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ויען בלעם... אם יתן לי בלק מלוא ביתו כסף וזהב לא אוכל לעבור את פי ה' אלקי... (כב:יח).

“Bilaam responded... ‘even if Balak were to pay me his entire treasury of gold and silver, I cannot transgress against the word of Hashem, my God...” (22:18). A cursory glance at the character of Bilaam may yield a surprising result. Is he really such a bad guy after all?! Certainly, the Torah tells us that he was terribly evil, however, my question is: from where do we see this in his actions? He simply followed everything that Hashem said!? He asked Hashem if he could go with Balak’s messengers and Hashem replies in the negative. Finally, after repeatedly asking, he obtained clearance from Hashem and thus proceeded to join them. He asked… Continue reading

Parshas Balak Ratzon Hashem

"...דבר אל בני ישראל ויקחו אליך פרה אדומה תמימה אשר אין בה מום אשר לא עלה עליה עול (יט:ב).

“...Command the Jews to take for themselves a Red Heifer that is perfect and unblemished and has never carried a burden upon it” (19:2). A most amazing and relevant Midrash is quoted by Rabbeinu Bechayeh on this verse. Chazal show how the four expressions of the verse hint to the four Exiles which the Jews were to suffer from, until our final redemption. (This Midrash is found in many places and variant texts all fill in details missing from others.) Let us quote it in partiality and then take out an important lesson. Here it is: -“Parah Aduma, a red heifer”, refers to Bavel, as red is similar to gold which… Continue reading

Parshas Chukas

ויקח קרח... (טז:א).

 “And Korach took...”(16:1).                                                                    

We all know the tragic story of Korach. He perished along with his entire family and followers. What lesson can we learn from all of this? What caused Korach’s downfall? The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 58:3) tells us that Korach was a wise man and from the carriers of the Aron. Why is this piece of information of relevance to us? The Daas Sofer brings out the lesson here. The Aron contained no whole numbers in all of its measurements. Only broken numbers were found, it was 2½ by 1½ by 1½ Amos. Additionally, we are taught that the Aron miraculously took up no physical space! The Luchos, Tablets, representing the Torah, were placed inside the Aron. This is to hint to the… Continue reading

Parshas Korach Humility

...ונהי בעינינו כחגבים וכן היינו בעיניהם (יג:לג).

“...And we appeared to them as locust and so we were small in their eyes” (13:33).   The Miraglim, spies, came back from their mission to gather intelligence regarding the Land and reported their famous disheartening words. Klal Yisroel would suffer from this event for generations. Let us look at a famous question and find a new insight as to what was happening here. The verse states explicitly that the Miraglim viewed themselves as locust insects, but Rashi brings down (based on Sotah 35a) that when they were seen by the giant inhabiters of the Land, they were called by a different name. They heard the people saying, “there are ants in the fields!” What is going on with the varied animals here, locusts… Continue reading

Parshas Shelach

 ויהי בנסע הארון... (י:לה).

"And in was when the Aron departed..." (10:35). Written in the Sefer Torah, this verse and the following verse are surrounded by the famous Nunim Hafuchim, backwards Nunim (נ). Let us find the significance and highly practical lesson which can be gleaned from this. Rashi tells us that these backwards Nunim show an interruption in the narrative between two negative events (sins) which occurred before and after these two verses. It must be noted that when we talk about the sins of the Jews of that great generation, we do not ever think that we can comprehend their true actions and intentions. On their lofty level, Hashem saw these actions as a sin. We strive to learn the lesson that the Torah is providing us with… Continue reading

Hashkafah, Parshas Beha'aloscha Life, Limud HaTorah

After listening to much valuable feedback from our dear readers, we are happy to announce the introduction of two new exciting series! They will be short, interesting and posted weekly! Shevah Berachos Central, posted every Monday! You'll find great ideas to help prepare a last minute speech for a Shevah Berachos (Located on the navigation bar above)! The Weekly Question, posted every Wednesday! You'll have fascinating and stimulating questions to ponder. You are invited to leave your answers as well (Located on the right bar)! We hope that you enjoy and we look forward to getting Close To Torah through this! Please come check it out and brings your friends too!… Continue reading

Announcements

ותען אסתר ותאמר שאלתי ובקשתי (אסתר ה:ז).

"Esther responded saying, 'please grant me my request and my plea!'" (Esther 5:7). Most Significant This verse is in one way the most significant one in the entire Megillah! How so? There are one hundred and sixty-seven verses contained throughout the entire ten chapters of this scroll. The middle verse is thus the eighty-forth one (with eighty-three before and after it). This is our verse. I would like to illustrate how the middle verse captures the essence of the entire Sefer and what that means for us based on our present study. What's Going On Here? There is a fascinating thesis that states, if one wishes to understand the theme of a Torah portion, he must study the first, middle… Continue reading

Hashkafah, Living Purim Every Day, Machshuvah Avodas Hashem, Tefillah

ואם לא נטמאה האשה וטהרה היא ונקתה ונזרעה זרע (ה:כח).

"If she (the suspected Sotah, adulterous woman) was innocent then she will be exonerated and will be blessed with children" (5:28).   The Sotah goes through a fascinating investigative process. She drinks the bitter water. If she is guilty, then she becomes bloated and her body explodes in full view of all the people assembled. If she is innocent, she will live and is given a blessing for the rest of her life that she will be fruitful and produce strong and healthy children. At first glance, both these two options seem hard to understand. They appear quite extreme. If she is guilty, why does the Torah dictate that she should perish so dramatically, could she not just die silently, why… Continue reading

Hashkafah, Machshuvah, Parshas Nasso Ahavas Hashem

In the last article, I developed the theme of working together. We saw how the most effective way to achieve harmony and fulfillment in marriage is to undertake the vital task of caring for and striving to understand the other. In this final continuation, I wish to illustrate a point that is important to be aware of when working towards mutual respect and cooperation. It is the idea of the natural differences between men and women. Perhaps a significant factor that makes harmony so difficult is the gender difference. It already puts the couple at a disadvantage before they even try to communicate. Indeed, men and women are diametrically different. When one recognizes these differences and appreciates their spouse's needs, this will allow them to work together most smoothly. We are… Continue reading

Hashkafah, Machshuvah Middos, Shidduch Crisis, Shidduchim

From where does the custom emerge for us to eat dairy products on Shavuos? In general, the entire Yom Tov seems preoccupied with food! "Everyone agrees that on Shavuos one needs to have physical enjoyment as well" (Pesachim 68b). The Karbon, sacrifice, of the Shney HaLechem, two breads, was brought as well, another hint to edibles. The Yom Tov is called "Chag HaKatzir", the holiday of the harvest (of the grain in the field). It is most surprising that a Yom Tov celebrating our holy and spiritual Torah should have such a physical stress?! Shouldn't we rather fast the entire day and separate from earthly drives? What does this all mean?

A fundamental and inspiring lesson lies behind all this! Chazal (Eruvin 54a) tell us that "this temporal world is… Continue reading

Hashkafah, Machshuvah, Shavuos Ahavas Hashem, Kedusha, L'shma, Limud HaTorah, Ruchnius / Gashmius

 ...ויאמר לאסתר המלכה מי הוא זה ואי זה הוא אשר מלאו לבו לעשות כן. (אסתר ז,ה)

"Achashveyrosh asked Esther, who is the villain who desires to destroy you and what is his motivation?" (Esther 7,5). How To Learn The Megillah is the Sefer that shows how the Jews reconnected to Hashem. Their hearts were so full of love and gratitude from witnessing their miraculous salvation that they were brought to reaccept the Torah willingly, once and for all! It comes as no surprise then that the Megillah contains the formula for how to succeed in learning. When Achashveyrosh wanted to figure out who had plotted to destroy the Jews, he asked Esther two questions. Tell me the facts, what was the plot, who was involved? Next, he questioned… Continue reading

Hashkafah, Living Purim Every Day, Machshuvah, Purim Derech HaLimud, Iyun and B'Kiyus, Limud HaTorah, Wisdom

On behalf of the entire CloseToTorah family, we would like to wish a hearty Mazel Tov to Yehuda Goldman upon his engagement to Basya Durden from Detroit!

  We wish them only the best as they embark on this exciting new journey together! We have come to love and appreciate Yehuda for his quick wit and most relevant observations that have inspired us to reach out and care for others. We are sure that the Kallah indeed must be a very special young lady to appreciate and join Yehuda in his quest to build a beautiful home where Hashem will dwell and happiness will reign supreme. Mazel Tov! You are welcome to post your good wishes below!…

Announcements

There are times when it's easy to do the Mitzvos, and there are times when it's harder. We often become lax in our observance at such intervals. Taking lesson from the word Bamidbar, we find inspiration to maintain our level of performance even when the going gets tough. This week we begin the book of Numbers, Sefer Bamidbar. The first Parsha is, interestingly enough, named Bamidbar as well. I'd like to share an original thought that came to mind a couple of years back. The 'Gematria' - or numerical value - of the word Bamidbar is 248. The meaning of the word itself is, 'in the desert'. These two facts I believe, are alluding to something special. The 613 Mitzvos, known as 'Taryag', are broken down into two groups. The 365 'Lo… Continue reading

Parshas Bamidbar

שאו את ראש כל עדת בני ישראל... (א:ב).

"Count all of the Jews..." (1:2).

Chazal (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:11) tell us that there are ten times in Jewish history that the Jews were counted. The first was when Yaakov and his family went down to Egypt with seventy people. The last counting will take place at the time of Moshiach. The Ramban states that there was a specific purpose and reason for each census. One was for the appointment of a new leader and one followed a large calamity, etc. However, he asks, in this instance, he cannot understand for what purpose Hashem desired a counting?! I would like to share and develop his most enlightening answer with you.

At this point in Jewish history… Continue reading

Hashkafah, Machshuvah, Parshas Bamidbar Ahavas Hashem, Chessed, Jewish Education, Wisdom

A Heart of Pure Love and Faith Eliezer, you are with us and we will never forget you. Our small Yeshiva in Eretz Yisrael prides itself as being a close-knit family. We share in each other's Simchos and we share in the hardships as well. Over the years, we were there for each other at times of tragedy and loss. We lost grandparents, fathers and mothers. We all cried and wept together. But today, for the first time ever, we lost one of our own. Eliezer is not here to comfort us, for we lost Eliezer himself. We must be strong, as he would have wanted us to be. We will take his message; we will take his passion. We will learn his powerful legacy that he has left through his short… Continue reading

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Sincerity is an important trait that bears a role in relationships as well as in one's service of their Creator. Drawing a parallel from Parshas Tzav, we see a clear example of what it means to be sincere and do something in the right way crossing your T's and dotting your I's.

Thus far, much of what we have spoken about has revolved around the idea of sincerity. Today I'd like to develop this theme a bit more drawing a parallel from Parshas Tzav in Vayikra (Leviticus). Parshas Tzav consists of ninety-six verses. The Hebrew letters which represent ninety-six are, interestingly enough, 'Tzadi' and 'Vav' spelling out the word and name of the Parsha, Tzav! (Just to confuse you, classic texts show that Tzav actually contains ninety-seven verses. See the commentary… Continue reading

Hashkafah, Machshuvah

ואיש כי ימכור בית מושב עיר חומה... ימים תהיה גאולתו (כה:כט).

"If a man sold his ancestral home inside a walled city... he has one year to redeem it back" (25:29).

The Torah uses the word "ימים, days" to connote a time period of one year. Why doesn't the Torah just say "שנה, year"? What lesson lies behind this strange usage?

Let us examine two other places where this word is used to mean a year which will help us understand the message behind it. Firstly, Avraham and Sarah's advanced ages are described as "באים בימים, they were coming in their days". Secondly, Lavan demanded that before Rivkah leave to marry Yitzchok, she should remain at home for "ימים", which Chazal tell us meant one… Continue reading

Parshas Behar Goal, Growth, Zman

וזכרתי את בריתי יעקוב (כו:מב).

 "I will remember my covenant with Yaakov" (26:42).

Rashi informs us the reason that Yaakov's name is spelled here with an additional Vav (יעקוב). There are five times that 'Yaakov' is spelled with an extra Vav and five times that 'Eliyahu' is spelled with his Vav missing (אליה-ו). This is to signify that Yaakov took this letter from Eliyahu's name as a collateral to assure that Eliyahu would come to redeem the Jewish people from exile! Now, this certainly is a deep Torah secret, but let us delve into it to see what we can glean.

The Chida (Chomas Anach) quotes the following fascinating Chazal. Eisav got his name because he was born highly developed and full of hair. His name… Continue reading

Parshas Bechukosai Acknowledging Hashem, Action, Emes, Ruchnius / Gashmius

 איש יהודי היה בשושן הבירה ושמו מרדכי בן יאיר בן שמעי בן קיש איש ימיני (אסתר ב:ה)

"...Mordechai was a descendant of... Benjamin" (Esther 2:5) Why Is This Important? Of what significance is it to know from where Mordechai came? Additionally, we know that Binyamin, the son of Yaakov our forefather, had ten children. The Targum and Chazal go out of their way to trace Mordechai back to Belah the son of Binyamin. What are they trying to teach us with this seemingly irrelevant information?   G-d Bless America! There is a fundamental lesson to be accrued here, which has been painfully ignored too many times throughout our Nation's history. When we try to join the secular culture, we cannot succeed. It is only when we commit ourselves to… Continue reading

Hashkafah, Machshuvah, Purim Galus, Hashem, Klal Yisroel, Tzaddik

Imagine if the Torah commanded you to spend the next consecutive year straight shaking a Lulav and Esrog, the four species, for the majority of the day throughout your waking hours! This would be a very tiring task! There are different types of Mitzvos. Some apply constantly, like love and fear of God, some daily, like wearing Tefillin or davening, and some come periodically, like eating Matzah on Pesach or redeeming a first born son when applicable (see Derech Hashem IV:1:2). But there are none that just start one day of your adult life and then last for one year straight...... well... except one! If you are reading this paper, then you probably know that I am discussing the topic of marriage and that is precisely where this unique Mitzvah is found… Continue reading

Hashkafah, Machshuvah Bein Adam L'Chavayro, Shidduch Crisis, Shidduchim, Torah marriage