world a world in which HaShem can dwell.
I love you HaShem.With love to HaShem,I wish HaShem a Holy Beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with love and to all,a holy beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with love.
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