In a recent conversation with the Rosh Yeshiva Shlit"a, he declared unequivocally that the focus of our Avoda in our times should be on "Bein Adam L'chavero" - Mitzvos between one person and another.
Sinas Chinam, Kina'h, Ona'as Devorim, Malbin Pnei Chaveiro Berabim and Miskabed Bekolon Chaveiro not to mention Loshon Hara and Rechilus are of utmost concern particularly in the pre Messianic era.
The health and abundance of Brocho this Avoda will bring is immeasurable.
The day of the wedding of the Rebbe Shlit"a family is a special day.
Across the world his Chassidim refrain from saying "Tachnun" the whole week of the Chasuna.
However recently the Rebbe Shlit"a has decided that only in the Shul where the Choson Davens should they refrain from saying Tacnun.
Reason: bla"h there are so many family Simchas that if they were to continue with the original custom, Tachnun would hardly be said. In order to preserve the Tefilas Tachnun he decided that there should be a change.
The Skverer Rebbe Shlit"a has involved himself in the battle against the internet.
In an article in this weekend's Bakhila it is reported that the Rebbe Shlit"a has met with advisors who discussed ways of filtering the internet to protect the young and old from reading & seeing Loshon Hora, Rechilus, Hotzas Shem Ra and other sorts of damaging content.
It is quoted in the name of Maran Harav Moshe Feinstein Zt"l that the difference in price between Cholov Yisroel and Cholov Stam does not serve as an allowance to drink Cholov Stam.
(Rabbi Felder-Phila)
This Shabbos is the Yahrtzeit of the Tzadik of Radomsk Zt"l.
His popular Sefer "Tiferes Shlomo" is a master work of Chassidus in it's great warmth.
He would often visit the Apte Rebbe Zt"l and Reb Simcha Bunim of Pashischa Zt"l and he would visit the Divrei Chaim of Zanz Zt"l infrequently.
The Teffilos of the "Radomsker" were known to bring all those around him to great Hisorerus.
Yehi Zichro Baruch!
This month we all commemorate the Yartzeit of the two Manhegei Hador, Maran Harav Yaakov Kaminetsky & Maran the Posek Hador Harav Moshe Feinstein, Zichronom l'virocho.
These two Gedolim led Klal Yisroel and the Olam Hatorah for 4 decades if not more.
Rav Aharon Kotler Zt"l, once declared that the Pashtus of Rav Yaakov belies his greatness in Torah.
Maran Harav Moshe Zt"l, the Posek Hador whose Halachic genius has not seen such parallel in America, wWas also the Gadol of "Midos" in America.
Yehi Zichrom Baruch!
This week we are privileged to read the portion of Pikudei, completing the second book of Torah, Shmos. The portion begins with a full accounting of all the gold silver and copper that was used for different articles and vessels of the Mishkan (temple). Thereafter the Torah describes in detail how all the priestly garments were made in accordance with the specifications given in Parshas Tetzave. In addition to the weekly portion, we read a supplement called parshas Shkolim. In the supplement we read about the obligation to give a half Shekel to the mishkan, which was used for the adonim (sockets). This was an equal obligation to all rich and poor, Half Shekel from all. The reason we read this supplement now is, because in the Bais Hamikdash the collection of funds for public offerings began on the 1st of Adar. That is why we read this portion on the Shabbos preceding the 1st of Adar.
The midrash teaches us that some light headed individuals were saying that Moshe became rich off the contributions of the Jewish nation for the Mishkan (i.e. he pocketed goods for himself). Therefore, Moshe devoted time to count exactly what came in and gave an exact count as to where all the goods went.
If one thinks in to this, one can not help but wonder. Did anybody ask for an accounting from Aharon when they contributed for the golden calf ? The answer is, clearly not. Why is that ? Because when it comes to holiness people always find reason to dispute, however when there's no substance, anything goes.
Another very interesting observation: After Moshe gave the exact figures as to how much of each commodity (god, silver, copper ..) was contributed, Moshe detailed what was done with the silver (adonim - sockets for the sanctuary and for the partition) and what was done with copper (hooks for the pillars......), but no mention as to what was done with the gold. Why didn't he announce what was done with all the gold ?
The answer, says Reb Yonoson Eibshitz, is simple.
Who were the people demanding a count ? Who are always the people at every tzedokoh appeal shedding reasons not to give ? The people who lack an understanding and a desire to contribute with their whole heart. The people with generous hearts who contribute big sums wholeheartedly never ask for a count. Therefore Moshe only gave a count for the people who gave silver and copper, for those may not have been contributed with generosity and wholeheartedly. However the contributors of gold, did not even think of asking for a count.
Parshas Shkolim
Rashi explains (medrash), that Hashem showed Moshe a half shekel coin made of fire.
The Chidushei harim explains that Hashem was trying to show him, that the contribution should be given with fire (whole heatedly).
Reb Elimelech of Lizhensk says that this was an important message. Fire has two different purposes. It can warm someone and protect them from cold and it also has the ability to burn someone. This was the message G-d was sending to the Jewish people. If money is used properly, it can warm you up, however if it is used improperly, it can burn someone.
May we all merit to give tzedoko with generosity and always be from those who are kind not those that criticize.
