2. Rav Dovid Simon Simon Says
Contents
Parshah ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Breisheit: Where Are You?...................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Noach: Protect from Inside and Outside ................................................................................................................................................ 7
VaYera: Youth.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Toldot: Defined by Actions ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Vayishlach: The Promise Of Protection ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Vayeshev: Bonding ................................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Vayigash: On a Journey ......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Mikeitz: A Greater Plan ......................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Vayachi: Yaakov & Yosef's Legacy ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
Shmot: Who We Really Are .................................................................................................................................................................. 15
VaEra: Showing Respect........................................................................................................................................................................ 16
Bo: To Serve Hashem ............................................................................................................................................................................ 17
B’Shalach: The Power of One’s Strengths............................................................................................................................................. 18
Trumah: Involved in Prayer ................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Tetzaveh: Multiple Opportunities......................................................................................................................................................... 20
Vayakhel: The Mishkan ......................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Pekuday: Look Inside ............................................................................................................................................................................ 22
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3. Simon Says Rav Dovid Simon
Vayikra: Sacrifices ................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Tazriah: What is Holy ............................................................................................................................................................................ 24
Kedoshim: Wake Up! ............................................................................................................................................................................ 25
Emor: True Emunah .............................................................................................................................................................................. 27
Emor: The Beginning ............................................................................................................................................................................. 28
Bamidbar: Community .......................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Naso: Efforts Count ............................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Balak: Seeing Hashem ........................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Balak: Restraint ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Ki Tetzei: Contemplate Our Actions ...................................................................................................................................................... 33
Holidays ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Rosh Hashanah: The Challenge of Parenting ........................................................................................................................................ 35
Rosh Hashanah: School is Back!!! ......................................................................................................................................................... 36
Succot: Puts Life Into Perspective ......................................................................................................................................................... 37
Chanukah: Today’s Battles .................................................................................................................................................................... 38
Chanukah: Great Potential.................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Purim: Power of Wine ........................................................................................................................................................................... 40
Pesach: Good Feelings .......................................................................................................................................................................... 41
Pesach: True Growth............................................................................................................................................................................. 42
Pesach: Reconnecting ........................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Shavuot: Signs ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Shavuot: Togetherness ......................................................................................................................................................................... 45
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4. Rav Dovid Simon Simon Says
Tisha B’Av: Overcoming ........................................................................................................................................................................ 46
Education .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 47
Respecting Property.............................................................................................................................................................................. 48
Davenning With Children ...................................................................................................................................................................... 49
The Power of Youth .............................................................................................................................................................................. 50
Letting Go .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 51
Disagreement with the Right Intentions............................................................................................................................................... 52
The Power of Speech & Silence ............................................................................................................................................................ 53
About......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 54
Rav Simon.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 55
Kehillat Bnei Aharon ............................................................................................................................................................................. 55
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6. Rav Dovid Simon Simon Says
– ”נאמנהhow has the town turned into a
Breisheit: promiscuous place? And Yirmiyahu said: “ איכה ישבה
– ”בדדhow is the city sitting all alone and desolate?
Where Are All of these questions really mean: where are you and
what has become of you?
Moshe is saying: this nation that has worshiped the
You? golden calf is not the same nation of Matan Torah! I
don’t recognize them! Where is the nation that I
After אדםand חוהate from the ,עץ הדעתthey heard really know?
Hashem coming and they went and hid. The Torah at Yeshayahu is similarly asking about the city of
this stage writes: “ ויקרא ה' אלקים אל האדם ויאמר לו Yerushalayim: where is the special city that used to
– ”איכהHashem called out to Adam and said to him be so full of great things? All I see know is a
“ – ”איכהwhere are you? promiscuous place!
Many ask: Hashem didn’t know where they were that So too Yirmiyahu is asking: where is that city that I
he had to call out? The Midrash explains that the knew to be the most beautiful place on earth and
question really means: how is it that yesterday you know is so barren and desolate?
were with me and now you with the ?נחשIn other
This is the question we have to be aware of. We have
words Hashem is saying to him: I don’t know you!
a responsibility to our heritage and our uniqueness.
Where is the man I created and formed?
We have to ensure that Hashem never has to ask that
The Midrash in Eicha writes that 3 people used the question: “ ”איכהbecause it is so clear who we are
terminology of “ ”איכהwhile reproving Am Yisrael. and where we are holding.
Moshe said: “ – ”איכה אשא לבדיhow can I bear the
burden alone? Yeshayahu said: “ איכה היתה לזונה קריה
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7. Simon Says Rav Dovid Simon
where the animals lived. And the top level was where
Noach: Protect Noach lived with his family. We have to understand
the different levels that exist in our lives and make to
from Inside and
sure to regulate them to their right places. It is not
the garbage that should be on top nor the physical
drives, rather it is the great spirituality of man that
Outside
should be riding the crest.
Just as Noach was commanded to put proofing on
the outside and the inside, due to the power of the
One of the most challenging issues we have to deal
water outside, so too we have to protect from inside
with is how to protect ourselves and our families
and outside.
from the negative influences around us.
But most important we need vision, a guiding light to
Probably, the single most important factor in our
give us the direction we need, like the light in the ark.
struggle is the way we structure and build our home
We need the window to outside world, however we
and environment. How to do so, maybe we can glean
have to make sure that it only lets in the light and not
some ideas from this weeks Parsha.
the damaging elements.
First we find Noach is commanded to use “Gofer
May we all merit to achieve these goals.
wood”. What is unique about wood is that it is a
materiel that can never become – טמאimpure. When
we build our home we should make sure that the
atmosphere is one of – קדושה וטהרהholiness &
purity, and not ח"וthe opposite.
The ark was built with 3 different levels. The lowest
level was for all the garbage. The middle level was
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8. Rav Dovid Simon Simon Says
The answer we see from another quote of Rashi. The
VaYera: Youth verse says: “ – ”וירא לוט וירץ לקראתםLot saw them
and ran towards them. Why did he run? Says Rashi:
For one living in Sodom, there were a number of laws Because he had learned the art of hospitality in the
that had to be kept. Among them was the prohibition house of Avraham. We see from here how important
of taking in guests: “ .”הכנסת אורחיםThis was what Chazal call is: “ – ”גירסא דינקותאthat which was
something that was accepted and understood by learned in one’s youth. What a child sees and
every single person. As the verse states “ ואנשי סדום experiences in his youth, is embedded deep into the
– ”נסבו על בית מנער ועד זקן כל העם מקצהand the Neshama, and when the time comes will give him
people of Sdom gathered around the house, from tremendous strength and energy to stand up to all
youth to elders, the whole city to its edge. challenges, even at the cost of his own life.
In the words of Rashi: from on edge of the city to the Sadly many people switch things around and tend to
other, they all gathered to protest this infringement mess about in their youth with the understanding
of the law (of Lot taking in visitors). Lot we know has that “one day” they will become more serious. One
somewhat “left the fold” when he left Avraham, as could not be more wrong. The success of an
we see in the fact that the place he chose to live was individual is with the tools and behavior he has
in Sdom. In addition it is clear he would have been acquired in his youth. And while this does not
destroyed together with Sdom if not for his exclude the ability of an adult to make substantial
connection with Avraham Avinu. changes in his life, they will always be subject to
Being so, why did Lot go out of his way to take care of those influences that affected him as a child.
the guests knowing full well the consequences of his As parents our responsibility is to ensure that those
actions? Even to the level of sacrificing his own two experiences and influences that affect our children
daughters! are those that are going to have a positive effect on
the life and not, has v’shalom, otherwise.
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9. Simon Says Rav Dovid Simon
This is the great challenge of Chinuch. To understand
Toldot: Defined children when they are younger is an art, but this
really is the crucial time to recognize, who they are,
by Actions
what could be the consequences of every action that
they do. Therefore, instead of waiting for them to
grow up and then having a relationship, rather spend
The Torah describes Yaakov & Esav growing up, and some time when they are younger, try to see who
Esav becoming a “Man of the field” whereas Yaakov they really are, and then you will be able to give them
is a “Ish Tam” a complete human being. Rashi the proper direction and the tools they need to
comments on the words: “ – ”ויגדלו הנעריםthe boys continue on the proper path.
grew up – that as long as kids are small their
characters and morals aren’t clearly recognizable.
Only once they have reached the age of 13, one
turned to idol worship while the other turned to the
Beit Midrash.
Therefore adds the Medrash: at the age of 13, a
father says the blessing of: ברוך שפטרני מענשו של
"”זה
In other words: even though as soon as they where
born they clearly showed where their tendencies lay,
it doesn’t necessarily mean that that’s what their
essence is. Only once, they are adults and they
continue in that behavior, then they can be defined
by their actions.
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10. Rav Dovid Simon Simon Says
The Rosh Yeshiva understood that the danger was
Vayishlach: The imminent and continued to ask: what would happen
if ח”וhe managed to destroy European Jewry which
Promise Of
constitutes the bulk and glory of the Jewish world?
There will be no “other camp” left!
To this responded the Chafetz Chayim: we find a
Protection verse for this too in the words of the prophet
Ovadya: “ – ”ובהר ציון תהיה פליטה והיה קודשIn the
Mount of Zion their will be an escape etc.
In 1932 when Hitler ( )ימ”שrose to power and took
control of the government, the Chafetz Chayim was The Rav left shaking with the understanding that
asked by one of the Roshei Yeshiva in Radin: Since he while the fate of the European Jewry was at stake,
had declared so openly and blatantly what his Eretz Yisrael would be saved. And so it was that the
intentions were regarding the Jews and their might of the German armies started receding as they
destruction, what is going to be their fate? What is approached the shores of Eretz Yisrael.
going to happen in Germany and Poland? In a time when our enemies are raising their heads
Answered the Chafetz Chayim: he will not succeed! again, may Hashem continue to protect his people
He will never be able to totally annihilate and restrict especially in the Land of Israel, and soon hasten the
the Yiden everywhere. And the source for this is the redemption.
Pasuk in the Parsha that states:
“ אִם יָבוֹא עשָׂו אֶל המּחנֶה האַחת והכּהוּ והיָה המּחנֶה הנִּשְׁאָר
ַ ֲ ַ ַ ָ ְ ָ ִ ְ ַ ָ ֲ ַ ַ ֵ
”לפליט
ָ ֵ ְ ִ
If Eisav should come and strike one camp, the other
camp will escape a similar fate.
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11. Simon Says Rav Dovid Simon
himself praises them, he was already exempt from
Vayeshev: teaching them. But then comes the story of Yosef and
we see that a person is never finished with the
Bonding
education of his children. Even great people like the
sons of Yaakov, still needed their father’s direction on
how to behave.
The Parsha starts with the words: “'– ”וישב יעקב וגו As we come up to Chanukah this is the time to
And Yaakov settled down etc. Why the emphasis on reiterate and strengthen that bond with our children,
Yaakov’s settling down? Says Rashi: that Yaakov after and to understand how far our responsibility really
all his troubles and issues with Eisav and Lavan, he goes.
finally wanted to rest a bit and spend some time in
peace. However Hashem sees things differently and
feels that the Tzadikim are not her in this world to sit
back and rest, therefore immediately the story of
Yosef took place.
What does this mean? Is it so bad if the Tzadikim
were able to have a bit of peace in this world in order
to focus more on their spirituality?
No! there is no question that they too are entitled to
have a bit of peace of mind, however what Rashi is
referring to is the aspect of Chinuch and teaching
their children. In this there is no respite.
Yaakov thought that due to the fact that all his
children where great people that even Hashem
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12. Rav Dovid Simon Simon Says
explain: that implicit in the declaration is the idea
Vayigash: On a that when a person leaves our house or goes on a
journey we are supposed to accompany him part of
Journey
the way. This gives him spiritual protection from the
elements as if others are with him. Therefore, the
Rabbis declare: in our town, we make sure that
After Yosef had revealed himself to his brothers, he people are accompanied and we had no hand in this
sent them back to their father Yaakov, to bring him person going out to face the world without
down to Egypt. In order that Yaakov would realize protection.
that it was really him, Yosef sent him – עגלותwagons If we think for a moment, the last time Yaakov and
which as Rashi explains: was a hint to the last topic Yosef where together was when Yosef was sent by
that they had learned together, the issue of עגלה his father to his brothers. As Yosef is about to leave,
.ערופהThe words – עגלהwagon, and – עגלהcalf, Yaakov gets up to accompany him. As Yosef protests,
both written the same way. Yaakov says to him: remember the law of עגלה ערופה
The obvious question is: where does Rashi get this that one should always accompany one who is
from? There are plenty other things that he could be leaving! So obviously this was the last law they
hinting to? discussed together.
עגלה ערופהrefers to the law, if a dead body is found When we send our kids out into the world, they are
on the outskirts of a town and no one knows how he going on a journey with many perils and negative
died, the Rabbis from the closest town have to bring elements, and they need all the protection they can
a calf as a sacrifice and say: our hands did not spill get. Therefore lets accompany them as they go out
this blood! on their way and ensure them the spiritual protection
Do we really think that the Rabbis did this that they during their journey.
have to come to declare otherwise? The Sages
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13. Simon Says Rav Dovid Simon
reverted back to its normal impoverished state. This
Mikeitz: A is what the verse means: “and they looked as bad as
before.”
Greater Plan Life is such that there are many up and downs,
whether within our personal lives or in the
interaction we have with others. We don’t know why
The Parsha starts off with the dream of Pharoah Hashem gives wealth to some and poverty to others,
giving a prediction about what is going to be joy to some and sorrow to others, nor what is the
happening in the future. In the dream he sees that main purpose of all that happens around us. We are
although the seven thin cows eat the fat cows, it but like cogs in a big machine.
makes no difference to their state of being. The verse
describes it thus: For us, what it means to be aware that everything we
have is because of what we have done and the effort
“ וַתָּ ב ֹאנָה אֶל קִרבּנָה וְ�א נוֹדַ ע כּי באוּ אֶל קִרבּנָה וּמַראֵיהֶן רע
ַ ְ ֶ ְ ָ ִ ֶ ְ we put into it. Many times there is a greater plan. If
”כּאשֶׁר בּתְּ חלּה
ָ ִ ַ ֲ ַ we understand this, then our perspective on life
“- and they were swallowed up and it made no takes on a much healthier approach and gives us the
impression on them, and they looked as bad as ability to truly focus on what we can learn from life,
before.” without getting caught up with life itself..
Explains the Meshech Chochma: when things happen
in the world we don’t necessarily know what the
main purpose is behind it all. The fact that Mitzyarim
was not a wealthy place, rather on the contrary, and
the fact that there was time of plenty in Mitzrayim
was only for the purpose of Bnei Yisrael, and
therefore when they left after 210 years everything
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14. Rav Dovid Simon Simon Says
For our children to sit between the walls of the Beit
Vayachi: Medrash and be well educated' that is relatively easy.
The challenge is that a person will be able take his
Yaakov &
learning and moral behavior and keep to it in all
places, even amongst idol worshipers.
What Yaakov had taught Yosef was that he had the
Yosef's Legacy image of his father in front of him at all times, so
much so that not only Yosef couldn't do wrong as a
result neither could his children.
This week we will be leining the last parsha in
Breishit. As the story of Yaakov comes to a close and Therefore Yaakov considered them as his sons " לי
he is about to give the final blessings to his sons, he – "הםsince it was very apparent that they got to
calls Yosef and tells him: I am about to pass on and where they were, because of Yaakov himself.
his two sons (Menashe & Ephraim) that were born in Whereas any other kids grew up with the rest of the
Mitzrayim before I came, they will be considered to Shvatimand therefore their behavior would be more
me like my own sons – the other Shvatim. expected and the greatness of Yaakov doesn't shine
out.
This language is very troubling. I would have thought
the opposite: those that were born after Yaakov
came should be more like his sons, verses those that
were born before there was really little connection
between them until Yaakov came to Mitzrayim?
Says R' Moshe Feinstein Zt"l: we see from here how
far the obligation of education goes, and that we
have to ensure it's quality.
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15. Simon Says Rav Dovid Simon
wisdom understood the makeup of man & woman
Shmot: Who and put into place the structure that is required to
raise the level of human intimacy to a much deeper
We Really Are
and meaningful place, so we would be able to fulfill
our true roles as examples to the rest of the world.
This period is a reminder of who we really are, where
The Parsha this week is the first in what is known as: we came from and what we became, and therefore
“ ”שובבי"םwhich is an abbreviation of the first 6 the most appropriate time to once again reassess our
Parshiyot in Shmot: שמות, וארא, בא, בשלח, יתרו personal lives and evaluate what we can do to
.משפטים enhance them.
There is an old tradition that this period is the time to
review once again and heighten our knowledge of
those Halachot dealing with Family Purity and the
holiness of the Jewish home, and encourage more
involvement of those whom until now hadn’t
learned.
What is the connection? Why do we review these
laws specifically at this time?
These Parshiyot deal with the process and growth of
Am Yisrael, all the way from being slaves in Egypt
until finally receiving the Torah at Har Sinai and
becoming a special and unique people. To maintain
that uniqueness of a life of morality requires certain
guidelines and parameters. Hashem in his infinite
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16. Rav Dovid Simon Simon Says
they are in the land of their enemies I have not
VaEra: Showing forsaken or despised them. Thus when a governing
nation makes a decree against the Jews, it is only at
Respect
the behest of Hashem. Therefore the same words we
would use to praise God are applicable here too.
As hard as it might sound, when we show respect to
The Midrash tells us that when Moshe & Aharon conquering nations, essentially we are showing
came to Pharaoh they were commanded to treat him respect to Hashem. The Gemarah tell us to run to
with respect (see Rashi). Even though he is not a show our respects to a king and make the bracha
Jewish king and a wicked one too, still they were told “ – ”ברוך שנתן מכבודו לבשר ודםblessed is he whom
to treat him with respect. gave from his honour to flesh and blood. And by
The Gemarah in Masechet Shabbat describes that doing so “ – ”אם יזכה יבחיןif one merits he will gain
due to the complexity of running a kingdom or perception. What does it mean: If he merits? To see
country, it would be impossible to sit down and write an evil king?! Rather it means that if he merits
out all that had to be done and taken care of, even understanding that this king is no more then a mirage
for the course of only one day! The Gemarah when of what the true king is, and an example that Hashem
saying this, even about non Jewish kingdoms, uses is showing him how to respect and honour a king.
terminologies of praise comparable to the praises we Then when the time comes for Mashiach, he will
use for Hashem. The obvious question is: How could appreciate the contrast and what a true king really is,
this be? and show the appropriately proper respect and
The truth us when Hashem has given a nation the honour.
power to rule over Am Yisrael, they are not really
ruling. As the verse describes: “ ואף גם זאת בהיותם
– ”בארץ אויביהם לא מאסתים ולא געלתיםeven when
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17. Simon Says Rav Dovid Simon
From here, we see the basic fundamental difference
Bo: To Serve between the way the world views serving G-d, verses
the way of Am Yisrael. The Torah demand from a Jew
Hashem
to serve Hashem at all times, in all circumstances,
every place and every age. Therefore there is no
difference whether people are old, young, male or
When Pharaoh was talking to Moshe about letting female, everyone has their part.
the Jews go, he asked him: “ – ”מי ומי ההולכיםwhom Obviously, the responsibility of an older person is
do you want to go? When Moshe answered: “ בנערינו different from one who is young, it is however the
' – ”ובזקננו נלך וגוchildren, elders etc. will go, Pharaoh responsibility of those who are older, to find and
answer was: no! Only the men will go since that is clarify the role of those who are younger. When each
what you really want. and every person is doing what they are supposed to,
The question is, that Moshe never said only the men, altogether they make up that unique entity of Am
so from where does Pharaoh get this idea that this is Yisrael, and then they are fitting for redemption and
Moshe’s request? the right to live as a nation in Eretz Yisrael.
The answer is that Pharaoh did not really hear it, only
from his perspective he figured that the Jews were
going to bring sacrifices and serve their G-d, and the
ones who normally do so are the men, not the
women & children! So what he meant was: since you
are ultimately asking to go and serve your G-d you
are really only asking for the men, and you don’t
need anybody else!
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18. Rav Dovid Simon Simon Says
battles, there was Chur, and he ultimately died trying
B’Shalach: The to stop the Golden Calf being built.
Therefore the terminology “ ”אחדis used for both of
Power of One’s them, each one being a separate and unique entity.
Moshe had the ability to merge and mesh these two
strengths, however when he wasn’t around (during
Strengths the time of the Golden Calf) this ability disappeared
which was when we saw the differences between
Aharon and Chur.
As Moshe Rabeinu was standing over עם ישראלwhile
they were fighting their battle with Amalek, the When it come to Chinuch first and foremost we need
Torah describes how Moshe’s arms became weary to know that every child is different and has their
and he sat down with Aharon holding one arm aloft unique and special gifts. If we take the time to
and Chur the other. discern and clarify this uniqueness then we will be
able to really give that special and focused energy
The language the torah uses is :” ואהרון וחור תמכו בידיו
that our kids are entitled too.
.”מזה אחד ומזה אחדThe question is - Why is it
necessary to emphasize that from each side their was Once we have explored and understood these
“One” holding and not use the general statement: different strengths, then maybe we can begin to see
“they held up his arms”? a way bring out all of a child’s potential, to make him
realize what his capabilities are, and to drive him
Aharon and Chur were two very different people with
forward to realize all this latent potential.
very different personalities and characters. Aharon is
known as the “אוהב שלום ורודף שלום, – ”איש שלום
,אוהב את הבריות ומקרבן לתורהwhereas Chur was the
“ – ”איש מלחמהwhen it came to fighting G-d’s
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19. Simon Says Rav Dovid Simon
As we see in the Haftara: “This house that you are
Trumah: building, if you go in my statues and keep my laws
and guard the mitzvoth to walk in their ways, I will
Involved in
keep all my promises…” The conditions for G-d
presence are no more than keeping the basics.
We see this in the terminology of the verse: “ ושכנתי
Prayer – ”בתוכםI will dwell in them while it should have
U U
said: “I will dwell in it”! We see from here, that just to
be involved, every person at his/her level, this
People sometimes think that in order to truly elevate
already brings Hashem’s Shechina into that person
oneself spiritually and bring G-d into this world, you
and they are considered like a mini Holy Temple.
need to be involved in prayer, holiness etc. and
somewhat removed and disconnected from the
physicality of this world. As a source for this
behavior, there is a verse quoted from the Parsha:
“ – ”ועשו לי מקדש ושכנתי בתוכםMake for me a Temple
and I will dwell amongst them. In order for G-d to be
in this world, we need to be like a Mikdash.
However, this is not the case. We do not need to go
searching for all types of “Holy” behavior; rather all
we need to do is to keep the Torah & Mitzvot as part
of our regular life, and that in itself will bring the
Kedushah and Shechina to us.
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20. Rav Dovid Simon Simon Says
to Chessed speak to them more, whereas for others
Tetzaveh: they relate more to davening in Shul.
Multiple In order that everyone will be able to find a Mitzvah
that they can relate to, and dedicate themselves
totally to it, Hashem gave multiple Mitzvot, multiple
Opportunities opportunities to connect.
No one can claim that they do not have a place to
I heard a wonderful idea this week. After we learn, truly express themselves in Torah and Mitzvot. All it
we customarily say the words of Rabbi Chananya Ben requires is a bit of thought and introspection, and
Akashiya: “ רצה הקב"ה לזכות את ישראל לפיכך הרבה then we can find our unique place in Avodat Hashem
– ”להם תורה ומצותHashem wanted to look for more with a Mitzvah that is tailor made for us.
merit for Am Yisroel, therefore he gave them much
Torah & Mitzvot. The question is asked: if Hashem
was looking for ways for us to get more credit, why
not just give more for the Mitzvot we do? Why do we
need more?
The answer is: that every person is different and
different things speak to different people. In order
for a person to really merit something, he has to put
all his effort and energy into what he is doing, in a
total selfless way. Not everybody can apply that to
the exact same thing. For some people, acts relating
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21. Simon Says Rav Dovid Simon
learn Torah at every possible moment: “and you shall
Vayakhel: The toil in it day and night”. Therefore Am Yisrael brought
unlimited donations for the sake of the Torah which
Mishkan
is unlimited, until they were told to stop.
This is what the Midrash means: Leave it for the משכן
– העדותdon’t use the rest! Leave it in the Mishkan as
The Torah in parshat ויקהלtells us that after בנ"יhad testimony to the fact that the Torah is unlimited
brought all the donations for the Mishkan, there was without restrictions, rather the source and basis for
still a lot left over. The Midrash tell us that Moshe whom we are and what we represent.
turned to Hashem and asked him what to do with the
leftovers? And Hashem answered him: leave it for This past week I took the 8th grade boys from the
the – משכן לעדותa Miskan for testimony. Chinuch Atzmai school for a test on 6 Daf Gemarah
by Harav Shteinman Shlita. To see a person in his mid
Where have we ever seen anything about another nineties who lives for Torah and is a living, breathing
Mishkan? example of Torah, dedicate an hour from his time for
The answer is that there is only one Mishkan, and it is kids, is the greatest testimony I could ever give to
call the “Mishkan Haeidut” because of the Aron that boys what the Torah is and what it brings to our lives.
resides there which has the לוחות העדותinside. In
other words: the whole sanctity of the Mishkan
comes about as a result of the Torah residing inside.
There is a big difference between the Avoda –
bringing of the sacrifices and the Torah. You can only
sacrifice during the day and there are clear rules and
restrictions on what, when, and how to bring.
However Torah has no limits. We are obligated to
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22. Rav Dovid Simon Simon Says
the לוחותin first and only then put the – כפורתthe
Pekuday: Look cover on top.
The question is: that is obvious! Why do we need the
Inside Torah to tell us that?
The answer is: that without what is inside there is no
purpose for the Aron and therefore we have to
In the Parshiyot that we read last week and B”H will
read this week, the topic is the building of the emphasize he fact that we put the לוחותin and only
Mishkan and it’s – כליםvessels. then close it. The proof for this is: that in the 2nd Beit
Hamikdash when we didn’t have the ,לוחותwe didn’t
While it seems to be that we are spending a lot of have the Aron either.
time focusing on the external details: how everything
should be made, what materials must be used etc., This idea is absolutely crucial in the world of Chinuch.
we see from חז"לthat everything in the Mishkan and We tend to get caught up in what we see on the
its contents in reality are coming to give us different outside: the behavior, the talk etc., and we forget to
messages for life. look inside of the children and see their special
qualities and the true gems that they really are.
This fact in itself: not to get too focused on the
outside and instead try to understand what really is Let us take a moment of thought before we decide
important, is probably one of the strongest messages about others, and focus on the special Neshama
itself. inside, instead of getting caught up with the outside.
We see this hinted over and over again in the verses.
For example: if we take the Aron. The Torah tells us
that we are supposed to put the לוחות הבריתinto the
Aron. And then the Torah goes and repeats the exact
same thing again! Why? Says Rashi: to tell us to put
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23. Simon Says Rav Dovid Simon
By a person fulfilling these two aspects to the best of
Vayikra: his ability, he will then be considered as having
brought a sacrifice, himself to Hashem.
Sacrifices After having reached this stage, one could find it hard
to bring himself to even speak to Hashem, therefore
we start the Tefilah with words: ה' שפתי תפתח ופי
The Gemara in Brachot brings the well known quote – יגיד תהילתךasking for the help and strength to
in the name of Rabbi Yehoshu ben Levi that the actually pray.
prayers we have today were enacted by the Rabbis in
place of the Korbanot – the sacrifices, more May Hashem listen to all our Tefilot and the Beit
specifically the Korban Olah – The Burnt Offering. Hamikdash rebuilt .ונואכל שם מהפסחים ומהזבחים
In describing the Korban Olah, the Torah tells us to
skin the animal and cut it up into pieces, therefore
these aspects should exist in prayer too.
The Shulchan Aruch talks about the true righteous
people who would spend some time in solitude in
preparation for Tefila until they were able to as if
remove their outside skin and connect more so to
their true inner being.
In addition, for a person to truly daven he is required
to humble himself and understand that in relation to
Hashem he is insignificant and disinterred.
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24. Rav Dovid Simon Simon Says
What is the connection between having children and
Tazriah: What is Havdalah on Motzai Shabbat?
The answer is that on Motzai Shabbat every person
Holy has to use their innate intelligence in order to see
and appreciate the difference between the Holy and
the profane in every facet of life (as we see in the
In this week’s Parsha we read about a woman who words of the Havdalah). Anyone who is able to do
gives birth to a son: "'."אישה כי תזריע וילדה זכר וכו this is fulfilling the concept of = זכירהremembering
The Gemarah in Shavuot brings two opinions as to one’s purpose. This is the idea of “– ”בנים זכרים
what we can learn from the juxtaposition of the having the ability to know what is right and what is
closing verses of Shemini and the opening verses of wrong.
Tazria. This is also the idea behind the use of wine. Wine,
In Parshat Shmini we have the verses that discuss the Gemarah says, has the ability to open up locked
differentiating – Havdalah - between pure/impure, and closed hearts. Once a person opens his heart
holy/unholy, closely followed by the verse in Tazria then he is truly able to see and understand when an
that discuss the birth of a male. action or deed is Holy or ח"וprofane.
These two opinions are as follows; [This is the basis for a Jewish marriage. Knowing and
One who makes Havdalah on wine will have בנים using our capabilities to find the right and proper way
- זכריםmale children. to build a home based on Torah and Mitzvot. If we do
that then may we all be Zocheh to have בנים זכרים
One who makes Havdalah on wine will have בנים who can teach and transfer onwards through the
- זכריםmale children who will be fitting to teach generations the power of – זכירהremembering to
Torah. remember and take the time to ask: is this holy or
not?]
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25. Simon Says Rav Dovid Simon
Le’chayim with the grandfather, and he agreed.
Kedoshim: Seeing a religious person the grandfather called him
over and told him this story.
Wake Up! I was living in Berlin before things deteriorated and
the Jews were still living the good life. We were into
the culture and atmosphere of revision that prevailed
When one has to deal with a child who is in Germany at that time.
misbehaving, before coming down too hard on him, it
is usually preferably to somehow give the kid the One Shabbat the Karliner Rebbe came to town and
message that he is not heading in the right direction. was slated to speak Friday night in the main shul.
If he doesn’t get the hint and as a result somehow Since a Rebbe was a rare event in Germany, many
modify his behavior, then unfortunately he might came to hear him driving too shul the way they were
have to be dealt with in a harsher manner. used to.
This is true with the way Hashem deals with us too. The Rebbe waiting to speak was very perturbed and
when he got up to talk he said: this week is Parshat
There are those times in our life that maybe we are Kedoshim and we see different commands that
not exactly doing what we should be, and Hashem Moshe is to tell Am Yisrael.
sends us a hint to wake up and do something! Even if 1) – קדושים תהיוBe Holy
we don’t completely mend our ways, we have to
make some change. 2) – איש אמו ואביו תיראוBe in awe of your mother &
father
There was a religious Jew after surgery recuperating 3) – שבתותי תשמורוKeep my Shabbat
at a certain Kibbutz. During one of his walks in the 4) ' – אני הI am Hashem.
fields a tractor pulls up and the driver asks him if he
can come and join a Minyan for a brit. Afterwards Said the Rebbe: when I speak to my Chassidim I say:
they asked him if he would like to come and make a Be Holy! And they know that means to keep Shabbat,
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26. Rav Dovid Simon Simon Says
eat kosher etc. When I speak to the lay people I have
to be more specific: Be in awe of your mother &
father! When I speak to the more simple folk I have
to lower the expectations and say: Keep Shabbat!
However to you here in Berlin I can’t even tell you
that, therefore my words to you are: I am G-d! Don’t
ever forget that! And the Rebbe gave such a clap on
the Bima that the windows shook.
I came home said the old man and told my wife:
that’s it! We are getting out of Germany.
We left against all our friends’ advice and came to
Israel and I didn’t become any more religious.
However since at least I did something I have merited
to see my grandson having a Brit in Eretz Yisrael.
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27. Simon Says Rav Dovid Simon
as if he doesn’t belief in the creation either. A
Emor: True creation without continued guidance is worthless. If
the world is without guidance there is no need for
Emunah
keeping the Torah and Mitzvot, and if there is no
need for Torah and Mitzvot there is no need for the
creation.
“ מועדי ה' אשר תקראו אותם במועדם...ששת ימים תעשה This is the connection between Shabbat and the
– ”מלאכהWhat is the connection between Shabbat Chagim. If we ח"וdesecrate one, we are throwing out
and the Chagim? Says Rashi: Whoever keeps the the whole package.
Chagim it is as if he has kept Shabbat’ and whoever
desecrated the Chagim it is as if he has desecrated Therefore the Parsha also writes the whole topic of
the Shabbat. – מתנות ענייםgiving to the poor in the middle of the
Chagim, in order to show us that this too is an
What does Rashi mean? Keeping Shabbat is the essential part of our Emunah. If we belief Hashem is
absolute declaration of our trust and faith in the fact running the world, there will be no hesitation in our
that G-d is the creator of this world, and therefore understanding to take care and give from our own to
one who desecrates the Shabbat it is as if he has the poor. If we think it is all ours and we have no
denied all of the creation. The Chagin is a declaration obligation to give, or until we are convinced to give,
of the fact the G-d runs this world, even to the level again we are denying our whole purpose for being in
of changing nature in order to take care of Am this world.
Yisrael.
May we all merit to experience this true Emunah in
Comes along the Torah and says that these two every aspect of our lives
things are inseparable. We cannot believe in one and
not the other. Belief in the creation without the
belief in Hashem’s continued running of the world is
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28. Rav Dovid Simon Simon Says
proper concentration during the 1st bracha in the
Emor: The Amida he has fulfilled his obligation even if he didn’t
on the rest. Whereas if he had the proper
Beginning
concentration on the rest and not the beginning, he
has not.
We see where we are supposed to concentrate our
When bringing a sacrifice the Torah tells us to make efforts, both for ourselves and all the more so for our
sure that at the time of Shechita it is done “.”לרצונכם children. If we invest more in the beginning: right
Rashi explains: make sure that the sacrifice will fulfill time, right place, right environment etc, then there is
its purpose as atonement for you. How is this? As the a chance for our kids to make it and maybe for us
next verse explains: eat it only on that day – have in too.
mind during the shechita process that you are only
going to eat it during the allotted time. Any other
thought differing from that invalidates the Korban.
This is true for all other aspects of the Korban: make
sure to be thinking and focusing on the right owners,
right time, right place etc.
We see that proper/improper thoughts at the outset
are what define the validity of our actions.
This is the power of the beginning, the proper start
one should make. Bris Mila being the first of the
physical mitzvoth is equated to all the mitzvoth.
Shabbat being the first of the negative mitzvoth is
equated to all the negative mitzvoth. If one has the
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29. Simon Says Rav Dovid Simon
the middle of the Machane was the Aron and the
Bamidbar: Mishkan, therefore everyone surrounding that
Mishkan are essentially all focused together to the
Community
same place.
This is the key to who and what Am Yisrael are. Each
and every tribe has their characteristics that are
One of the main themes in this week’s Parsha is that unique to them and therefore have to keep that
of the different flags and the tribes that they uniqueness. However that can only be if everyone is
represented. Due to the length that the Torah goes focusing on .הקב"הIf we are all working to the same
into to describe all the details obviously this is a very goal then the differences that we have don’t make a
important part of the framework and structure of difference, rather on the contrary that shows the real
Bnei Yisrael. If so how come Hashem waited until greatness of a people. We can be different but in
now to give over these laws, a year after they left reality we are really one.
Mitzrayim, and not instruct them immediately as
soon as they had left?
If we think about it, all these different flags and
camps that were part of Am Yisrael in reality are a
cause for separation. Each group had their neighbors
that were separate from all the others. Why then did
Hashem want that this is the way the nation should
camp and travel?
Yes, if the result of such encampment would be a
distancing of the tribes from each other, then for
sure that was not Hashem’s intention. However in
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30. Rav Dovid Simon Simon Says
wasting time? Or the opposite: I'm not going to
Naso: Efforts manage in any case, so why bother?
The answer is: that the effort one puts into
Count something is what makes it count. Not whether he
actually succeeds or he can manage without it.
This is what Hashem is coming to teach us. True we
In the listing of the sons of Levi, the Torah also
describes their responsibilities vis-à-vis what they are might not need the efforts of the sons of Kehat, but
supposed to carry of the Mishkan when it travels. they need to put in the effort or in real terms or in
potential terms, in order for them to appreciate their
The tribe of Kehat was responsible the Aron and the responsibilities. Therefore the verse emphasizes: not
rest of the Holy vessels. We also know that the Aron only the sons of Gershon have to be in their prime of
really carried those that seemed to be carrying them. life, but also the sons of Kehat.
So in true sense, the actual work of Bnei Kehat is not
so difficult verses the son of Gershon who had to Remember! Our efforts count, not the results!
carry the wood beams from the walls.
If so, how come the verse when defining the age of
the working Levi'im (30-50 = prime of life) says that
the sons of Gershon where also strong, when it
should be saying that the sons of Kehat were of the
same age even though that their strength was not
needed! And why was that strength really needed?
Many times we ask the question: if I can succeed
without trying to hard, why bother trying and just
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31. Simon Says Rav Dovid Simon
his question doesn’t mentioned G-d at all: “What is
Balak: Seeing this work you are doing? Even though the question is
the same, however one is prepared to see G-d is
Hashem
what happens in this world and the other isn’t.
So too with Yitro the verse describes what he heard
that Hashem had done, whereas with Balak it only
This week’s Parsha describes how Balak seeing the refers to the fact that he saw what Bnei Yisrael did.
aftermath of the battle between Bnei Yisrael and the No mention of G-d
Emorites came to the conclusion that something had
to be done to get rid of Am Yisrael and therefore he When a person is prepared to see Hashem in
went and hired Bilam to curse them. whatever happens in this world, that is what clearly
defines him as a descendent of Avraham Avinu.
This is in stark contrast to what happened with Yitro. However one who persistently denies any Godly
When he heard what had taken place with Am involvement in whatever happens, is going with the
Yisrael, he decided to convert and join them. The behavior of Bilam.
question is why? If anything, seeing is supposed to
have a much greater impact on a person then just May we merit to open our eyes and see the
hearing, so why did they act so differently? greatness of Hashem in every small facet of our lives.
In the Haggada for Pesach is seems to be that the
question of the wise and wicked sons are the same:
“Why are you doing all these things?” so why is one
defined as wicked and the other as wise? The Gaon
of Vilna explains the difference. The wise son asks:
What are all these things that Hashem our G-d has
commanded you to do” whereas the wicked son in
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32. Rav Dovid Simon Simon Says
antagonism is ultimately what makes us great and
Balak: Restraint more spiritual people.
As we head out to the summer holidays and the
One of the hardest challenges in today’s society is the possibilities of more interaction with others are
unwillingness to come out the underdog, or in the there, this is time to awaken ourselves to those
commonly used phrased: I will not be Friair!! This is points which really show the difference between who
the underlying approach to life that if someone is a student of Bilam Harasha, and who is really a true
insults me I cannot allow him to get away with it student of Avraham Avinu.
without an appropriate response. If someone else is
going to gain, why not me?
This attitude permeates and affects all ages. As a
principal when we try to educate the kids in school,
many times they cannot even understand what is
wrong. He insulted me! He hit me! She started! To
walk away is just unthinkable.
However this is the way a Jew should behave. As the
Mishna in Avot describes to us the difference
between those students of Avraham Avinu and those
of Bilam Harasha, we see that the common
denominator between all the differences is the
willingness to humble oneself, not to expect that
everyone is going to bow down and kowtow to me!
This is what is unique about Am Yisrael. We are still in
Galut and the ability to not respond to every
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33. Simon Says Rav Dovid Simon
consequently the disbanding of the Sanhedrin, there
Ki Tetzei: are still the 4 death penalties in the world, only that
they happen by what to us would seem natural
Contemplate
circumstances. Stoning would be equal to for
example: falling of the roof4. Burning would be equal
to getting burned or poisoned etc.
Our Actions That is whar Rav Yonatan means: the concept of בן
סורר ומורהhe saw. He saw a grave of a child and he
found out that he had behaved as a rebellious son
The Gemarah in Sanhedrin states: that due to all the and consequently had died unnaturally. So too with
required conditions there never was and never will
the burnt city. But not that the process was actually
be a case of - בן סורר ומורהthe rebellious son. A carried out.
similar statement is made regarding the - עיר הנדחת
a city that worships idols and consequently has to be This is the meaning of the sitting: he sat on the grave
burned to the ground. However, then the Gemarah and the ruins and contemplated the situation and he
quotes Rav Yonatan who claims to have seen a case came to the conclusion that G-d will was carried out
of בן סורר ומורהand even sat on his grave, and to any case.
have seen the burnt down city and sat on the ruins. While it is may be not our responsibility to stop
How is it that Rav Yonatan happened to be the evaluating why other people have died, it is ours to
person whom had the luck to see both these things thing and consider what is happening to us? And
that the Rabbis claim couldn’t be? Furthermore, why what is Hashem’s message for us?
the emphasis of sitting on the grave and the ruins? For this we need to take an example from Rav
Maybe we can explain based on another Gemarah, Yonatan: to take the time and effort to contemplate
that after the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash and our actions and our lives and then we will be merit a
proper .כתיבה וחתימה טובה
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35. Simon Says Rav Dovid Simon
unattainable for children today, would be somewhat
Rosh foolish and asking for trouble.
Just as we want our kids to realize that maybe what
Hashanah: The they think or do might not be the correct way, so too
we have to be open to the possibility that we too
might be in the wrong and are willing to make the
Challenge of necessary changes.
This essentially is the basis for Teshuva. Only once a
person realizes that maybe the life they have been
Parenting living is somewhat flawed and that there is another
possibility or approach to life, only then can they
One of the greatest challenges we can have as begin the process of Teshuva, of change and
parents or teachers is coming to the realization that reconsideration of ideals and values that we were so
maybe the approach that I've taken or the method convinced in their absoluteness.
employed is flawed or even incorrect. May Hashem give us all the insight to see these other
Many of us are convinced that our "derech" is the possibilities and the strength to actually act on them.
correct one, and while there might be a lot to be said A כתיבה וחתימה טובהto all of Klal Yisrael and may
for such a derech, it doesn't necessary mean that it is Hashem bring peace and prosperity to all of Eretz
applicable under all circumstances. Yisrael
For example: To lay down boundaries and limits is
definitely something that is important to do (albeit in
today's generation it seems somewhat forgotten),
however to set limits that might be too hard or
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36. Rav Dovid Simon Simon Says
If we try and analyze these different approaches, we
Rosh can take some very important messages for our own
“New Year”.
Hashanah: How we come into Shul and speak to Hashem, is
totally depended on our attitude. If we come in as
finalists and a feeling that we have done our part and
School is now we are just finishing off, the chances are, just
like we would waste the entire year with limited
achievement, we will end up squandering our
Back!!! opportunity to meet and talk to Hashem with a result
of limited achievement.
From one aspect, the fact that the 1st of September However if we come in as 1st graders, with a it bit of
this year is so close to Rosh Hashanah, it is quite hard shyness, with a bit of humility, a bit of uncertainty,
on the teachers due to the fact that by the time the then the push to succeed will be much greater and so
kids are a finally a little settled, they immediately go will our achievements.
again on holiday. However from another aspect the May all of Am Yisrael have a Ktiva Vachatimah Tova
whole concept of starting a new year is directly
related to Rosh Hashanah.
We see the different ages coming in. those who are
in their last year have a certain attitude towards
school, whereas those who are only starting in 1st
grade have a totally different attitude.
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37. Simon Says Rav Dovid Simon
realizes that the pleasures of this world are
Succot: Puts temporary and aren’t around forever, only then can
they truly begin to enjoy themselves. This is why we
Life Into
go out to the Succah. In order to tell ourselves that
life overall is temporary and that at any given
moment things can change. This is the message of
Perspective
the temporary dwelling, the Succah.
At this stage one learns to appreciate what they do
have and really begin to enjoy every moment of it.
The main idea behind the mitzvah of Succot
This is what the Mishna in Pirkei Avot says: “ איזהו
according to the Rambam is to reach the highest level
– ”עשיר השמח בחלקוwho is true wealthy person? He
of Simcha – Joy that one could. Whilst every Chag has
who is happy with his lot!
an aspect of Simcha, Succot is very special in this
regard. This is why Succot is known as: “.”זמן שמחתנו This doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy life. On the
contrary! If Hashem has given it to us, it is there for
The obvious question is: why then do we leave the
us to benefit and enjoy. However the true deep
comfort of our homes and go out to a place which is
enjoyment of Zman Simchateinu” can only come
so much less comfortable? Shouldn’t we stay in the
once we understand the proper balance of how thing
nice air-conditioning fly free atmosphere and really
stand in our world.
enjoy ourselves?
The answer is: that to enjoy true joy first we have to
get our perspectives right. A person, who is wholly
into the physicality of this world, does not necessarily
mean that he is happy. How many people who are
wealthy but are still miserable? Only once a person
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38. Rav Dovid Simon Simon Says
into the hands of a few, impure into the hands of the
Chanukah: pure, wicked into the hands of the righteous, and
those who turned against the Torah into the hands of
Today’s Battles
those who guarded it".
These are the miracles we should remember and take
the message from them for today. We are still
As we approach Chanukah and we begin to smell the battling those Greek forces and they are trying in all
aroma of the sufganiyot and the latkes, it awakens ways to infiltrate into the very essence of the Jewish
within us again, all the ideas that Chanukah people.
represents.
One of the most crucial battlegrounds is the area of
However, most of us focus on the miracle of the jug religious Jewish education. There is an ongoing
of oil and the fact that we light the candles for eight infiltration of those Hellenistic ideas that the Greeks
days in order to commemorate that event and espoused, that we have are losing track of what
publicize Hashem's greatness. But in reality if we look Hashem really wants from us and from our children.
a bit deeper, we see that the true miracle of
Chanukah is much greater. This Chanukah we should take a moment to evaluate
the true message of Chanukah and ask ourselves: are
In the tefilah of Al Hanissim there is very little we prepared to be like the Maccabees and take those
mention of the lighting of the candles at all and the steps that are required, for us and our families to live
direction on the tefilah is elsewhere. The tefilah the life of : "Mi Chamocha Baeilim Hashem".
describes how we were put in spiritual danger by the
Greeks: "To forget your Torah and to transgress your
will" and then Hashem with great compassion and
caring went to battle and brought about great
miracles of: "Brave into the hands of the weak, many
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39. Simon Says Rav Dovid Simon
deep inside themselves and realize the importance of
Chanukah: the Torah and what it meant for the nation’s survival,
with Hashem’s help and their willingness, all the
Great Potential
barriers came down and they merited a great
victory.
B”H we also will take the Chanukah message to hear
Recently one of my friends had a Down syndrome and together with our families, realize the great
child, and he was describing to me how many people potential inside every single one of us.
(out of the goodness of their hearts) were telling
them about the different difficulties involved with A Freilicha Chanukah
raising such a child. When he shared this information
with his doctor, the doctor categorically disagreed by
saying: A child will be what we make him! How we
perceive our children’s abilities and guide them to
reach their maximum potential is what makes them
unique, regardless of whatever seemingly limitations
they might have.
This is true for every single one of our children. Every
person has their special talents and at the same time
also certain limitations. How we let those limitations
become handicaps, is entirely up to us.
This is the message of Chanukah. The Jews were
faced with a tremendous danger of spiritual and
physical destruction, but when they were able to dig
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