This Shabbos we continued our discussion of Torah v’Derech Eretz, including commentary from Leo Levy’s book. We discussed Parsha Va’etchanan, including commentary from Rav Yeager's book. Norm gave a brief summary of his talk on PTSD. This was a special Shabbos, as we welcome and wish Mozel Tov to Ariav and Ale. David Schlesinger led discussion.
Last week, we discussed how just like the moon grows full and disappears, the temple was constructed and destroyed. We discussed how when machgiah comes the temple will be rebuilt, however the moon will continue its cycle. There is a Mishnah we were discussing that uses the moon as a metaphor, however, this was not clearly stated in these notes, so I wish to clarify this.
We continued our discussion of Torah v’Derech Eretz. We studied from Leo Levy’s book, and discussed the obligations parents have in raising children, to teach them a trade, and put them into position to find a spouse.
We discussed from Leo Levy’s book, how faith in Hashem plays a role in determining the results of our work. We discussed that if we do not believe in Hashem, we are pretty much on our own and completely in control of our results. However, if we do believe in Hashem, once we have done our part, Hashem determines the results and provides for us. We discussed how what many of us consider the “luck factor”, may actually be that which is determined by Hashem, when we believe in him.
We discussed from Leo Levy’s book the balance we have between Torah study and work. Although we may spend more time engaged in work, we should consider Torah Study “kevah”, permanent, and our work temporary. We should set aside a set time for Torah study every day and make a commitment to do it, even if something else comes up. Work, on the other hand, is thought of as "temporary", but not necessarily of less importance, or something we should engage in less often. Work in and of itself is of value and part of Hashem’s will for us. Ale commented that what is important is to have a state of mind that Torah study is of a permanent nature.
We discussed the difference between permanent and temporary with respect to the halakah of putting up a mezuzah. We are required to put up a mezuzah within 30 days that we take up a permanent residence. However, we are not required to put up a mezuzah for temporary residencies such as hotel rooms. Efroni commented that the 30 days is how long we have to put up the mezuzah, but has nothing to do with whether or not a mezuzah needs to be put up. If we expect a residence to be permanent, such as moving into a house, we are required to put up a mezuzah within 30 days.
We discussed the ordering of the questions we are asked upon arrival in Olam HaBah. We are first asked if we faithfully engaged in work. Then we are asked if we set aside time for Torah study. We discussed that the questions are ordered like this, to show that we work so that we can engage in Torah study. If we didn’t work, we would not be able to engage in Torah study at all, as we would be constantly looking for others to provide for us.
Norm shared with us a summary of his upcoming talk on PTSD. Norm shared that PTSD involves going through tragedy, and that it can drastically change our life. These changes include how we think about the world, and changes to our ability to feel emotions, which includes numbing. Norm spoke on how avoiding the issues is not a healthy way to deal with them, and what is often therapeutic is to set aside time for emotional processing during planned periods of time. Norm spoke about how PTSD often affects soldiers who fight wars, but can also affect any of us who have been through tragedy, and that there are treatments available for this condition.
This Shabbos we discussed parsha Va’etchanan, including commentary by Rav Yeager. We discussed how in the parsha, Moshe foretells what will happen to the Jewish people. Dave W commented that everything Moshe foretells has come true, including our return to the promise land realized since Israel became a state in 1948.
We discussed why the Torah often mentions the Exodus from Egypt, but does not mention the receiving of the Torah as often. We discussed that prior to being told about the receiving of the Torah, we are reminded of the importance of the information.
We discussed the differences between optimism and pessimism. Pessimism means when things are good we think they are going to get bad. Optimism means that when things are bad, we consider them temporary bumps along the road, and that the overall picture is good. We discussed the importance of focusing on the big picture in our lives, and not letting bumps in the road throw us off course.
Ariav spoke about how Moshe grew up outside of Israel, in an Egyptian family, however, later became a great leader of the Jewish people. He spoke about how this is similar to how he himself and his siblings were born and grew up outside of Israel.
We discussed some more this Shabbos, how Hashem chooses to remain hidden, in order that we may keep our free will. However, when we were a lot “younger” as a nation, Hashem’s presence was a lot more obvious. Today, we are expected to be “grown up”, which is why the rewards and punishments we receive are not as immediate.
This is a summary of what we discussed. No halachic rulings are intended or should be inferred.
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