PARSHAT PIKUDEI

B”H

And if the cloud did not lift up, they would not travel until the day which it would be lifted (Shemot 40:37)

This is praise for Bnei Yisroel who despite having waited some time, would not move unless directed to by Hashem.  Bnei Yisroel understood that Hashem was directing them according to a deeper spiritual plan and that everything was for their own good.  They therefore made no attempt to travel further unless directed by Hashem. (Ramchal on the Parsha, Kisvei Ramad Vali (606)

Sometimes we don’t have all of the information. Sometimes things look hopeless.   It is natural to want to take action to do something, anything to change the situation. It is much harder to trust that Hashem is the one in ultimate control and to wait patiently for his will to be revealed. This is the time that really tests our emunah.

Shabbat Shalom

CHODESH ADAR BET TOV

B"H

“May this month be the final end of all our travails, a start and beginning for the redemption of our soul.  For You have chosen Your people Israel from all the nations, and You have set forth the decrees of the New Moons for them.  Blessed are You Hashem, Who sanctifies Israel and the New Moons.” (Mussaf for Rosh Chodesh)

OUR WORDS DEFINE US

B"H

When we examine the workings of our words, we come to see that they, more than any other human capacity, define us.  What we say and how we say it is who we are.  Angry, hurtful words define a angry, hurtful person. Kind, considerate words define an kind, considerate person.

This can be seen by considering the unique nature of the tongue: it is partially hidden and partly revealed.  It is usually not seen but it is heard.  Maharal concludes that Hashem designed the tongue to reflect its function, which is to reveal the hidden self-one's thoughts, ideas and personality.  The tongue takes these hidden elements from within the person and, through words, brings them into the open.

The laws of proper speech are Hashem's specific practical directives for how to use this defining capacity. They teach us how to look at people and speak about people.  They reflect the Torah's wisdom which sees the impact and ripple effect of every negative interaction.  The Torah understands that at the core of virtually every broken friendship, shattered career or divorce is a seed of hatred, a seed usually planted by a hurtful word.

The Torah's laws reflect Hashem's knowledge that much ovfthe pain and anguish of life can be averted by restraining ourselves from sowing these seeds.

It is actually a simple principle: If one removes negativity, gossip, slander and divisiveness from one's vocabulary, one automatically and dramatically improves one's own life and the lives of everyone in one's environment.

Chofetz Chaim, A Lesson A Day

Artscroll Series

Rabbi Shimon Finkelman

Rabbi Yitzchak Berkowitz