“bh”Nitzavim

this week’s Torah Portion teaches us that You are all standing Today before the Lord your G-D. on the day of Judgement! the best opportunity of the year to return to the roots of our identity and to accept the sovereignty of

G-D and his kingship over Israel and over the world! each one fulfilling his task and his function. no place for arrogance, for a sense of superiority or exclusivity, each one completes everyone else by contributing something unique. Israel is one before G-D WHEN AND ONLY WHEN, EACH JEW FULFILS THE MISSION WHICH IS HIS ALONE. When the masks of self-deception are broken and this essential self-that he is a veritable part of G-D above -expresses itself in all details of his daily life, in thought, speech and deed.

Cf. Rambam, hilchot Gerushin, end of ch. 2.Tanya, Part 1, ch.2.

KI TAVO

This week’s Torah Portion teaches us about the Sabbatical year and the giving of the first fruit! every 7 years Israel is commanded to give the land a rest… not to plant any seeds… grow any fruits or vegetables in the holy land. G-D says: “Test Me” the giving of the first fruit on the other hand is all about giving charity joyfully and to keep in mind that all we have belongs to G-D… giving away from the source of who provides for us… the 1st fruit and not the leftovers!
G-D says: “Test Me” when we obey and acknowledge that everything we have belongs to G-D and we give willingly and joyfully of that which is his… we will reap the benefits in huge proportions… unexpectedly!

Ki Tetzeh

this weeks Torah wisdom teaches us how we go out to wage war against our enemies! we must train our evil inclination to serve G-D! with eagerness, enthusiasm and zealousness! we go out to wage war because we do not let it get a foothold onto our territory! we meet it on his! and use it to have a hand in making the world a place with the coming of Messiah speedily in our Days!

SHOFTIM- Judges

this weeks Torah Portion speaks to us about the principle of Justice!

in all our Gates which refers to all our orifices including our eyes, ears, nostrils and mouth. we must guard the entrance of sin and transgression by practicing piety and holiness.

our Gates also refer to the Torah learning and doing good deeds. when we subject ourselves to the diaspora mentality we are vulnerable to the judgment of the Secular world which aims at the refinement of the guilty!

when we immerse our thoughts and deeds to do what the Torah teaches us we regain our closeness to G-d’s will! which ultimately brings us happiness, merit and peace! We must judge ourselves first… and judge others favorably to truly be blessed for a great year with the coming of the Messiah speedily in our Days!