Tikkun HaMiddot Part 6

To see earlier Parts 1-5 click on the ANAVA label below.

The Character of the “Man” Moshe

From the Teachings of the Gaon and Tzaddik Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita 

It is written, “Now the man Moshe was exceedingly humble, more than any person on the face of the earth” [Bamidbar 12:3].

We should reflect upon the expression “on the face of the earth,” which seems superfluous. What is the Torah trying to teach us with these extra words?

I would like to explain this by saying that the verse is telling us that just as the earth does not feel anything when Lashon Harah is spoken about it, or if it is scorned, the same exact thing applied to Moshe. He was so humble that he felt absolutely nothing when Miriam and Aaron spoke Lashon Harah about him.

We may also explain this verse by saying that Moshe possessed two characteristics:

The first is that he is called a “man,” and the second is that he is called “humble.” These are opposite characteristics.

How could Moshe excel in both things at the same time? The answer is that when it came to the honor of Heaven and the leadership of the Children of Israel according to the holy Torah, he acted as a “man,” and he was a warrior. Yet when it came to himself, Moshe was “humble, more than any person on the face of the earth,” as the holy Torah testifies.

R' Mendel Kessin - On Trump & others [continuation of Current Events]

This is a continuation of the Current Events shiur which you can find by clicking here.

 

''Moments before the End''

This is Rabbi Mizrachi's latest video. I have not watched it, I hope to do so later on today or after Shabbat. It is titled ''Moments Before The End [What Will Happen In The World In End Of Days]''. Seems that this topic is on every rabbi's mind, and we are the fortunate recipients of their collective knowledge.

Update: If you are short on time, he does go off-topic for about an hour.  He returns to the End of Days topic at approx 1.23.00.

Rabbi Pinchas Winston, Current Events - Is Redemption Near 6-15-2016

Here is the video of the latest Rabbi Pinchas Winston shiur given in Israel on June 15. Some of you have no doubt already heard it by now via the audio link, but here is the video for those who have not.

Turn Away from Evil

To serve God, one must both ''turn away from evil'' and 'do good''.  But which of these steps is the most important? And which must be prioritized first of all? [Naso 4: 1-28]

The sequence of Kehos' and Gershon's descendants in the Torah provides the key to answer these questions.

Gershon is related to the Hebrew word Gerushin, meaning ''divorce'' alluding to the process of turning away from and ''divorcing'' oneself from evil.  Kehos means ''gathering'' [as in '''He will gather [yikhas] the people'' [Bereishis 49:10], alluding to the accumulation of good deeds - ''doing good''.

Gershon was the firstborn, indicating that at the outset, when one is just beginning to serve God, a person should stress the path of turning away from evil.  This is in order to thoroughly cleanse oneself from negative traits before one can begin to sanctify oneself properly with good deeds.

However, in the Torah, Kehos' descendants are placed before Gershon's descendants [see Midrash] to indicate that, ultimately, ''doing good'' is the ultimate goal which actively brings a person close to God, and makes this world a ''home'' for Him.

Source: Based on Likutei Sichos Vol 13 p. 9 Lubavitcher Rebbe

Rav Kanievsky: ''Moshiach is already here''

Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky

HT: Rivkah Lambert Adler

An Israeli news report states that Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, whilst visiting a father in Bnei Brak whose son had just passed away, said to him  “The redemption is closer than ever”. 

Kooker reports that the man asked Rav Kanievsky “How can you console me, when my dear son left behind ten orphans?” 

Rabbi Kanievsky answered him, “Don’t be sad. The Moshiach is already here. He will reveal himself very soon and your son will see his children again.” 

Tikkun HaMiddot Part 5

Parts 3 and 4 - click here