Chazal initially describe Lot as a Tzadik, but later describe him in much less glowing terms. What was the turning point that caused the transformation, and how did it create such a big change? Also includes an explanation of why Og merited being saved from the Mabul, was excited to finally see a pshat in it.
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Noach was instructed to bring in 7 pairs of each Tahor animal, and 1 pair of every non-Tahor animal. Why does the Torah say it as non-tahor, the Torah uses the word Tamei to describe non kosher animals in many places? Why is it necessary to use a euphemism when speaking about an animal?
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Why is the Mitzvah of Pru Urvu only commanded for men and not women? Why don't women have an obligation in this Mitzvah?
Sukkos celebrates Hashem taking us out of Mitzrayim and guiding and transporting us through the Midbar in the Anenei HaKavod. So why do we celebrate it after Yom Kippur, instead of after Pesach? The famous approach of the Tur, and the revolutionary approach of the Vilna Gaon.
Have a Chag Kasher V'Sameach
Short vort on the Parsha how everything in Torah has depth and value. And a famous story from the Ramban how everything is contained in Parshas Haazinu.
The Mabit talks about Teshuva as coming closer to Hashem after being distanced by our sins. The Shaarei Teshuva writes that completeTeshuva requires regret, confession, and a clear commitment to change going forward. The Mabit and Rav Yisrael Salanter write that there are concepts of partial Teshuva as well.
Some thoughts on the accessibility of Teshuva on our level.
May Hashem help us change in these holy days.
Have a G'mar Chasimah Tovah
Vayeilech begins Moshe saying farewell to the Jewish people on the last day of his life. What does the language of Vayeilech mean, where did Moshe go? What can we learn from where Moshe went on the last day of his life?
Have a good Shabbos and a Gmar Chasimah Tovah
Before Rosh Hashana we focus on Teshuva and choosing the path of life. We aspire to make good choices and to associate with those who make good choices. How does internalizing Hashem's Malchus and feeling we are in His Presence help us do Teshuva, how is it a foundation of Teshuva?
Have a Ksivah Vchasimah Tovah and a wonderful Shabbos.
When we bring Bikkurim, we say Arami Oved Avi. Lavan never actually did it, why does it call him an Oved? Why is the Yid given credit for the good plan as if he actually pulled it off, but not judged that way for the negative plan?
Have a good Shabbos and a K'sivah V'Chasimah Tovah
There is a Mitzvah to build a fence around a roof for safety purposes. The Rambam and others pasken that we make a Bracha on this Mitzvah. What dictates which Mitzvos have Brachos and which don't?
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Hi,
The Torah instructs us to keep the words of the Chachamim and not deviate from their words, neither to the right nor to the left. To what extent doMitzvos DiRabanan have a status similar to a DiOraysa, that we can say a Bracha of Vtzivanu on them? In what sense are they considered even more stringent than the Dinei DiOraysa?
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The Torah tells us to give Tzedakah, and warns us to not to give with a negative heart. Pirkei Avos says that a Chasid gives, and wants others to give as well. What should be our perspective about being asked for Tzedakah, and about asking others to give Tzedakah? Have a good Shabbos
Moshe exhorts the Jewish people not to fear fighting the kings of Canaan, that Hashem would send miracles to help them, as well the Tzirah to shoot poison at them. Why did Hashem want to send an army of hornets to fight for the Jewish people, what was the purpose of using bugs and what can we learn from them?
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We say in Kriyas Shema that one should love Hashem B'chol Meodecha. The Mishna says two pshatim in what that means, either will all your money, or with every middah that Hashem sends your way. How can we come to love Hashem in every situation?
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The Gemara in Yoma 9b says the Mikdash Rishon was destroyed because the people did Avodah Zarah, Giluy Arayos, and Shfichas Damim. However, the Gemara in Nedarim 81a says even the Neviim couldn't figure out why it was destroyed, until Hashem revealed it was because they weren't careful about Birchas HaTorah. How do we resolve the seeming contradiction between these two Gemaras? The approaches of the Kochvei Ohr, and the Chassid Yaavetz.
Have a meaningful TIsha Baav
The Torah talks about the importance of keeping our word, and taking our commitments seriously. Chazal even say for Hakadosh Baruch Hu to annul an oath due to Teshuva involves the Heavenly Bais Din. Ideas in the importance of keeping our vows, and the power of Teshuva to save King Yehoyachin from an oath of destruction.
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Chazal tell us about the miraculous nature of how the portions of each Shevet in Eretz Yisrael were given out. Why was it done with three separate miracles? It was split up both based on the numbers of those who entered Eretz Yisrael, and the numbers of those who left Mitzrayim. Why was it based on both, and what can we learn from it?
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Hi,
Why did Hashem make a donkey talk to Bilaam, what could it accomplish that the Malach couldn't? Why doesn't the only talking donkey in history have more inspiring words to say? What was the miracle coming to teach us?
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Hi,
Chazal note the contrast between the way the people mourned for Aharon, and the way they mourned for Moshe. The main reason given is that Aharon made peace between people in dispute. What does this teach us about the different roles of Moshe and Aharon, and what can we learn from both?
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Hi,
With the rebellion of Korach, we find Shevet Levi stumbling in a way they haven't in previous challenges of the Jewish People. What was unique about this story that Shevet Levi was at more of a risk?
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