3 Sivan 5781 - 47th Day of the Omer | | BE HAPPY-- AND MAKE OTHERS HAPPY! If you have not yet done so, please remember your Yom Tov donation to assist poor families in celebrating the Chag. Please reach out to yadeliezer.org. PLEASE!
| | Today we begin the Sheloshes Yemei Hagbalah--the three days of more intense preparation for Kabalas HaTorah. On the Third of Sivan itself, Moshe Rabbeinu comes back to Hashem and related to Him that the people have responded "Na'aseh--we will do!" Hashem, in turn, told Moshe that He Himself will come to Moshe Rabbeinu in a thick cloud to give the Torah (Shemos 19:9): "Ba'avur Yishmah Ha'am BeDabri Imach VeGam Becha Ya'aminu LeOlam--so that the people will hear when I speak with you, so that they and their descendants will always believe in Toras Moshe." The Luach Davar BeIto brings the following important points and pointers relating to this special period: 1. Hasmadah in learning should be especially emphasized in final preparation for our new Kabbalas HaTorah on Shavuos. [Practical Suggestion: Try to learn at least one special hour every day through Shavuos without any interruption--even if the interruption is another matter of Torah.] 2. The Chosid Ya'avetz writes that in the Sheloshes Yemei Hagbalah the Tahara that existed before Matan Torah sparks again--even in our times! 3. To mark the special level of Tahara of the period, the Kaf HaChaim writes that even if one does not attend the Mikvah daily, he should do so during these days. [Hakhel Note: Even if one does not find this possible--let him go back to No. 1 above!]
| | The Rabbeinu Gershom (to Bava Basra 91b) writes that the cheit of Elimelech in Megillas Rus was a lack of Bitachon that K'lal Yisrael would be saved from the famine. The Sefer Mishbetzos Zahav writes that we learn from here and how great the punishment is for one who sinks into despair and does not have Bitachon in Hashem (quoted in the Sefer Megillas Rus by Rabbi Ilan Ginian, Shlita). As we know, those who left Mitzrayim were those who had Bitachon and wanted to leave. At this special moment, we must especially strengthen our Bitachon—each person in his own way, whether it is by sincere Tefillah, sincere Tehillim, personal prayer, learning from a Sefer on Bitachon—or a combination of all or some of the above. We must remember the teaching of Chabakuk "V'Tzaddik B'Emunaso Yichyeh". One of the pinnacles of our Bitachon is—Achakeh Lo B'Chol Yom Sheyavo—I await the Moshiach every day. We really have to strengthen ourselves—knowing and appreciating that the Moshiach can come not only today, but even at any moment today—Pisom!
| | WE CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES | |
1. Rebbi Menachem Mendel of Vorki, Z'tl asked if Shabbos HaGadol is the Shabbos before Pesach and Shabbos Shuvah is the Shabbos before Yom Kippur, what is the Shabbos before Shavuos known as? He answered that it is Shabbos Derech Eretz--a Shabbos in which one works on his Middos--because Derech Eretz is Kadma L Torah!
2. There is a beautiful connection between Shabbos and the Mitzvah of Talmud Torah that is brought in the introduction of the Sefer Eglei Tal by the Sochotchover Rav. The Rav brings the words of Chazal (Sotah 37A), who teach that for each Mitzvah four separate brisos, or covenants were made: one, Lilmod- to learn about it; two, Lilamed-to teach it to others; three, Lishmor-to observe it (guard against violating it); and four, La'asos-to practice it (actively performing it). The Rav then explains that just as Shemiras Shabbos is equal to all of the Mitzvos--so too, is the Lilmod and Lilamed of Hilchos Shabbos equal to the Lilmod and Lilamed of all of the Mitzvos. If we study and learn Hilchos Shabbos with others, we are accomplishing something oh so great--equivalent to that of all the other Mitzvos! It behooves us this Shabbos, bli neder, to try to institute some Hilchos Shabbos study at each meal--at least relating a few Halachos of Shabbos. What a great Kabbalah, bli neder--before the Matan Torah of the morrow! 3. The Sefer Mincha Chadasha writes that the teaching in Avos: "Knei Lecha Chaver"--usually translated as acquire a friend for yourself, could be interpreted to mean "Purchase for yourself a Chibur, a Sefer." Today is an especially auspicious time to purchase a new Sefer or set of Sefarim for yourself--or for your Shul! Hakhel Note: If one has purchased new Seforim for use on Yom Tov, he should go through them on Erev Shabbos to make sure that the pages are not stuck together.
| | Many are familiar with the question as to why the Torah was given in the Midbar. HaRav Shimshon Pincus, Z'tl, however, looks at the question from a different perspective. HaRav Pincus asks not why the Torah was actually given in the Midbar, but rather why the Torah was not given in Eretz Yisrael. After all, does not the very air of Eretz Yisrael itself make one wise? Wouldn't the intense Kedusha of Eretz Yisrael per se have a unique and special effect on those receiving the Torah? Is not the complete performance of the Mitzvos dependent on their performance in Eretz Yisrael in any event?! HaRav Pincus answers that we must put the Giving of the Torah in its proper perspective. On Pesach, HaKadosh Baruch Hu chose us as His Kallah, as His bride. The Shidduch was made, and we celebrate our new relationship over Pesach. The days of Sefirah are the equivalent of the engagement period--between the Vort and the Chasuna itself. Shavuos is then, the Great Wedding, where Hashem came out to greet us as a Chasan steps forward to greet his Kallah. The period after Shavuos is the time in which the newfound relationship was to be firmly and eternally established. We can now understand why the Torah had to be given in the desert. The proverbial Choson and Kallah needed time with each other, without any distractions whatsoever--not even holy or important ones--in order to form an eternal bond. Giving the Torah in Eretz Yisrael would be the equivalent of getting married in a kitchen, even if it was Glatt Kosher LeMehadrin--As soon as the Chupa was over, the Choson would soon be learning how to use the Shabbos Clock, and the Kallah would start figuring out how to make cholent! Just as the Yichud room follows immediately after the Chupa so that the newlyweds can focus on each other and only on each other, so, too, did we need our special time to be separated from everything else and unite with HaKadosh Baruch Hu. Baruch Hashem our relationship started off properly. We had the proper Yichud, our connection with Hashem was developed without interruption or disturbance. As a result, our potential for dveiykus--for a close and tight bond--with Hashem is, and always will be, at a maximum level. So, we are now like the Choson and Kallah several days before the Chupa. The anticipation, the last minute preparations, the prayers that everything goes right…but we must also remember that the goal to be achieved when Shavuos arrives is not only the marvelous and incomparable moment of the Wedding itself, but also the raising of our own personal ever-special and eternally-lasting relationship that must follow, as expressed by the love that we have for Hashem, the improved way in which we study His Torah and the devoted manner and especially warm care in which we perform His Mitzvos!
| | The Divrei Siach provides the following question on the Parasha presented to HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, and his response: Question: Rashi brings Chazal who teach that the Shevatim which encamped to the south of the Mishkan (Degel Reuvein) were neighbors with Korach, and accordingly fell prey to his distortions, joined with him and of them it is said "Oy L'Rasha, V'Oy L'Shecheino". In taking a step back, however, Chazal teach that the Shevatim encamped in accordance with the instructions previously given to them by Yaakov Avinu. Why was it then, Degel Machane Reuven's fault--after all, they were placed next to the Reshaim--and did not ask to be there? Answer: If a person is in the company of people who are suspect or who are performing suspect acts, he must be especially careful and vigilant not to fall prey to their conduct and to their deeds. Hakhel Note: We can perhaps analogize to one who must work in Manhattan, or in another big-city business district, in which much non-Torah conduct and practices occurs. One cannot excuse himself by simply saying 'I have to earn a living'--this is what I must do and it is not my fault. Instead, he should use his best efforts to take whatever steps he can knowing that he is dangerously close to the spiritual equivalent of a lion's den. Perhaps when one is eminently successful in this regard, he has done even better than the one who is encamped next to the Tzaddik (such as Degel Machaneh Yehudah next to Moshe and Aharon), upon whom we can immediately comment Tov L'Tzaddik V'Tov L'Shecheino.
| | In this week's Pirkei Avos (6:3) we learn that Dovid HaMelech showed special respect to Achisofel because he taught him two things--the first being that when one walks into Shul, he should not enter in an upright position--but bowed --as Dovid HaMelech learned to exclaim (Tehillim 5:8): "V'Ani Berov Chasdecha Avo Veisecha Eshtachaveh Ehl Heichal Kadshecha B'Yirasecha--as for me, because of Your abundant kindness I will enter Your House, I will prostrate myself toward Your holy sanctuary in awe of You." It is certainly our turn to take this lesson now from Dovid HaMelech--reciting this Pasuk each and every time we enter our Mikdash Me'at in a contrite and meaningful way! | | Sunday, as the Fifth day of Sivan, is the day that we recited in unison: "Kol Asher Diber Hashem Na'aseh VeNishma--all that Hashem says we will do and we will hear!" May these words joyfully reverberate within us throughout Shabbos and Yom Tov! | | "Included among the apikorsim are those who say, "Of what use to us are the scholars with their studies? Is there anything about which they say, 'See this is new? They have never permitted us to eat raven, nor forbidden us to eat a dove." People such as these have not heard, nor known, nor opened their ears to the values that lie in occupation with Torah. Because of this, occupation with Torah is lowly in their eyes; they have become rebels against the light of its nobility, and have no share in the World to Come. We have, therefore, been obliged to teach the sons of Yehudah the values that lie in occupation with Torah….those who do not have the ability to learn--let them recognize the beauty of the honor of occupation with Torah, and let them acquire merit through this realization." This appears to be Rabbeinu Yonah's 700 year old comment on those who disapprove of Kollel study. We now present you with a more recent perspective. An outstanding story is brought about Rebbe Yisroel Salanter, Z'TL, who spent significant time with a simple, elderly poor man advising him of all the merits of learning in Kollel. Reb Yisroel was questioned by his students as to the necessity of talking to him about this--after all, the man was poor and could not support anyone in Kollel, and was simple and elderly and himself not prepared for Kollel study. Reb Yisroel responded beautifully as follows: "I wanted this man to have a feeling and a desire, a longing, to learn in or support a Kollel. Obviously, he does not have the actual means to do either, but to HaKadosh Boruch Hu, he has fulfilled whatever he could by his feelings, desires and longings. It is for this reason that I spent the time I did with him." At this time of year, as we move closer to our receiving the Torah anew, let us give special consideration, thoughts, and appreciation for those who study Torah day and night, and who keep the world going with their Torah study. Perhaps one way we can demonstrate our feelings is by providing some new or additional support or charity to an: institution of Torah learning. Why not write that special Kollel check, or check for a Talmid Chochom--today--!
| | The Leket Yosher writes in the name of the Terumas HaDeshen that one should make the effort to get a Sefer, rather than swing around his chair or swivel a table--for the extra effort exerted will bring about a greater Kiyum in the Torah one is learning. The effort invested in Torah--that is what it is all about! | | How can one retain his Torah learning? The following is based upon the Piskei Teshuvos (Volume 2, p. 305) who provides sources in detailed footnotes: A. Simply putting in the time to toil and review, as Shlomo HaMelech (the wisest of all men) teaches in Mishlei (16:26) "Nefesh Amel Amlo Lo--the soul of a laborer labors for his needs…." Nothing, absolutely nothing, can replace one's own efforts; B. Having Kavannah in "Ahava Raba/Ahavas Olam" every morning--especially as we recite the words "V'Sein B'libeinu…"--instill in our hearts [the ability] to understand and elucidate, to listen, learn, teach, safeguard, perform, and fulfill all the words of Your Torah's teaching with love. And enlighten our eyes in your Torah…(translation from the Complete Artscroll Siddur); C. Voicing the words of the Torah you are studying, rather than only reading them; D. Learning in a set or designated place especially in the Bais Midrash, and even in one's home; E. As a Segulah, kissing the Sefer when opening and closing it; and F. Avoiding actions and items which Chazal/Halacha teach cause forgetfulness, which are enumerated in the Piskei Teshuvos (ibid. p. 486-487), and which include leaving a Sefer open on the table and walking out of the room.
| | A. Remember when making She'hechiyanu to have in mind that you are reciting it over the Mitzvah of Yom Tov, the Mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov, and the completion of the Mitzvah of Sefira (which is like the building of the Sukkah before Sukkos!). If you can, remember to focus on the difference between those three precious words--She'hechiyanu, Kyemanu and Higianu! B. The Ya'avetz writes that the Mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov on Shavuos is greater than on all the other Chagim, as it is the day that we received the world's Prized Treasure--the Torah. The Yesod V'Shoresh HaAvodah powerfully comments that it is fitting for every member of Klal Yisrael to bring "Simcha Atzumah--great Simcha" into his heart and mind, and to remember to give thanks to Hashem for giving us a portion and lot in the Holy Nation. C. It is the custom among many to eat honey (such as Challah dipped in honey, or foods with honey) on Shavuos because the Torah is compared to honey, as the Pasuk in Shir HaShirim teaches, "D'vash VeCholov Tachas Leshoneich--honey and milk (the Torah) is under your tongue." D. Since we are judged on fruits of the tree on Shavuos, many have the custom to daven for a beautiful Esrog on the Chag. E. As for Ashkenazim in Chutz LaAretz, until the Moshiach comes, Shavuos is the last time Birchas Kohanim is recited in 5781. We wish to remind our readers that the Bi'ur Halacha (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim: 128, Introduction) brings from the Sefer Chareidim that just as the Kohanim fulfill a Mitzvas Aseh when they bless K'lal Yisrael, so, too, do the Bnei Yisrael have a part of the Mitzvah when they stand in silence and have Kavanna to receive the Bracha from the Kohanim! F. Let us remember that just as the Aseres Hadibros were first heard in Fear and Awe, we, too, no matter how tired we may be should feel the awe and power of the occasion, for we are re-living through the moment once again! G. Remember that those very issues involved with moving mail are no different on Yom Tov than on Shabbos. H. For those who have trash pick-up over Yom Tov, please review with your Rav or Posek the permissibility of bringing trash cans out to the front of your home, or of bringing them back, on Yom Tov. I. Chazal teach: "HaKol Modim BeShavuos DeBa'inan Nomi Lochem…". Everyone agrees that on Shavuos one must partake of the physical pleasures of the Yom Tov, and cannot engage only in 48 hours of Torah study, without an appropriate accompanying Seuda. Simply understood, the reason Shavuos especially requires this is because we must demonstrate that the Torah guides our lives not only in matters of Ruchniyus, but in matters of Gashmius as well—and that one's physical existence can, and must, be sanctified. Accordingly, we provide the Halachos of the Brachos –on cheesecake! HaRav Binyomin Forst, Shlita, in The Halachos of Brachos (Artscroll) writes that the bracha on cheesecake with a crust added for flavor "as is generally the case" is a Borei Minei Mezonos. However, if the crust is added solely to hold the cheese, then the bracha on the cheesecake is Shehakol. HaRav Yisroel Pinchos Bodner, Shlita in The Laws of Brochos (Feldheim) writes that if the cheesecake is made with a thin layer of dough which is being used merely to enhance the appearance of the cake, then the bracha is Shehakol. However, if the dough is being used for substance or flavor, the bracha is Borei Minei Mezonos. The after bracha on cheesecake will usually be Borei Nefashos and not Al HaMichya, as one can (and will!) eat a kezayis combination of cheese and flour within a kedai achilas peras of three minutes, but it is unlikely that one will consume a kezayis of Mezonos within the three minute span. Regarding Kubakim, the peanuts in the Kubakim do not count towards the shiur of kezayis for an Al HaMichya, and the same is true for the cheese in the cheesecake not being added to the flour layer to allow for an Al Hamichya. In sum, on cheesecake, one bracha rishona is recited, which may likely be a Shehakol, but even if a Borei Minei Mezonos is recited, the bracha achrona will in ordinary circumstances be a Borei Nefashos! We note further that the recitation of Shehakol on cheesecake will impact on it being served as dessert at a meal, since even one who does not make a Borei Minei Mezonos on cake at the end of a meal, will make a Shehakol at the end of a meal. If you are in doubt as to the appropriate brachos on the cheesecake you will be consuming—why not bring two to your Rav—one for the Shaila—and one to him for Shavuos!
| | We once again provide below from the Sefer Ma'amad Har Sinai (by Rav Shlomo Rosner, Shlita) a small portion of the description of Matan Torah, as culled from the Gemara and Midrashim--which, we reiterate, forever changed world history, our history--and each of our lives. The import, extent and unparalleled nature of the event is described by the Torah itself (Devorim 4:32, 33) with the words: "Ki She'al Na …--When you ask of the earlier days from the day Hashem created man on the earth, and from one end of the heaven to the other…has there ever been anything like this…has a people ever heard the voice of Hashem speaking from the midst of a fire as you have heard….?!" Just some of the wondrous events brought by Rav Rosner, Shlita: 1. The lightning bolts and thunder were not uniform and consistent, but were different from each other to add to the reverence and uniqueness of the occasion. The thunder could be seen, and the lightning bolts heard. 2. The Shofar blast could be heard worldwide. 3. 600,000 ministering Melachim came to attend, and rested on Har Sinai itself. 4. Har Sinai was raised from its place, and was suspended in midair with the Bnei Yisrael standing underneath it. 5. Although many were wounded and maimed from the years of slavery in Mitzrayim, they were all healed. Moreover, they were healed from spiritual and mental illness as well, and there were no zavim, metzoraim, or shotim. The zuhama, the spiritual contamination planted in man by the nachash was removed from us, so that we would have the quality of Adam before the cheit. 6. The mountain itself was burning, with its fire reaching the heavens. 7. The Seven Heavens opened up to the Kisei HaKavod--with more being revealed to the Bnei Yisrael than was revealed to Yechezkel HaNavi and Yeshaya HaNavi in their visions of the Merkava. 8. The Seven Tehomos (depths) below also opened, so that Bnei Yisrael understood that Hashem was singular in all worlds, and most definitely that "Ain Od Milevado--there is nothing else but for Hashem." 9. The mountains of Tavor and Carmel in Eretz Yisrael were uprooted from their place and came to Midbar Sinai. 10. The World was still and silent--the sun remained in one place, seas did not move, birds did nor chirp or fly, the animals were silent. Even the Serafim did not say "Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh…." 11. Tal, a special dew, fell to revive the Bnei Yisrael after their souls had left them from the awe of the Dibros. 12. The letters of each of the Aseres HaDibros could be seen as they were said. 13. Every nation heard each Dibur in its own language, so that it could not later claim that "had it heard…" 14. With each Dibur, the World became filled with the aroma of besamim. We have provided above 14 special details of Matan Torah at Har Sinai. In fact, there are 14 Azkaros--Hashem's name is mentioned a total of 14 times--in the Aseres HaDibros. The Tashbatz writes that there are also 14 Azkaros in the Sheva Brachos that we recite at a Chasuna and the days following in celebration. Indeed, a Great Wedding is taking place this Shavuos--and you are one of the Ba'alei Simcha--so prepare--and celebrate!
| | A. REMINDER! We previously noted HaRav Elyashiv Z'tl's, teaching that one should daven for a Refuah Sheleima when the Aseres HaDibros are read on Shavuos morning--as Bnei Yisrael were healed then and we are re-experiencing that very Mattan Torah anew! A Rav advised us that he feels one can actually think about the Refuah Sheleima needed at the time the Aseres HaDibros are themselves being read. If you would like to utilize the Eitzah of a Gadol HaDor, you may want to consult with your Rav or Posek in advance as to his opinion on the optimum time and method of accomplishing this great task! Bracha VeHatzlacha! B. Let us make sure that we remember to have special Kavana when reciting Birchos HaTorah. The Shulchan Aruch actually teaches (Orach Chaim 47:1): "One must be very careful with Birchos HaTorah." The Mishna Berurah explains that, according to many Rishonim, Birchos HaTorah is Mid'Oraysa, and that one must make the Brachos "BeSimcha Gedola--with great happiness," recognizing that Torah is not just another study--and adds that we must be sure to express our special thanks to HaKadosh Baruch Hu in choosing us to be the recipient of His "Kli Chemdoso"--His treasured possession. Additional Note: Rabbi Yosef Eisen, Shlita, urges us all to pay attention in our daily davening for the times we ask Hashem for His assistance in learning Torah. Clearly, we need Siyata DiShmaya to reach our life's potential in Torah studies. Accordingly, let us pay needed attention to these special requests found throughout Shacharis (starting with Birchas HaTorah)--and sincerely ask Hashem for His help--so that we can reach our own unique and individual chelek in Torah that we are supposed to. Remember--"Ata Chonen LeOdom Da'as" is the VERY FIRST unique bracha in the weekday Shemone Esrei for good reason! C. Since the term "Bais Yaakov" is first mentioned right here at Kabalas HaTorah, women must also be astute to study that which they especially need to know as the Mitzvos of women. We may add that one of these crucial areas--as learned from Rus on Shavuos--is Tznius. Women may not realize this--but men, whether or not justifiably, may not know the Halcahos of Tznius--and rely upon women (including their wives and daughters) to be doing the right thing. As all kinds of exercise garments worn under or with clothing become more prevalent, as shorter and closer fitting becomes more in secular vogue making it difficult to obtain other styles, and as the warmer summer months approach--every Jewish woman as a charter member of the Bais Yaakov--should view it as her responsibility to know what to do, and to help others that she is close to as well. The Halachos that she knows and practices--(from age 5 to age 120) have an impact not only upon her--but LITERALLY on all of K'lal Yisrael--for as we know in the order of the Pasuk (Shemos 19:3), FIRST the Bais Yaakov is addressed...and only afterwards do we get to the Bais Yisrael! It is the Bnos Yisrael who start the rest of us on the track of Kedusha and Kabalas HaTorah. Accordingly, perhaps now is the special time to likewise be mekabel bli neder something new and special in the area of Tznius! May the zechus stand by and for you, your family and K'lal Yisrael in its stead. D. We provide the following wonderful quote from this week's Perek (6:2): "VeChol Mi She'Osek BeSalmud Torah Harei Zeh MisAleh--and anyone who engages in the study of Torah becomes elevated." Let us remember these poignant words of the great Rebbi Yehoshua Ben Levi before we study or listen to a Shiur by really feeling elevated! We certainly shouldn't have our elbow on the table with our head perched in the cup of our hand anymore--for instead we are perched together with something the Malachim didn't want to give up--right here in front of us! E. Chazal (once again, tomorrow's Avos--6:9) bring the story of Rebbi Yosi ben Kisma who was asked to take a lucrative position in a city devoid of Torah scholarship. The person making the offer was obviously doing so not because he wanted Rebbi Yosi to become mayor or chief of police--but because he wanted Rebbi Yosi to bring some level of Torah into the town. Yet, Rebbe Yosi insisted that he would only live in a place of Torah. Undoubtedly, Rebbi Yosi knew enough to learn and grow on his own in a distant city, and could have probably used the endowment he would have received to write dozens of seforim and learn on his own 24/7 for the rest of his life, yet none of this--none of this--could replace being in a Torah atmosphere. Of course, Rabbonim, teachers and Kiruv professionals fulfill their roles and goals in far-flung places in fabulous and unfathomable ways, but there is a special lesson here from Rebbe Yosi for each and every one of us in our daily lives. We must endeavor to the extent that we can to put ourselves in a Torah atmosphere. We must make the effort to acquaint ourselves with those above us in Torah scholarship…to sit in the right locations, to stand among the right people in Shuls, at Simchas, where shopping, when commuting or traveling. We must make sure we are "living" in a place of Torah when we have the choice between this block and that block, this friend or that friend, this conversation or that conversation, this situation or that situation. A very important part of the Torah is our Torah atmosphere. We should recognize the situations in life--and they come up often enough--where we have the choice--and make the right one. At any such time or occasion, we need only think--what does the Rebbi Yosi ben Kisma within me say?!
| | A. Especially today, one should have Kavannah in the words: "Hashiveinu Avinu L'Sorasecha"--pleading with Hashem to allow him to grow in his learning, and be a source of Nachas to Hashem. B. It is reported that the Rogotchover Gaon, Z'tl, said about HaRav Meir Simcha of D'vinsk (the Ohr Someiyach) that the reason he was so successful in his Torah studies was that whenever he learned it was with the energy and drive as if he had just been given a shot of adrenaline. He always had adrenaline flowing through his veins! Hakhel Note: We can try, at least to some extent, the same approach! C. When one sits down to study Torah he may feel anxious, nervous, or frazzled because of the events of the day until that point. A person may have so many obligations and stresses that the times used for Torah study may be beset by personal, financial and other concerns. Imagine you had $1 billion in Tzedaka funds to give away (this is not as far-fetched a scenario as you think). Imagine how much calmer and at ease you would be, how much more focused and directed. Now, let's think about it--you do have $1 billion in your Tzedaka fund to give. Seriously. How so? Because just as the person in your neighborhood who has $1 billion in Tzedaka to give away has what Hashem determined are the needs and necessities of his life, so too, do you have all of the needs and necessities that Hashem has determined to be what is necessary in your life. And who knows better than Hashem? One should maximize the time spent learning--without perturbation or disturbance from the outside factors and pressures that the Yetzer Hara sends to adversely impact on his Torah Study. Remember--you're rich, very rich--when you are studying Torah! D. One should take the time to review the 48 ways in which Torah is acquired, as found in this week's Pirkei Avos (6:6). There is obviously great depth between each one of these qualities. We mention only a few here as examples:
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