Search Results for: Parsha

Parsha Mikeitz/Shabbos Chanukah 5766:
The Message of Yosef for the Observant — A Time for Indignation.

By Moshe Burt

Two years ago, this author made a big splash at the Shul’s Shabbos Chanukah Oneg.

Shortly before the Oneg, this author read Jay Shapiro’s book “Almost Midrash” and gave over a vort on Yosef encorporating a story entitled “Duaf of Memphis” from Shapiro’s book (about Duaf, the former Barber whose meteoric rise through the ranks of Pharoh’s army and monarch culminated in his being appointed as the Viceroy’s right-hand man) and the dialogue of Page 13 A & B of Gemora Megillah Esther (the dialogue between Achashveirosh and Haman resulting in the evil decree against the Jews). The point of the Torah Vort of course was that with longevity in Shushan and throughout Achashveirosh’s Empire, as with Mitzrayim, the Jews were disparaged as either useless or too powerful, and in both cases, antagonists conveniently forgot about Yosef. The point was made as a lesson to the secular which sadly has repeated itself again and again throughout history in different ways whenever Jews got comfortable, complacent in where they were at the time and forgot who and what they are. In forgetting, they assimilate and, in our time, Chanukah evolves into “spin the dreidel”, cutsie, yet shallow assemblies in Conservative Synagogues to make it seem like they are doing something for Jewish youth, yet totally miss the meaning and message of what Chanukah is really all about. That was the focus of the Rav Kahane article recently received which was put out as an email and on the Sin of Expulsion blog. read more

Parsha Vayishlach 5766; Maintaining and Restoring Righteousness
By, Moshe Burt

As our Parsha begins, Yaakov sent melachim (angels), some render a translation of messengers, “… ahead of him to Eisev to the land of Seir, to the field of Edom… Thus shall you say … to Eisev, so said your servant Yaakov: ‘Im-Lavan garti’ (I have sojourned with Lavan) …” (Sefer Breish’t, Perek 32, posukim 4 & 5).

We learn that the Gematria (numerical value) of the word ‘garti’ is 613; that Yaakov “… sojourned with Lavan, but yet … kept all of the 613 commandments and … did not learn from his [Lavan’s] wicked deeds.” (Torah Gems, Aharon Greenberg, Parsha Vayishlach page 251) read more

Parsha Toldos 5766 — To Rise Above the Norm
By, Moshe Burt

The Israeli political scene at present resembles a Free Agency Market. It’s talents or shall we say, bounty-hunters are for hire to the highest bidder, and represent the likes of which would make America’s sports Free Agency look lame by comparison.

Forget Major League Baseball’s rush for “Closers”(the guy to pitch the 8th and or 9th innings and hold a lead) — Wagner $43 Million for 4 years, B.J. Ryan $47 Million 5 years, etc. read more

Parsha Chayei Sarah 5766: Two Shidduchim and a Legacy
by, Moshe Burt

Toward the end of our parsha, after Avraham Aveinu’s acquistion of the Ma’arat HaMachpela for 400 shekels of silver from Efron the Hittite, after his burial and mourning period for Sarah Emeinu, Avraham sends Eliezer back to his (Avraham’s) family on a mission to find a wife for Yitzchak.

As Eliezer approaches Aram Naharayim, the city of Nahor, the home of Avrham’s family, he prays to Hashem; “Oh Lord, G’d of my master Avraham, I pray you … show kindness to my master Avraham.” read more

Eviction! Of the Arabs from the Jewish homeland!
by Yaakov Landsman

Excerpts;

Parsha VaYera. Genesis 21 reads, in Part:

“9. Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian [Yishmael] , whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking [Isaac].”

“10. Therefore she said to Abraham, ‘Cast out [garesh] this handmaid and her son! For the son of this handmaid will not inherit [yirash] with my son, with Isaac.'”

“The contest for inheritance begins early – who will succeed Abraham? Who will inherit his land, his riches, and his blessing? As a small child, Ishmael was already bringing violence, lewdness and idolatry into the household. Sarah notes Ishmael’s behavior, especially his jealousy of Isaac. She no doubt knew that her husband Abraham was very connected to Ishmael, and yet, she must have thought the problem was important enough to demand: ‘Cast out [garesh] this handmaid and her son! For the son of this handmaid will not inherit [ki lo yirash] with my son, with Isaac.'” read more

Parsha Lech Lecha 5766: Aliyah — To The Jewish Big Leagues
By Moshe Burt

“Hashem said to Avram, Go for yourself from your land … to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation…” (Breish’t, Perek 12, posukim 1 & 2) I call this the “Aliyah Parsha.”

Rashi writes on the posukim, “For your benefit and good. It is there that I will make you a great nation …” (Rashi on Breish’t, Perek 12, posuk 1)

Sefat Emet asks, “if G’d himself promised … that the move would be for his good and his benefit, why should this have been such a great test?” It seems that it was exactly because of Hashem’s promise to him that the test was of greater magnitude because when Avram actually went, he did so “as Hashem had spoken to him.” (Breish’t Perek 12, posuk 4) “In other words, he went purely because he had been told to do so by G’d, without any intention of deriving any benefit from his actions. The test … was whether, after all of these promises. he would still be able to fulfill G’d’s will without even the hint of any desire for any benefit for himself.” (Word and quotes attributed to Sefat Emet, Torah Gems, Aharon Yaakov Greenberg, Parsha Lech Lecha, pge 97) read more

Parsha No’ach 5766: The Lesson of Expulsion, Learning that “Line of
Gemora” and Reaching Beyond

by Moshe Burt

Had an interesting conversation at Night Seder the other night with a friend from Shul.

While talking with me about the Matzav we all face, he drew a contrast between himself and me. Being a musician, he asked me if I knew how to read a musical score. I said no. He complimented me at being so good at what I do; activism, fighting for Eretz Yisrael, understanding the “politics”, etc. read more