Recap of our discussion, 24 Sh'vat 5774 (Parsha Mishpatim)

This Shabbos we discussed the mitzvah of putting on Tefillin.  Men put on tefillin during the shacharit prayer, but usually do not wear tefillin all day long.  We discussed how we should only wear tefillin when we can be conscious and focused on wearing tefillin, which is why we usually take it off after the davening.  We also discussed how we do not wear tefillin in the restroom, or when we are not clean.  We discussed how it would be unusual for woman to wear tefillin, based on the mitzvah.

In this week’s parsha Mishpatim, the Jews were ready to receive the Torah.  We discussed 2 different levels of being ready.  In the first level, we have a desire and willingness to receive the Torah, but we are still not close enough to Hashem to be willing to carry out the commandments regardless of what they are.  In the second level, we are close enough to Hashem, to not only be willing to receive commandments, but committed to carry them out regardless of what they are.  We discussed how receiving and following the Torah brings us closer to Hashem, and how as we get closer our desire and willingness to receive and follow the Torah increases.

We discussed how the purpose of the creation of man was the receiving of the Torah.  In contrast, angels and animals, also created by Hashem, do not have the same free will.  If we were 100% spiritual we would be sure to carry out the Torah, however we live in a physical world which creates all types of distractions.  We discussed how it is not only ok, but that it is our mission to indulge in the physical world and enjoy physical pleasures, however our purpose in doing so is to bring spirituality to the physical world, not simply to experience pleasure.  We discussed this idea of “elevating the sparks of kiddusha”.  One of our biggest challenges in life is to practice moderation with physicality, and not get diverted into pleasure seeking with no spiritual purpose.

We discussed how as jews we always want to be in a state of simchah, however we compare our current state to how we recently were in order to determine our level of this simchah.  Whenever our reality exceeds expectations, our simchah increases to a higher level.  And when our reality is less than our expectations, our simchah decreases to a lower level.  During the month of Adar, we celebrate Purim.  Even though we “only” returned back to baseline, we were in a situation that was expected to end up a lot worse, possibly wiping us all out.  As we celebrate Purim our level of simchah is at a very high increased level.  During the month of Av, our level of simchah is reduced.  We went from a baseline state, to one in which the temple was destroyed.  We should always have some level of simchah, however we know that we have an inclination to meet good fortune during Adar, and to meet bad fortune during Av.  Just like we have good and bad months, we also have good and bad days.  Tuesday is considered a good day.  Although we call the day Tuesday, in Israel days of the week are simply called by their number.

This is a summary of what we discussed this past Shabbos.  No Halachic rulings are intended or should be inferred.

Recap of our discussion 17th of Sh'vat, 5774 (Parsha Yitro)

This Shabbos we discussed the week’s parsha, Yitro. We discussed why the portion with Yitro coming to visit Moses, occurs before our receiving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. There were several things we needed to do back then (and also may need to do today) to be ready to receive and/or learn the Torah. Back then, Yitro suggested to Moses that he set up a hierarchical system, so that the Torah could be transmitted to everyone. This system would set up communications, and also free up time for Moses.

In addition to setting up the system as suggested by Yitro, there were other prerequisites and preparations necessary before the Torah could be received. We discussed the splitting of the red sea and how it was a miracle that not only made it possible for us to move forward, it also helped make us aware of Hashem. We also discussed how one of the most important things that we needed back then, (and need today) is a desire and simply wanting to receive and learn Torah. We also discussed specific preparations that were necessary, such as cleaning up and sanctify ourselves.

David lead discussion of how today, simply wanting to receive Torah is a prerequisite. Back around the time of Mt. Sinai, we could see the miracles and this increased our motivation. We should also open our eyes and see the miracles that take place today as well.

We discussed how just like back then, today we also need to have a hierarchy for learning Torah and become observant. This hierarchy within our community makes sure that we are not setting the bar too high for anyone, while at the same time making sure that expectations are high enough that a good amount of progress can be made by those who want it. The hierarchy should be set up, so that anyone has the opportunity to climb the ladder and rise up within our community of Torah scholars. The important thing is to have gradual stairs that one can climb. If those who are new to Torah are expected to make the leap from a secular lifestyle to that of a Torah observant Jew in one step, they may give up and simply do nothing. We should set things up and structure our community and Torah learning so that progress can be made one step at a time.

In this week’s parsha we receive the 10 commandments, including the commandment to not worship idols. We discussed the differences between being an atheist and one who worship’s idols. It was suggested that it may be easier to change someone who worships idols, because at least they believe in a power that is greater than man.

This is a summary of what we discussed this past Shabbos. No Halachic rulings are intended or should be inferred.