Shabbat Hagadol

As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

The most basic idea of Passover is that Hashem took Us, His Nation, out of 210 years of bondage in Egypt. As the pasuk states “Asher hotzetecha me’eretz mitzrayim.” However, the pasuk continues “lehiyot lachem Lelokim,” which means, in order that you will serve Me. From this we see clearly that Hashem took us out of slavery from Egypt in order to serve Him.

The primary lesson and yesod (foundation) which manifests itself on Pesach and on which our Torah is built is Gratitude, Hakarat Hatov. Recognizing and acknowledging all of the tremendous gifts of kindliness that Hashem is bestowing upon us and our families.

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Rosh Chodesh Nissan

As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“You shall observe the month of Springtime (aviv) and perform the Pesach offering for Hashem, your G-d, for in the month of Springtime Hashem your G-d, took you out of Egypt at night.” (Devarim 16:1)

Now I am going to tell you what the Alter of Slabodka, R’ Noson Zvi Finkel, said on this pasuk. The Alter asked, “why does the Torah tell us that we left Egypt in the spring?” It is true that in springtime the land is beautiful as all of nature begins to bloom. But wouldn’t we have been just as happy if it were pouring rain or even hailing when we left Egypt? After being enslaved there for 210 years we would have been overjoyed to leave in any kind of weather.

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As Heard From Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“See, Hashem has called by name, Beztalel…” (35:30)

What is the Torah telling us by using the word “Reu,” See? The Torah wants to stress the importance of acquiring a Good Name. It is not enough to have good qualities and deeds, you must also have a good reputation, a good name in the world. This is a purpose in life.

Kohelet says: “A good name is better than good oil.” In the past, men used aromatic oils and the oil’s fragrance remained in the room even after the men had left. A good name, however, remains even longer. It even remains in this world when the man departs for the next world.

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As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“And by what then will it be known that I have found favor in Your eyes?” (33:16)

Moshe Rabenu was the greatest man to ever walk the face of this earth. His greatness was dependent on the piety of Bnei Yisrael. When the sin of the Golden Calf is committed, Hashem orders Moshe to “Go down, for the People whom you have brought out of Egypt have become corrupt.” Since the greatness of Bnei Yisrael was mitigated by committing a sin, so was Moshe’s greatness lessened. His greatness is resulting from the elevated holiness of the Jewish Nation.

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As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Zachor

“Remember that which Amalek did to you on the way when you went forth from Egypt.” (Devarim 25:17)

After the downfall of Egypt, the Israelites felt secure and became somewhat self-reliant. This great generation certainly did not forget their Father and King, yet a minute degree of trust in Hashem’s help was subtracted from their minds. Therefore Amalek came to refresh their Awareness of the need for Hashem’s constant help. This is therefore one purpose of our many enemies, to remind us always to call for help from Hashem and to become more aware of Him.

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As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

Rosh Chodesh Adar, Tov.

“When Adar enters joy is increased.”

In order to increase our simcha and pleasure in life we must examine the joys that are already in our possession. The gift of being able to see all of the wonderful and splendorous creations which Hashem created just for our enjoyment. “And Elokim said Let there be Light…and it was good.” (Beresheet 1:3)

The question is posed that since Hashem made the light than certainly it is ‘Good,’ so why is Hashem telling us that the Light is ‘Good?’ Because He wants us to see and realize how good this gift of light is that He is giving us. Like a father who loves his child, when he brings him a new bicycle he wants his child to get maximum enjoyment. So the father tells his child how excellent the bicycle is and how much he will enjoy it.

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Looking for a Purim costume?

Do you want to help others have a really special Purim?

The Norensberg Foundation is promoting a Purim costume gemach. While we are not associated with the gemach itself, we thought what they are doing is important so we have decided to help out in whatever way possible. You can help too by donating costumes, volunteering or getting your costumes from the gemach. By doing so, you will help someone have a special Purim.

For more information you can call 212-933-9100 or e-mail them at purimcostumegemach@gmail.com. They are located at 1641 E 31ST ST (Bet Ave P and Quentin Rd) in Brooklyn and they are open on the following Sundays: February 22, March 1 and March 8 from 11AM-3PM.

To download a printable flyer to post in Shul, the office or elsewhere, follow the links below.

• PDF (19.5MB)
• PNG (1MB)

As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” (21:24)

This is the expression by Hashem of the guilt of the assailant. Although it actually means “the payment of an eye (in money) for an eye” yet this stern expression teaches that Hashem considers the assailant deserving of losing an eye, unless he makes proper atonement which includes payment.

The proof that “an eye for an eye” means money-payment is demonstrated by the previous verses: “And when men quarrel and one smites his fellowman…he must give (payment for) his idleness and he must heal him.” (21:18-19) But our verse here states “a wound for a wound;” therefore we understand that the intention is “payment of money of a wound for a wound.” In order to know that the payment is not the full atonement it is said “a wound for a wound” unless the proper atonement is made by seeking the fellowman’s forgiveness and by repentance toward Hashem.

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As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“And G-d spoke.” (20:1)

Before we begin the study of Hashem’s words, it is essential to understand the principle set forth by RaMBAN.

“The 613 commandments are actually 613 general principles.” This very important statement declares that not only are the precepts applicable to the cases in which the Torah commands them, but they must serve as indications of Hashem’s will even in other instances. Thus the command to return a lost ox or sheep to its owner (Debarim 22:1-3) is used as a model for the principle of rescuing the property of a fellowman from destruction. The command to erect a fence around the (flat) roof (ibid. 22:8) intends also to exhort all necessary means of safety, such as removing a rickety ladder (Babba Kama 15B).

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Shabbat Shira

As Heard From Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

The Song of the Sea is read from the Torah every year when the weekly Perashah is read, and it is read on the seventh day of Pesach, and it is recited daily in our prayers; and so it shall be until forever. The spectacle of the splitting of the Sea of Suf gave an impetus to Israel and causes them to go forward until the end of time.

The episode of the splitting of the Sea of Suf afforded one of the most stupendous spectacles in history. The mighty waters which Israel had feared more than they feared Pharaoh, now parted and piled up to shield them like crystal walls on both sides of the uncovered sea-bottom; and Israel, protected by the walls of water against the darts and javelins of Egypt, marched across on the dry path.

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