tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47981464594863223782023-06-20T21:36:56.649-07:00Haftaros ElucidatedHaftaros Elucidated will attempt to explain the weekly Haftarah according to the understanding of the Rabbis of the Talmudic, medieval, and later periods.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798146459486322378.post-41919575959178419492012-10-17T08:08:00.004-07:002012-10-17T08:08:42.022-07:00My music on the Web!<a href="http://www.earbits.com/" target="_blank">Earbits is commercial-free online radio for top independent music</a>. I am honored to have my music included there!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798146459486322378.post-32346999004626758422010-08-11T19:54:00.000-07:002010-08-12T22:27:52.881-07:00Parshas Shoftim 5770 - Yeshaya 51:12-52:12<span style="font-weight: bold;">I, only I, am He who comforts you</span> -Only I can provide actual comfort to you- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Who are you that you</span> -the child of the righteous like you, filled with merit why- <span style="font-weight: bold;">should </span>-you- <span style="font-weight: bold;">be afraid of mortal humans or from men who will be made</span> -as- <span style="font-weight: bold;">grass? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">You have forgotten Hashem, your Maker</span>- and you are not relying on Him. Since He created the world, you should realize that He also has the power to save you- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Who spreads out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, and you are continually in fear all day because of the oppressor’s</span> -the leaders of the nations who enslaved you- <span style="font-weight: bold;">anger when he prepares to destroy</span> -he may plan to destroy, but he will not succeed- <span style="font-weight: bold;">but where is the oppressor?</span> -tomorrow comes and the oppressor is no more-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The wanderer</span> -Israel who has been exiled among the nations, wandering from place to place- <span style="font-weight: bold;">will be released soon</span> -from exile, and so there is no need to fear the oppressor- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and he will not die in the pit</span> -exile is like being in a grave. Israel will not die in this grave- <span style="font-weight: bold;">nor will he be lacking bread</span> -while they are captives in exile, Hashem will provide their sustenance. When they leave exile, they will not starve on the way out-<br /><br />-Why would you not rely on Me?-<span style="font-weight: bold;"> [And] I am Hashem, your Al-Mighty, Who stirs up the sea and its waves rage</span> -certainly I have the power to lash out against the nations who hold you captive- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Whose Name is Hashem, Master of Legions.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And I have placed My words in your mouth</span> -the words of Torah so that you may speak them- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and I have covered you in the shade of My hand</span> -in the merit of the Torah, I have protected you from your enemies- <span style="font-weight: bold;">to plant the heavens</span> -to fulfill the promise that you would multiply like the stars in the sky- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and set a foundation for the earth</span> -to fulfill the promise that you would increase like the dirt of the ground- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and to say to Zion, “You are My people!”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Awaken yourself! Awaken yourself! Arise Yerushalayim, you who have drunk from the hand of Hashem the cup of His fury</span> -to cleanse you from sin- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and you have drunk from and drained the sediments of the cup of poison</span> -all the evils what were destined to befall you in exile are over. It is time to get up from exile and leave-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">There is no leader for her from among all the children she has borne</span> -while she is in exile, they could not lead each other- <span style="font-weight: bold;">From among all the children she has raised, there is no one that can hold her hand</span> -they cannot help each other since they are all equally devastated-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">There are two</span> -tragedies-<span style="font-weight: bold;"> that have happened to you.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Who will cry for you?</span> -the two tragedies are- <span style="font-weight: bold;">The destruction and the calamity</span> -which are- <span style="font-weight: bold;">[and] the hunger and the sword.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> With whom shall I comfort you?</span> -who can I use as an example to say, ‘this other nation has been stricken like you’-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Your children are exhausted</span> -weakened and unable to feel- <span style="font-weight: bold;">They lie at the head of all the streets like a wild ox trapped in a net</span> -like an animal with no master would fall into a trap and cannot move- <span style="font-weight: bold;">filled with Hashem’s fury, with the rebuke of your Al-Mighty.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Therefore, hear this now afflicted one, drunk but not from wine</span> - rather from all the tragedy that has befallen you-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">So says your Master, Hashem, and your Al-Mighty Who will fight</span> -on behalf of- <span style="font-weight: bold;">His nation</span> -to take revenge against those who would do evil against them- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Behold, I have taken the cup of poison from your hand</span> -no longer will tragedy be visited against you-<span style="font-weight: bold;"> from the sediments of the cup of My wrath shall you drink no further.</span><span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And I will put [it]</span> -the cup of poison- <span style="font-weight: bold;">in the hand of your tormentors</span> -and they will receive their due punishments- <span style="font-weight: bold;">who have said to your soul, ‘Prostrate yourself</span> -bend towards the ground- <span style="font-weight: bold;">so that we may pass over you,’ for whom you have made your body like the ground</span> -like something that everyone walk over- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and like a street for passersby</span> -and you did this out of love for Me-</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Awaken, awaken</span> -from your slumber of pain- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Don your strength</span> -that which has been stripped away from you, wear it once again. Your inner strength is represented by the Stronghold of- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Zion </span>-where stood the Beis HaMikdash, the Kohanim, the Sanhedrin, and the kings-. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Don your garments of splendor</span> -let there be rejoicing- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Yerushalayim, the holy city, for no longer will the uncircumcised and ritually impure enter you.</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shake the dust from yourself </span>-in exile you were like one who was lying in the dirt- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Arise</span> -from the ground, from exile- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and sit</span> -on the throne of glory- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Yerushalayim. Undo the binds of your neck</span> -the ropes that were tied on you during the Babylonian exile- <span style="font-weight: bold;">captive daughter of Zion.</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">For so says Hashem, you were sold for nothing</span> -for the sins you committed because of the Yetzer Hora, for which you do not benefit- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and you will be redeemed without money</span> -rather, through repentance-</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">So says Hashem, your Al-Mighty: Egypt, My nation went down first to journey there</span> -although Egypt enslaved them for many years, initially they provided them a place to live and they sustained them. The slavery there was a partial repayment of that debt, albeit more than was warranted- <span style="font-weight: bold;">but Assyria</span> -Sancheriv and Nevuchadnezzar, leaders in Babylonia- <span style="font-weight: bold;">oppressed them for no reason</span> -Israel owed them nothing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And now, why should I remain here?</span> -Why should I let Myself stay here and My children?- <span style="font-weight: bold;">says Hashem, for My nation was taken for no reason.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Their rulers glorify themselves</span> -saying ‘We are the most powerful’- <span style="font-weight: bold;">says Hashem, and constantly all day My Name is cursed</span> -profaned and treated disrespectfully in their eyes.-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Therefore, My nation will know My Name</span> -when I redeem them, they will recognize that My name implies Master, Leader, and Ruler- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Therefore, on that day</span> -of their redemption, they will understand that I am the One Who speaks, <span style="font-weight: bold;">that it is I Who speaks, here I am</span> -I exist!-<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798146459486322378.post-39889047609283751042010-08-05T18:56:00.000-07:002010-08-05T19:11:05.426-07:00Parshas Re'eh 5770 - Yeshaya 54:11-55:5<span style="font-weight: bold;">Afflicted, storm-tossed one</span> -her heart is stormy from all of the tragedy that has befallen her. Tha Navi is delivering Hashem’s words to the city of Yerushalayim itself- <span style="font-weight: bold;">who has not been consoled: Behold, I will set down gems as your stones</span> -I will place gems under your floors and cover them with tile- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and lay your foundation with sapphires.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I will set your window</span> -frames- <span style="font-weight: bold;">with gems</span> -rubies- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and </span>-I will make-<span style="font-weight: bold;"> your gates with Ekdach</span> -Carbuncle- <span style="font-weight: bold;">stones and all your borders with desirous stones.</span> -the types of stones that everyone wants to own. Not only Yerushalayim, but even the border cities will be covered with precious stones-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And all your children will be students of Hashem</span> -like in Sefer Yirmiya where it says <span style="font-style: italic;">Man will no longer teach his friend saying, ‘Know Hashem’, for they will all know Me. </span> They will all have faith in Hashem to the extent that there will no longer be any argument about such matters and therefore,- <span style="font-weight: bold;">[and] your children's peace will be abundant.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Establish yourself through righteousness</span> -the rebuilding of Zion will be completed through righteousness, the proper behavior between man and Hashem- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Distance yourself from oppression</span> -do not take the money of others like the wicked. You have no need for this because you have no fear of being oppressed and impoverished- <span style="font-weight: bold;">for you need not fear it, and from devastation for it will not come close to you.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Behold, they may gather together</span> -against you-<span style="font-weight: bold;"> but not from Me</span> -not at My command. Although others have gathered against you at My command, like Sancheriv and Nevuchadnezzar, these nations Gog and Magog are gathering against you without My command- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Whoever gathers against you will fall.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Behold, I have created the smith who fans his charcoal flame and creates a tool for his work and I have created a destroyer to demolish</span> -I am the one who incited the enemy against you. But I am also the one who punished that enemy-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Any weapon </span>-sharpened against you- <span style="font-weight: bold;">will not succeed</span> -no one will be able to damage you- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and any tongue that rises up against you in judgement you will find guilty</span> -they will leave the judgement guilty and you will be innocent. They will not be able to cause you physical damage or verbal damage- <span style="font-weight: bold;">This is the inheritance of the servants of Hashem and their righteousness comes from Me</span> -so- <span style="font-weight: bold;">says Hashem.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ho </span>-this word is like an invitation- <span style="font-weight: bold;">all who are thirsty should go to the water</span> -Torah- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and those that have no money should go buy and eat. Go buy wine and milk</span> -Torah is a better purchase than wine or milk- <span style="font-weight: bold;">without money and without price</span> -the wisdom of Torah can be acquired without money-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why do you weigh out money for no bread and your efforts with no satisfaction?</span> -why do you toil to learn non-Torah wisdom that doesn’t benefit you. These intellectual pursuits are not referred to as ‘bread’ because they don’t provide sustenance to the body or soul- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Listen well to Me and you will eat wel</span>l -the wisdom of Torah is referred to as '<span style="font-style: italic;">Tov</span>'- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and your soul will delight with fat</span> -with rich foods, another metaphor for Torah. Your soul will delight in the World to Come-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lean your ear</span> -to hear My words- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and come to Me</span> -from whereever you are to learn My Torah- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Listen and your souls will be filled with life</span> -during the reviving of the dead at the time of Moshiach- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and I will make an eternal covenant with you, the faithful kindness</span> -that I promised-<span style="font-weight: bold;"> [of] Dovid</span> -that the kingly reign would never leave his descendants<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Behold, I have placed him as a witness over the nations, a leader and commander to the nations</span> -a prince and ruler over them, to rebuke and direct them properly-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Behold </span>-if you listen to Me- <span style="font-weight: bold;">you will summon</span> -to serve you-<span style="font-weight: bold;"> a nation you had not known and a nation that didn’t know you will run to you for the sake of Hashem, your Al-Mighty, for the Holy One of Israel</span> -they will not run to serve you because of your might, but for My sake- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Who has glorified you.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798146459486322378.post-91982816925712035972010-07-25T16:24:00.000-07:002010-07-28T23:21:18.562-07:00Parshas Eikev 5770 - Yeshaya 49:14-51:3<div style="text-align: center;"><span>More bea</span><span>utiful Haftorah verses from Yeshaya this week for Parshas </span><span>Eikev</span><br />======================================================<br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />49:14 - And Zion said</span> -She thought that she was forgotten- <span style="font-weight: bold;">‘Hashem has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.’ </span>-Zion remembered that she had been the seat of the government of Israel and now, it’s as if the city is mourning the children that were exiled from her. The Jewish people are children, not simply inhabitants because they all come to Zion to serve Hashem-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">49:15 - </span>-It is not what you think- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Would a woman forget her infant and not have mercy on the child from her womb? Although these may forget</span> -even if there were a possibility for these women to forget- <span style="font-weight: bold;">[but] I</span> -am The Merciful One and I- <span style="font-weight: bold;">would not forget you.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">49:16 -</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Behold, I have engraved you upon My palms</span> -I see you on My palms as if you are engraved there. I see you and constantly remember you. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Your </span>-destroyed-<span style="font-weight: bold;"> walls are before Me always.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">49:17 -</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Your children will hasten </span><span>-to return to you-; <span style="font-weight: bold;">those who destroy and ruin you</span> -the negligent sinners- <span style="font-weight: bold;">will leave you</span> -there will be no wickedness among you any longer. They were the reason for your destruction and desolation-<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">49:18 -</span> -Hashem speaks to Zion- <span style="font-weight: bold;">R</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">aise your eyes all around and see:</span> -how all of your children- <span style="font-weight: bold;">[They] have gathered, they have come to you. By My life, says Hashem, you will be clothed with them all</span> -glorify yourself with them- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and adorn yourself like a bride</span> -tie them upon you like a necklace to beautify yourself like a bride does before her wedding-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">49:19 - Your ruins and desolate areas and your devastated lands</span> -that you worry about, worry no longer- <span style="font-weight: bold;">now will be crowded with inhabitants</span> -that which was desolate and empty will be so full that it will be crowded- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Those who would destroy you will be distanced</span> -those who destroyed you will be sent to the edges of the earth. Destructive forces will never return to your borders.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">49:20 -</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Again will they say in your ears</span> -you will hear them say-, <span style="font-weight: bold;">the children of your bereavement</span> -the children whom you mourned for-, <span style="font-weight: bold;">‘This place is too crowded for me</span> -There will be so many they will talk about how crowded things are- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Move aside</span> -make room- <span style="font-weight: bold;">for me so I can settle’.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">49:21 -</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">And you will say in your heart, ‘Who has borne me these?</span> -Where has this huge nation come from?- <span style="font-weight: bold;">I have been bereaved and alone, an exile</span> -Zion itself is like an exile with all of her children gone- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and a wanderer</span> -For so long I have been bereaved of them and alone- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Who has raised these? I have been left by myself.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Where are these from?’</span> -from where have they come and who brought them here?-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">49:22 - </span>S<span style="font-weight: bold;">o says Hashem, the Al-Mighty, ‘Behold I will raise My hand towards nations</span> -a sign to gather in the exiles- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and to people</span> -less organized then nations-<span style="font-weight: bold;"> I will raise My banner</span> -like a flag as a sign to gather around- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and they will bring your sons wrapped in a cloth</span> -or, in their arms- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and your daughters will be lifted on</span> -their- <span style="font-weight: bold;">shoulder’.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">49:23 - And kings will raise you</span> -they will protect you as you grow- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and their princesses will be your wet nurses</span> -they will serve you- <span style="font-weight: bold;">They will prostrate themselves to you and will lick the dust of your feet and</span> -then- <span style="font-weight: bold;">you will know that I am Hashem</span> -and I have the power to accomplish all that I say- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Those that hope in Me will not be ashamed</span> -one who hopes for something that never happens feels ashamed. Those who hope in Hashem will not be ashamed.-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">49: 24 - Can the loot of a warrior be taken?</span> -You may think that it’s impossible to take back from Eisav that which he plundered- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Can that which is captured from a righteous person be rescued?</span> -Is it indeed possible to rescue from him that which he took from the righteous Yaakov?-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">49:25 - But so says Hashem, even captives from a warrior and loot from mighty men can be rescued</span> -even this is possible. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Those that fight with you, I will fight with</span> -I will take up your cause- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and I Myself will save your children</span> -from those that caused you pain.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">49:26 - And I will feed those that cursed you</span> -and said that all hope is lost for you- <span style="font-weight: bold;">their own flesh</span> -I will feed them to animals that normally eat meat or to birds of prey- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and they</span> -the birds that drink their blood- <span style="font-weight: bold;">will become drunk on their blood like sweet wine and all flesh will know that I am Hashem your Savior and Redeemer</span> -above all natural law with the ability to do anything- <span style="font-weight: bold;">the Mighty One of Yaakov.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">50:1 So says Hashem, ‘What is your mother’s bill of divorce by which I have sent her away? </span>-Have I given you a <span style="font-style: italic;">get </span>like it says by Yirmiyahu, <span style="font-style: italic;">I have given the bill of divorce</span>? I have not cut you off completely. You were destined to return to me- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Or to which of My creditors have I sold you?</span> -Who has loaned me anything in order that I sell you to him as payment for a debt?- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Behold, it is for your iniquities that you have been sold, for your rebellious sins that your mother has been sent away</span> -and therefore through repentance your exile will be lifted. You were not sold and no money is needed to redeem you. Your sins were the cost of your sale and Teshuvah will be the money for your redemption-<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Please check back throughout the week as I complete the post for this week's Haftorah</span><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798146459486322378.post-55032920433744035602010-07-21T21:34:00.000-07:002010-07-23T11:25:17.516-07:00Shabbos Nachamu 5770 Yeshaya 40:1-26<span style="font-family:arial;">This week's Haftarah, Parshas Va'Eschanan (Shabbos Nachamu), begins the period of comforting Haftaros. Please enjoy the blog, add comments, and share!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1: </span>“<span style="font-weight: bold;">Comfort, comfort</span> -This is referring to Yeshaya’s upcoming prophecies regarding the times of Moshiach. The repetition of the word ‘comfort’ emphasizes the future comfort. From this point until the end of his sefer are prophecies of comfort. This posuk is the transition point between the prophecies of punishment and those of comfort. “Comfort them My prophet, comfort”- <span style="font-weight: bold;">My people”, says your Al-Mighty.<br /><br />2: Speak -</span>words that are accepted by- <span style="font-weight: bold;">[to] the heart of Yerushalayim and proclaim to her that her time</span> -in exile- <span style="font-weight: bold;">has been completed. Her sin has been forgiven</span> -her punishment has ended- <span style="font-weight: bold;">for she has received double</span> -the great consolation from Hashem makes it seem as if she has been punished twice- <span style="font-weight: bold;">for all of her sins</span> -the double punishment is for her sins and the sins of her ancestors- <span style="font-weight: bold;">from the hand of Hashem.<br /><br />3: A voice</span> -of Ruach HaKodesh- <span style="font-weight: bold;">calls out in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way of Hashem</span> -the path to Yerushalayim, for her exiles to return to her- <span style="font-weight: bold;">make a straight path in the desert</span> -this refers to making a new road that was not there before, whereas the previous phrase refers to clearing a road that already existed but was blocked with rocks and other debris- <span style="font-weight: bold;">a road for our Al-Mighty</span>.’<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Every valley</span> -this verse describes through parable how easy the journey will be back to Yerushalayim. Traveling up and down mountains would normally wear out the traveler. The people returning to Yerushalayim will not become tired as they return- <span style="font-weight: bold;">will be raised and every mountain and hill will be lowered</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">That which is twisted will be straightened and heights will become valley</span> -the land will be smooth and easy to navigate.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5: The glory of Hashem will be revealed and all flesh together will see</span> -All people will know- <span style="font-weight: bold;">that the mouth of Hashem has spoken</span>. -They will then know, when they see the prophecies being fulfilled, that all of this comfort that the prophets spoke of was from the mouth of Hashem. The seeing referred to here is that of the heart. They will know and understand in their hearts.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6: A voice</span> -from Hashem speaks to me- <span style="font-weight: bold;">[says], ‘Proclaim!’</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">And </span>-my spirit- <span style="font-weight: bold;">asks </span>-the voice- <span style="font-weight: bold;">‘What shall I proclaim?’</span> -the voice responds, ‘Proclaim this:’- <span style="font-weight: bold;">‘All flesh is grass</span> -most of the wicked enemies of Israel who will arrive with Gog and Magog will die. They will wilt and decay like grass- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and all its kindness like a blossom in the field</span> -even if they performed acts of kindness for Israel, they will not be remembered becase of all of their sins against Israel. They are compared to the blossoms of the field that quickly dry up and get blown away by the wind-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7: Grass withers and blossom fades when the breath of Hashem blows upon it;indeed, the nation</span> -that arrives with Gog- <span style="font-weight: bold;">is like the grass.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8: Grass withers and blossom fades</span> -these enemy nations will dry up like the grass and wither like the blossom and they will be destroyed- <span style="font-weight: bold;">but the word of our Al-Mighty</span> -the promises He made through his prophets- <span style="font-weight: bold;">stands forever’</span>-none are able to nullify His word-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9: Ascend upon a high mountain</span> -one who wishes his voice to be heard, goes to a high place- <span style="font-weight: bold;">herald of Zion</span> -groups of prophets who announce the Redemption to Zion- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Raise your voice with strength, herald of Yerushalayim. Raise it. Have no fear </span>-do not be afraid to raise your voice, because you think there will be false claims- <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Say to the cities of Yehudah, “Behold your Al-Mighty!” </span>-the honor of His Presence will return to Yerushalayim-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10: Behold, my Lord, Hashem will come in strength</span> -against the nations to take payment. He will come with a strong arm without the need for anyone else- <span style="font-weight: bold;">His arm will rule for Him</span> -His rule is not dependent on others. The strength of His army is solely in His outstretched arm. He relies on nothing but Himself for His strength and might- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Behold, His reward is with Him</span> -the reward for the righteous is ready to be given. <span style="font-weight: bold;">His actions</span> -the reward for the actions of the righteous is upon Him to give out- <span style="font-weight: bold;">are before Him.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">11:</span> -He is- <span style="font-weight: bold;">like a shepherd who grazes his flock, he gathers his lambs in his arm</span> -like a kind shepherd who assists the younger lambs who are as yet unable to go on their own- <span style="font-weight: bold;">he bears them in his bosom, he leads the nursing ewes</span> -he does not move them quicker than they are able to move. So too, HaKodosh Boruch Hu leads Israel from their exile slowly and supports the sick and infirmed. A shepherd that watches his flock has much more mercy upon it than if it were being watched for payment from someone else-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">12: Who measured the water in His palm</span> -He has the power to do all of this and certainly he has the power to fulfill the promises He made. Like a person measures the depth of a container with his fist, Hashem placed the water where it belongs and knows how much is there- <span style="font-weight: bold;">prepared the heavens with a measuring tool</span> -since the heavens span a distance, a ‘zeres’ is used in this verse. It is a tool that is used to measure distance-, <span style="font-weight: bold;">measured in a container the dirt of the ground </span>-The nations should not wonder about how he can take Israel out from under their service after so many years of enslavement. The One who created the world from nothing is able to do this. These verses demonstrate Hashem’s abilities to do all- <span style="font-weight: bold;">weighed mountains on a scale and hills with a balance?</span> -He placed the mountains and hills in the land that was most fitting. Heavy mountains were placed in hard land. Lighter ones were placed in softer land-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">13: Who can assess the spirit of Hashem</span> -who prepared Hashem’s spirit for the prophets? Hashem did and He can be trusted. Hashem controls all of the elements of creation: water, fire, earth, air. Certainly He has ultimate control over the combinations thereof. No one can effect control over Him. Do not say He lacks wisdom and counsel to fulfill His promises:<span style="font-weight: bold;"> [and] what man could give Him counsel?<br /><br />14: From whom did He seek counsel? </span><span>-is there anyone among the idolaters with whom He counsels like He counseled with Avrohom (Bereishis 18:17)?- <span style="font-weight: bold;">[Who] gave Him insight? [Who] taught Him the path of justice</span> -Who from among the idolaters have sought Him out through wisdom like Avrohom. He focused his efforts to recognize Hashem on his own and understand His Torah- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and taught Him knowledge? [Who] explained the ways of understanding to Him?<br /><br />15: The nations </span>-the idolaters that refuse to recognize their Creator and are not significant enough to Him that He would appoint a prophet from among them to reveal His secrets. Their powers- <span style="font-weight: bold;">are like a drop from a bucket</span> -like a bitter drop from the bottom of the bucket that contains the dirty water and rotten wood- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and are considered like dust rubbing off a scale</span> -the copper of the scale wears away and flakes off- <span style="font-weight: bold;">behold, He will cast off the islands like dust</span> -like dust blown away by the wind. Since Hashem has the unlimited power as described above, and He accomplishes it all without assistance, how could the nations prevent Him from taking Israel out of their captivity? These nations are considered like nothing before Him.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">16:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">The </span>-forest of- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lebanon</span> -even though it is very large- <span style="font-weight: bold;">does not have enough for kindling</span> -on the altar of Hashem- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and its beasts are not enough for Olah Korbonos</span> -There are not enough animals to atone for the sins of the nations against Israel-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">17: All the nations are like nothing before Him</span> -they are like nothing in His eyes- <span style="font-weight: bold;">He considers them as nothingness and emptiness</span> -less than zero-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">18: To whom can you compare G-d and what likeness can you attribute to Him?</span> -you think that just like your false gods have no real power to save you, so too Hashem, chalila, is the same and you compare your idols to Him-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">19:</span> -Would you compare Him to- <span style="font-weight: bold;">the idol cast by a blacksmith that is overlayed with gold </span>-after the blacksmith forms it from iron or copper- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and the silversmith overlays it with silver chains </span>-to move it from place to place? How could your foolishness be so deep as to compare the most exalted G-d to something so lowly and disgusting as this?-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">20: The poor man</span> -who cannot afford the gold and silver idols- <span style="font-weight: bold;">chooses wood for his idol that will not rot</span> -they truly believe in their idols- <span style="font-weight: bold;">He beseeches the wise woodworker to prepare an idol that will not fall apart</span> -since wood is naturally weaker then iron, the abilities of the craftsman are much more apparent if he can make it strong and more permanent-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">21: Do you not know</span> -who placed the foundations of the world? It is He that you should be serving- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Have you not heard? Has it not been told to you from the beginning</span> -through tradition from one generation to the next since the beginning of time-? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Have you not reflected on the foundations of the world</span> -Are you able to understand the foundations of the world? There is no ‘foundation’ per se. The heavens surround the entire Earth. How could it possibly stand if not for the decree of the Omnipresent!-?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">22: It is He who sits on the circumference of the Earth</span> -He sits upon the heavens that surround the Earth- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Those who dwell upon it</span> -before Him- <span style="font-weight: bold;">are like grasshoppers</span> -the comparison is to a person who is very high up. When he looks down, everything appears very small- <span style="font-weight: bold;">He spreads the heavens</span> -as if it were a thin- <span style="font-weight: bold;">curtain and stretches them like a tent to dwell in</span>- He sits under the tent of the firmament upon the center of the Earth like a king who sits among the people of his country. These images must demonstrate how great a King He truly is!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">23: Who turns governors</span> -wise counselors- <span style="font-weight: bold;">into nothingness</span> -it is as if they don’t exist in His presence- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Who makes the judges of the land as if they never existed</span> -flesh and blood kings lack wisdom so they employ counselors. They cannot enforce the law alone across their entire kingdom so they hire judges. Hashem, with His wisdom, turns these counselors into nothingness and He can enforce His laws without the aid of judges, rendering them null and void-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">24:</span> -These governors and judges are- <span style="font-weight: bold;">as if they were not even planted , as if they were not even sown</span> -they’re uprooted as if they were never sown- <span style="font-weight: bold;">as if they had never taken root in the ground</span> -they will never be restored to their positions of power after they are uprooted- <span style="font-weight: bold;">If He were to blow on them</span> -even only slightly- <span style="font-weight: bold;">they would dry up and a storm wind would carry them away like straw.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">25:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">‘To whom can you compare Me</span> -Since I can do all that has been described here, who can actually be compared to Me-<span style="font-weight: bold;"> that I should be</span> -his- <span style="font-weight: bold;">equal’, says the Holy One</span> -who is separate and distinct from anything physical or comparable-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">26: Raise your eyes towards heaven</span> -these creations are physically larger and more powerful then the creations below, yet He created these as well- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and see Who created these</span> -the stars and all the celestial bodies in heaven- <span style="font-weight: bold;">He brings out their legions by number, He calls them all by name</span> -the world was created from nothing and that necessitates the existence of a Creator- <span style="font-weight: bold;">from His abundant power and His tremendous strength, not one is missing.<br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:arial;">We hope you have enjoyed this edition of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Haftaros Elucidated</span> and have found it helpful in understanding this week’s Haftarah.</span><br /></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:arial;">This week, the Haftorah was elucidated with the commentaries of Rashi, Radak, Metzudos David and Tziyon, Mahari Kra, Malbim, and Targum.</span><br /></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798146459486322378.post-44718746406948502952010-07-11T22:00:00.000-07:002010-07-14T21:18:03.677-07:00Shabbos Chazon 5770 Yeshaya 1:1-27<span style="font-weight: bold;">1: The vision</span> -the term 'vision' ('chazon') is used here to indicate the harshness of the upcoming prophecy. 'Chazon' is the harshest of the ten words used for prophecy- <span style="font-weight: bold;">of Yeshayahu son of Amotz</span> -we have a tradition from our sages that Amotz and Amatzia the king of Yehuda were brothers- <span style="font-weight: bold;">which he saw regarding the territory of Yehudah and Yerushalayim</span> -This is not the beginning of his Sefer, indicating that all of Yeshaya's prophecy were regarding Yehudah and Yerushalayim. He prophesied regarding Bavel as well. The beginning of his Sefer takes place in the year that King Uziyahu dies. There is no fixed chronology within the Sefer.- <span style="font-weight: bold;">during the the days of Uziyahu, Yosam, Achaz, and Chizkiyahu, kings of the territory of Yehudah.</span> -On the day that Uziyahu was plagued with Tzaraas, the Shechina rested upon Yeshaya and he prohesied throughout the reign of these 4 kings until Menashe became king and killed him. This vision was related during the reign of Chizkiyahu after the exile of the Ten Tribes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2: Listen heavens</span> -to the anger and complaints I will raise against K'lal Yisroel, on behalf of Hashem- and give heed earth -"you were witnesses in the times of Moshe (Devarim 32:1) to the warnings I gave. Come now and bear witness to the fact that they disobeyed those warnings."- <span style="font-weight: bold;">for Hashem has spoken.</span> -These are the words of Hashem. They are not my words. Hashem said "I am not mistreating them- I<span style="font-weight: bold;"> have raised</span> -through My Torah- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and elevated</span> -through My Divine Presence- <span style="font-weight: bold;">[My] children</span> -I have bestowed goodness upon my chosen nation of Israel and elevated them above all other nations. They have not treated Me in kind-<span style="font-weight: bold;"> and they have</span> -knowingly- <span style="font-weight: bold;">rebelled against Me.</span>"<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3: "The ox knows its owner and a donkey its master's trough</span> -These are animals that live among people to serve them and they have no cognitive abilities. Yet, they realize who feeds and takes care of them. When their work is done, they return home- <span style="font-weight: bold;">K'lal Yisroel doesn't know</span> -They are My nation whom I acquired from their house of bondage. They don't know that I am the one who bestows goodness upon them and gave them their land and drove out their enemies. If they knew who I was, they would not forsake Me. They would not have worshipped false gods in my stead.- <span style="font-weight: bold;">My nation does not understand</span> -they do not understand that when they keep My Torah, things will be good for them and when they forsake it, things will be bad. How can they not understand this?!"-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4:</span> -The prophet continues- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Woe! </span>- this word always indicates a crying out in lament, a deep groan from one's heart. One must cry out that this holy nation has become a sinful one. A nation that was described as holy is now heavy with iniquity.- <span style="font-weight: bold;">A sinful nation. A nation heavy with iniquity</span> -so much sin-. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Evil offspring, destructive children</span> -children who had been blessed by Hashem are now evil. They had been children to Hashem and now they are destructive. They have destroyed the paths that led them towards good.- <span style="font-weight: bold;">They have forsaken Hashem. They have angered the Holy One of Israel</span> -He was sanctified in their midst through His miracles and the revenge He took against their enemies on their behalf and they have forsaken Him- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and have turned their back</span> -they have separated themselves from Him. They have presented their backs to Hashem instead of their faces.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5: For what have you been smitten since you continue to turn away?</span> -When one is punished for acting badly and continues in his wickedness, his friend chastises him and tells him, 'You were punished for that and yet you have not concluded, I was punished for this wickedness. I will stop acting this way. Here also. Why are you being smitten since you take no heed and continue to act wickedly and turn away from Hashem? For behold!- <span style="font-weight: bold;">All heads are smitten with sickness and all hearts are in pain.</span> -Why don't you understand the connection? You have not realized that Hashem is the one smiting you because of your sin. Rather, you continue to act as if these punishments are coincidental.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6: From the sole of the foot to the head</span> -from the simple to the leaders of the people- <span style="font-weight: bold;">nothing in this nation is whole</span> - serving Me as they have been commanded. They have all rebelled and sinned- <span style="font-weight: bold;">injury, bruise, and festering wounds</span> -no manner of punishment has made a difference-. <span style="font-weight: bold;">They have not been treated and they have not been bandaged.</span> -Nothing has caused them to repent- <span style="font-weight: bold;">The wound has not been softened with oil</span> -not even a thought of Teshuvah has crossed their minds.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7:</span> -Therefore- <span style="font-weight: bold;">your land is desolate. Your cites are</span> -so desolate as if they have been- <span style="font-weight: bold;">burned with fire.</span> -The produce- <span style="font-weight: bold;">of your land is consumed by strangers in your presence</span> -and you cannot stop them. Just like the punishments enumerated in the admonitions of Parshas Bechukosai-. <span style="font-weight: bold;">It is desolate as if overturned by strangers</span> -it remains desolate because foreign enemies come and consume what they find. You never have the chance to replant and work the land because your enemies are constantly coming.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8: And the Daughter of Zion</span> -the city of Zion- <span style="font-weight: bold;">is left like a booth on a vineyard</span> -after the harvest, the farmers abandon their shelters and leave. Similarly, Zion is empty of its inhabitants because of the exile. The majority of the cities of Yehudah were destroyed and during the reign of Chizkiyahu, all of the fortified cities were seized by the king of Ashur. Only Yerushalyim was left,- <span style="font-weight: bold;">like a shed among the gourds</span> -the shed that is used by those who guard the crops day and night is abandoned after the harvest- <span style="font-weight: bold;">like a city under siege</span> -when a city is being taken over, tents and dwellings are built for the soldiers to hide in. When the siege ends, these temporary dwellings are left empty.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9: Had not Hashem, Master of Legions</span> -Hashem is referred to in this way because He commands the Malachim above and the people below. We are His legions and therefore He did not kill all of the nation of Israel like we deserved. Rather, He- <span style="font-weight: bold;">left a trace of a remnant</span> -in His mercy and for the sake of His Name which is conferred upon us, but not because of our righteousness-, <span style="font-weight: bold;">we would have been like S’dome</span> -completely destroyed-. <span style="font-weight: bold;">We would have been compared to Amorah</span> -utterly wiped out.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10: Listen to the word of Hashem, you chiefs of S’dome</span> -The Navi is addressing the leaders of Israel and comparing them to the leaders of S’dome in the ways they abuse the poor and corrupt the law. The people are also like the people of S’dome with their wicked behaviors-. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Heed the Torah of our Al-Mighty, nation of Amorah!</span> -this is referring to the next several verses (11-19)-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">11: “Why do I need your many Korbonos?”, says Hashem</span> -I have commanded you to bring Korbonos so that you will remember me and place me in your hearts always, so that you don’t sin If you would be concerned enough to confess your sins and do T’shuvah from your wicked ways, the Korbonos you bring would find favor before me as it says in th Torah. Now , however, I am disgusted by the Korbonos you bring.- “<span style="font-weight: bold;">I am sated with ram Olos and fat from fattened animals</span> -like someone who has had enough of something and is now sickened by it- <span style="font-weight: bold;">The blood of bulls, sheep , and goats I do not desire”</span> -since you transgress my Torah, <span style="font-style: italic;">the Korban of the wicked is an abomination</span>-.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">12: “When you come to appear before me</span> -during the Three Festivals, the Mitzvah of R’eeyah-, <span style="font-weight: bold;">who has requested this from your hands</span> -that you should come before Me and rebel against My words. It is not honor that you bring Me, rather shame-, <span style="font-weight: bold;">to trample My courtyards?”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">13:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">“Do not continue bringing your worthless flour Korbonos</span> -I am warning you. Do not bring your worthless offerings, of which the smoke that rises- <span style="font-weight: bold;">[It] is incense of abomination to Me</span> -it does not find favor with Me-. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Regarding the Rosh Chodesh, Shabbos, and Yom Tov Korbonos, I cannot abide your iniquity when you gather together before Me.”</span> - these two things cannot exist together: your gathering together before Me to bring Korbonos when you have the abomination of Avodah Zorah in your hearts-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">14: “My soul detests</span> -the Korbonos of- <span style="font-weight: bold;">your Rosh Chodesh and your Yomim Tovim. They have become</span> -like a heavy- <span style="font-weight: bold;">burden upon Me</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">I am tired of carrying them.”</span> -I have carried and forgiven many of your transgressions. I cannot bear to forgive them any longer-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">15: “And when you spread your hands</span> -in prayer-, <span style="font-weight: bold;">I will hide My eyes from you</span> - and not accept your prayers, because your hands are filled with blood-. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Even if you increase your prayers</span> -and cry out all day-<span style="font-weight: bold;">, I will not listen. Your hands are filled with blood</span> -of murder-.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">16: “Wash yourselves</span> -cleanse your heart and purify it- <span style="font-weight: bold;">Purfiy yourselves</span> -Cleanse, Purify, Remove, Cease, Learn, Seek, Vindicate, Judge, Take up, Come: These 10 actions are all different references to T’shuvah, corresponding to the 10 Days of Repentance and the 10 verses recited during the Malchiyos, Zichronos, and Shofros sections of the Rosh Hashana davening. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Remove the wickedness of your actions from before My eyes. Cease doing evil.</span> -stop treating each other wickedly-”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">17: “Learn to do good, seek justice </span>-among those who quarrel, seek to find justice and determine who is innocent- <span style="font-weight: bold;">, support the victim</span> -do the right thing and comfort them-, <span style="font-weight: bold;">provide justice for the orphan, fight on behalf of the widow”</span> -do not make her pursue those that owe her.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">18: “Come now, let us discuss”</span> -together, you and I. We will discover who turned against who. If you rebelled against me, I will still give you hope through repentance-<span style="font-weight: bold;">, says Hashem. “If your sins are like scarlet, they will become white as snow.</span> -if you prepare yourselves to walk the proper path, I will cleanse the sins that have made your hands red with blood. Even- <span style="font-weight: bold;">If they are red as crimson, they will be as wool”.</span> -not quite as white as snow-<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">19: “If you are willing and obey</span> -if you sublimate yourselves to Me and listen to My voice- <span style="font-weight: bold;">you will eat the goodness of the land.</span>- that which strangers were eating in front of you will once again be eaten by you”.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">20: “But if you refuse and rebel,</span> -you will not consume the food, rather- <span style="font-weight: bold;">a sword will devour you, for the mouth of Hashem has spoken”.</span> -where did Hashem say this? <span style="font-style: italic;">I will bring the sword upon you (Vayikra 26:25)-<br /><br /></span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">21: How the faithful city has become like a harlot!</span> -straying from her master- <span style="font-weight: bold;">She was filled with justice</span> -from the beginning. Yehoshafat placed Judges in all the cities of Yehudah and told them, “See what you are doing. You will not be judged by man but by the Al-Mighty!”- <span style="font-weight: bold;">righteousness lodged within her</span> -forever was she filled with justice and righteousness was always within her. The Hebrew word ‘hɦ,£tœ‡k§n’, filled, has the numeric value 481. That is how many synagogues there were in Yerushalayim. - <span style="font-weight: bold;">but now, murderers</span> -they killed Uriah and they killed Zechariah.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">22: Your silver has become dross</span> -it is only the leftover of silver. You make copper and plate it with silver to take advantage of others- <span style="font-weight: bold;">your strong drink diluted with water</span> -buyers think they are getting pure wine, but it is actually diluted.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">23:</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Your leaders</span> -who should be straightening that which is crooked, they stray from the path and make the straight crooked- <span style="font-weight: bold;">are rebellious and friends of thieves</span> -your leaders divide the spoils with the thieves and don’t stop them from robbing others.- <span style="font-weight: bold;">All of them love bribery and chase payment</span> -One says to the other, ‘Find me innocent today, and tomorrow I will find you innocent'- <span style="font-weight: bold;">They do not provide justice to the orphan</span> -from those who would take advantage of them- <span style="font-weight: bold;">nor does the grievance of the widow come to them</span> -since they do not want to defend her and fight for her against those who would exploit her, the widow doesn’t even bring her case to them since it won’t help.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">24: Therefore, Hashem, the Master </span>-everything belongs to Him and He can uproot you from your land and put others in it-<span style="font-weight: bold;">, the Lord of Hosts, the Mighty One of Israel, says, </span>-in the manner of an announcement. “you will all know that- <span style="font-weight: bold;">I will be relieved</span> - of this anger by way of the punishment I dole out to- <span style="font-weight: bold;">[of] those who challenge Me</span> -and angered me with their actions and transgressed laws between man and his fellow man- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and I will avenge Myself of My enemies</span> -those who hate me”.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span><span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">25: “And and I will turn My hand upon you</span> -I will continuously smite you until all transgressors are gone- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and I will refine your dross</span> -this refers to the wicked among you. I will cleanse them from among the righteous- <span style="font-weight: bold;">as with lye and I will remove all of your lead.”</span> -lead refers to the wicked among you. </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br /></span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">26: “And I will restore your judges as they were at first</span> -I will appoint righteous judges as before, She was filled with justice. This will be during the times of Moshiach when all the wicked are destroyed. The remainder of Israel will not act with injustice and will not speak falsehood-<span style="font-weight: bold;">, and your counselors as they were at the beginning. Afterwards, you will be called ‘City of Righteousness’</span> -as before, righteousness lodged within her. There will be righteousness between man and his fellow man-<span style="font-weight: bold;">, ‘Faithful City’”</span>-the counselors will restore the faithful Torah and there will be faithfulness between man and Hashem.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">27: </span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Zion will be redeemed through justice</span> -through the people who dwell there acting justly- <span style="font-weight: bold;">and those who return to her through righteousness.”</span>-those who do Teshuvah within her borders. The return from exile will occur through the righteousness that they do.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /><br />=======================================================================<br />This week's Haftarah is elucidated with the commentary of Rashi, Metzudos Dovid and Tziyon, Radak, Targum, Mahari Kra, and Malbim<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798146459486322378.post-6692859278291056472009-08-05T21:02:00.000-07:002009-08-05T21:03:40.654-07:00New Divrei Torah for Parshas EikevNew Divrei Torah for this week's Parsha, Eikev, are available now at http://parshaparts.com/current/torah/eikev.php.<br /><br />New Halachos for Elul and Parsha questions will be added soon so check back later!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798146459486322378.post-7214387113036924032009-07-28T18:01:00.000-07:002009-07-28T20:54:18.045-07:00How to choose a great D'var TorahThe first thing I do to choose a great D'var Torah for the weekly Parsha is select some <a href="http://www.judaism.com/books/bible_texts/index.asp?aref=parshaparts">Seforim</a> that cover a broad section of Yiddishkeit: Chassidus, Mussar, Medrash. One of my favorites is <a href="http://www.judaism.com/display.asp?uniqueTitle=13330&aref=parshaparts">Ma'ayanah shel Torah, The Wellsprings of Torah</a>, which is also available in English. It contains Divrei Torah from various Jewish scholars. I scan the authors for the current Parsha and take the length of the commentary into consideration as well. A good D'var Torah won't be too long or too short. I want to capture the reader's attention but not lose them before the point is made.<br /><br />Other good sources for Divrei Torah on the Parsha are stories from the Medrash and Gemara. <a href="http://www.judaism.com/display.asp?uniqueTitle=13414&aref=parshaparts">Tales of Tzaddikim</a> presents wonderful lessons from our Sages in the context of each weekly Parsha. They are perfect for your Shabbos meals! It is geared towards children, but it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.<br /><br />Check this week's Divrei Torah at <a href="http://parshaparts.com">ParshaParts.com</a> and see if our choices match these suggestions!<br /><br />Where do you go to find excellent Divrei Torah?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4798146459486322378.post-90900465139588810352009-07-28T15:16:00.001-07:002009-07-28T15:30:07.843-07:00Welcome ParshaParts.com to Web 2.0!We are proud to announce the reactivation of ParshaParts at parshaparts.com! New Divrei Torah, Halachos, and Parsha quizzes are available for Parshas <a href="http://parshaparts.com/current/torah/vaeschanan.php">Vaeschanan</a> now!<br /><br />You can follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/parshaparts">twitter</a> now also!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Check back for more updates soon.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0