Balaam, Job, and Yitro, Pharaoh’s three counselors TB Sanhedrin 106

Because Passover less than two weeks away I don’t believe that we study about Balaam’s role in the persecution of the Jewish people in Egypt on days daf TB Sanhedrin 106 is a coincidence. Our Gemara is teaching us an important lesson of empathy and speaking out.

The Israelites flourished and multiplied in Egypt. The Jewish people’s problem in Egypt began when the new king arose. “A new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, ‘Look, the Israelite people are much too numerous for us. Let us deal shrewdly with them, so that they may not increase; otherwise in the event of war they may join our enemies in fighting against us and rise from the ground.’” (Exodus 1:8-10) According to the Gemara, Pharaoh turned to his three counselors, Balaam, Job, and Yitro, for advice how to deal with his “Jewish Question.” Each advisor responded differently.

“Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Abba says that Rabbi Simai says: Three were associates in that counsel, and they are: Balaam, Job, and Yitro. Balaam, who advised to drown the newborn males, was killed (for more details about his death, see TB Sanhedrin 106b). Job, who was silent and was reluctant to express his opinion, was sentenced to suffer afflictions. And Yitro, who fled after he disagreed with that counsel and Pharaoh sought to kill him, his descendants were privileged to sit as scribes in session with the Sanhedrin in the Chamber of Hewn Stone, as it is stated: “And the families of the scribes who dwelt in Jabez; the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. These were the Kenites who came of Hammath the father of the house of Rechab” (I Chronicles 2:55). And it is written there with regard to the identity of the Kenites: “And the children of the Kenite, Moses’ father-in-law, went up from the city of the palm trees” (Judges 1:16).” (Sefaria.org translation)

“At first glance it seems difficult to understand why Job was punished. Since Pharaoh was antagonistic toward the Children of Israel, even if Job would have spoken on their behalf, nothing would have been accomplished. The proof is that Yitro was rewarded for running away in protest. Had it been within Yitro’s power to influence Pharaoh, his response would not have merited reward.

“The Brisker Rav, Rabbi Yitzkhak Zev Solveitchick, offered a classic explanation. True, Job knew that speaking out would not change Pharaoh’s mind, but he should have protested nonetheless, as Yitro did by fleeing. When something hurts, a person screams. If a person remains silent, it shows that he does not feel pain. Job was taught this lesson. He would suffer, and although shouting would not help, he would realize that when one suffers, one cries out. Previously, he should have felt the suffering of others; now he would feel his own.” (Love Your Neighbor by Zelig Pliskin, page 128-129)

Undocumented immigrants, legal immigrants, and even United States citizens have been rounded up and deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador without the due process of law guaranteed by the Constitution. The Trump administration has granted itself the authority to deport Venezuelan migrants accused of being gang members on the basis of little more than whether they have tattoos or have worn clothing associated with the criminal organization. Tattoos are astoundingly thin evidence of gang membership and would be laughed out of court if presented. The administration has acknowledged it has deported a Maryland man with protected legal status to a prison in El Salvador because of an “administrative error,” but lacked the ability to have him released. This administration feels it is above the law and can do whatever it pleases. No one is safe if the Trump administration disregards the safeguard of a writ of habeas corpus.

The above is only one example of injustice. There is not a segment of vulnerable people who DOGE hasn’t impacted in a negative way. Today’s daf teaches us to empathize with those who are suffering. Remaining quiet is not an option. Running away is not an option. Our tradition demands that we empathize, stand up, speak out, and fight for truth, justice, and the American way.

Thanks to our Seder we can secure our place in the World-to-Come and bring our final redemption closer TB Sanhedrin 104

The 10^th chapter of our massekhet begins “All of the Jewish people, even sinners and those who are liable to be executed with a court-imposed death penalty, have a share in the World-to-Come, as it is stated: ‘And your people also shall be all righteous, they shall inherit the land forever; the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, for My name to be glorified’” but then enumerates the exceptions to this rule. Among the exceptions the Mishna cites: “Three prominent kings mentioned in the Bible and four prominent commoners who are described in the Bible as men of great wisdom have no share in the World-to-Come. The three kings are: Jeroboam, son of Nebat, and Ahab, both of whom were kings of Israel, and Manasseh, king of Judea. Rabbi Yehuda says: Manasseh has a share in the World-to-Come, as it is stated concerning Manasseh: “And he prayed to Him, and He received his entreaty, and heard his supplication and brought him back to Jerusalem unto his kingdom” (II Chronicles 33:13), indicating that he repented wholeheartedly and effectively. The Rabbis said to Rabbi Yehuda: He regretted his actions, and his repentance was effective to the extent that God restored him to his kingdom, but God did not restore him to his share in life in the World-to-Come. The four commoners are: Balaam, son of Beor; Doeg the Edomite; Ahithophel; and Gehazi.” (Sefaria.org translation)

Today’s daf TB Sanhedrin 104 wonders why some of the other evil kings of Judah and commoners were not included in the above list. Hospitality and sharing your food with others tips the scale and the person’s favor.

 “Rabba bar Mari said to Rava: With regard to the list of kings, I did not hear why Jehoiakim was excluded; but with regard to the list of commoners, I heard why a certain sinner was excluded. For what reason did the tanna’im not enumerate Micah among those with no share in the World-to-Come? After all, he crafted idols that the Jewish people worshipped (see Judges, chapter 17). It is due to the fact that his bread was available for passersby, as it is stated: All those who pass by the Levites. He would provide sustenance to all hosted in his house… Rabba bar Mari said to Rava: With regard to the list of kings, I did not hear why Jehoiakim was excluded; but with regard to the list of commoners, I heard why a certain sinner was excluded. For what reason did the tanna’im not enumerate Micah among those with no share in the World-to-Come? After all, he crafted idols that the Jewish people worshipped (see Judges, chapter 17). It is due to the fact that his bread was available for passersby, as it is stated: All those who pass by the Levites. He would provide sustenance to all hosted in his house.” (Sefaria.org translation)

“And Rabbi Yoḥanan himself says: Food distances the near, and draws near the distant, and averts eyes from the wicked, sparing them from punishment” (Sefaria.org translation).

Even though none of us fall into the category of those who have no share in the World-to-Come, no wonder the story of our Exodus in the Haggadah emphasizes the importance of hospitality. We begin the Maggid portion of the Haggadah by inviting people to our Seder. “הָא לַחְמָא עַנְיָא דִי אֲכָלוּ אַבְהָתָנָא בְאַרְעָא דְמִצְרָיִם. כָל דִכְפִין יֵיתֵי וְיֵיכֹל, כָל דִצְרִיךְ יֵיתֵי וְיִפְסַח.-This is the bread of affliction (or poverty) that our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt Whoever is hungry, let him come and eat! Whoever is in need let him come and join in the Pesach.”

Eliyahu Kitov in his Haggadah comments:

“Whoever is hungry-This applies even to the non-Jew, for it is a mitzvah to feed the hungry people of other nations, so that we are not regarded as selfish, and can live in peace with them. (Yavetz)

“Whoever is in need-Impoverished Jews need not only food; they must also have the opportunity to fulfill the mitzvot. Thus no matter what type a Jew, upright or not, we invite them to our Seder table.” (The Heritage Haggadah, page 106-7)

Besides securing our place in the world to come, there is another important the connection between matzah as the bread of affliction and this most generous invitation. We bring our people’s final redemption closer.

Midrash Eicha gives two reasons for exile of Israel: “גָלְתָה יְהוּדָה מֵעֹנִי  Judah has gone into exile because of עֹנִי  (Oni, literally suffering)” [Lamentations 1:3]: because it has neglected two commandments that are called עֹנִי -they neglected to eat matzah which is called “the bread of  עֹנִי, affliction; and they neglected to help the poor (עֹנִי Oni=עָנִי ) We show our concern for our less fortunate neighbor by inviting him/her to our seder or providing his Passover needs.   When we eat the “bread of affliction,” we feel his/her pain.  The fulfillment of the mitzvah of matzah transforms the matzah’s very essence. No longer is the matzah the bread of affliction; it becomes freedom’s bread since our ancestors ate it as they left Egypt.  We hope to remedy the two reasons for the exile of Israel at our seder, not eating matzah and the neglecting of the poor so that we may merit our final redemption this year.

There are plenty of people who don’t go to seders for all sorts of reasons. Some people like our elders just don’t have the strength to hold a Seder in their house while other people don’t have the financial means to purchase an appropriate Passover meal. I encourage you to open the doors of your home and welcome in guests and make a donation to your rabbis’ Ma’ot Khitim fund which helps provide the necessary foods for the seder to those people in need.  There are Jews in every community who depend upon our generosity. 

 

 

 

Torah Lishmah, studying Torah for its own sake TB Sanhedrin 105

Today’s daf TB Sanhedrin 105 explains why Balaam, one of the four commoners who doesn’t have a share in the World-to-Come. Remember Balak hired Balaam to curse the Israelites (Numbers 22:2ff). God prevented Balaam from cursing the Jewish people. In fact he blessed them three times. The most famous blessing begins “מַה־טֹּֽבוּ אֹהָלֶֽיךָ יַעֲקֹב מִשְׁכְּ֒נֹתֶֽיךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל- How good are your tents, Jacob: your dwelling places, Israel.”

The Gemara paints a very vivid and sometimes X-rated description why Balaam lost his share in the World-to-Come. The Gemara teaches that his hatred of the Jewish people was his downfall. If he only used a bit of self-control over his emotions, he would have come to a much better end.

“§ It is stated: “And Balaam rose in the morning and saddled his donkey” (Numbers 22:21). It was taught in a baraita in the name of Rabbi Shimon ben Elazar: Love negates the standard conduct of those of prominence. This is derived from Abraham, as it is written: “And Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey” (Genesis 22:3). Atypically, he saddled the donkey himself and he did not wait for his servants. Likewise, hatred negates the standard conduct of those of prominence. This is derived from Balaam, as it is stated: “And Balaam rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey” (Numbers 22:21).

“Rav Yehuda says that Rav says: A person should always engage in Torah study and performance of a mitzva even if he does not do so for their own sake, as through engaging in them not for their own sake, he will ultimately come to engage in them for their own sake. Proof for this can be cited from the example of Balak, as in reward for the forty-two offerings that Balak sacrificed, even though he sacrificed them to facilitate the destruction of the Jewish people, he was privileged and Ruth descended from him. Rabbi Yosei bar Huna says: Ruth was the daughter of Eglon, son of the son of Balak, king of Moab. ” (Sefaria.org translation)  (Ruth was King David’s great grandmother-gg)

Barry W. Holtz in Textual Knowledge – Teaching the Bible in Theory and Practice wrote: “Studying is the essence of being a Jew. It defines who one is. Hence, Jewish learning is not only the instrumental gaining of skills, knowledge and competencies. It is the religious act par excellence. Religious education is not only a preparation for what will come later; it is being a Jew, realizing one’s Jewishness, in the very act of studying.” (https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/34559.4?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)

Our sages appreciated studying Torah for its own sake. “Rabbi Meir says: Anyone who involves himself in Torah for its own sake merits many things, and moreover the entire world is worthwhile for his sake; He is called "friend," "beloved," "lover of the Omnipresent," "lover of [all] creatures," "delighter of the Omnipresent," "delighter of [all] creatures." He is clothed in humility and reverence, and it prepares him to be righteous, devout, upright and trustworthy, and it distances him from sin, and draws him near to merit. We enjoy from him counsel and comprehension, understanding and strength,... It gives him kingship and dominion, and [the ability to] investigate in judgement, and the secrets of the Torah are revealed to him, and he becomes like an ever-strengthening spring, and like a river that does not stop. He is modest and long-tempered, and forgives insult to him; And it enlarges him and raises him above all [that God] made.” (Pirke Avot 6:1)

"Torah Lishmah" (תורה לשמה) means "Torah for its own sake" or "Torah for the sake of Torah," emphasizing the intrinsic value of studying Torah for the sake of learning and understanding, rather than for personal gain or other worldly reasons. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

·        Meaning:

"Lishmah" (לשמה) translates to "for its sake" or "for the sake of it". In the context of Torah study, "Torah Lishmah" signifies studying Torah purely for the sake of the Torah itself, not for any ulterior motive. 

·        Purpose:

The goal of Torah Lishmah is to deepen one's understanding and appreciation of the Torah's teachings, connecting with the Divine through the study of the sacred text. 

·        Contrast with "Lo Lishmah":

The opposite of Torah Lishmah is "Torah Lo Lishmah" (תורה לא לשמה), which refers to studying Torah for reasons other than its inherent value, such as to gain knowledge, status, or other worldly benefits. 

·        Halachic and Kabbalistic Perspectives:

·        Halachic: The Alter Rebbe defines Lishma as learning "LeShem Shamayim" - for the sake of heaven, to do what God wants, and not for personal gain or fear of punishment. 

·        Kabbalistic: Tanya, chapter 5, describes Lishma as understanding Torah according to one's ability to connect his soul to God through that understanding. 

·        Examples:

·        Learning Torah to better understand the world and one's place in it. 

·        Studying Torah to deepen one's connection with God. 

·        Engaging with the text to cultivate wisdom and ethical behavior.  (https://www.google.com/search?q=torah+lishmah&oq=&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCQgCECMYJxjqAjIJCAAQIxgnGOoCMgkIARAjGCcY6gIyCQgCECMYJxjqAjIJCAMQIxgnGOoCMgkIBBAuGCcY6gIyCQgFECMYJxjqAjIJCAYQIxgnGOoCMgkIBxAjGCcY6gLSAQkyMjIyajBqMTWoAgiwAgHxBRCFTt1O_jCH&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8)

 

Even though studying Torah Lo Lishma is not praiseworthy, it is better than not studying Torah at all. Torah study ennobles our lives and makes us better people. We pray that those who engage in Torah Lo Lishma will ultimately appreciate Torah study for its own sake and walked down that pleasant path in life.

 

  

Preparing yourself spiritually before the Seder TB Sanhedrin 103

Because Passover begins Saturday night, the preholiday preparations do not follow the regular procedure. The fast of the firstborn is moved ahead to Thursday morning because fasting on Friday would interfere with our preparations for Shabbat. Since we can’t light a fire on Saturday morning to burn the chametz, we search for it on Thursday night and burn it on Friday morning.

Just as we have to prepare physically our homes by riding them of all traces of chametz, the Zohar reminds us that we must also prepare ourselves spiritually before the holiday enters.

“A person’s evil inclination is called ‘the leaven of the dough’ for as leaven, when it is put into dough, makes it ferment and become chametz, the evil inclination in a person is what entices him to sin. Our sages taught: Chametz symbolizes the evil inclination, which is a foreign god, while matzah symbolizes the good inclination…The Blessed One said: All those years a foreign nation (Egypt) enslaved you, and forces of evil controlled you. Now, though, you are free (for I have lifted your bondage)!

“When the Torah states, Remove leaven from your homes. You shall not eat anything that is leavened (and) leaven shall not be seen in your possession-it hints that Pesach and matzoh stand for freedom, from the forces of evil which chametz symbolizes. At Pesach time-the festival of freedom and redemption-while a Jew carefully rids himself of his chametz he should also be thinking about how he can rid himself of his evil can inclination. (Zohar, Shemot40, Riya Mehemna)

“(Kitov writes:) In fact, some have the custom of saying a special prayer which incorporates this idea at the time that they burn their chametz:

“Just as we have merited to rid ourselves of this chametz, may we also merit to rid our hearts of our evil inclination, and may we also see impurity and evil uprooted from the world. (Sefer Zikaron l’Tzion and Haggadah of Chatam Sofer)” (The Heritage Haggadah by Eliyahu Kitov, pages 5-6)

Daf TB Sanhedrin 103 enumerates four common bad traits in people that God cannot stand. If we want to feel God’s presence during our Seders and the rest of our lives, we would be wise to rid ourselves of the four following bad qualities in a person.

“And Rav Ḥisda says that Rabbi Yirmeya bar Abba says that four groups do not receive the Divine Presence: This pertains to the group of cynics, the group of liars, the group of flatterers, and the group of slanderers. This pertains to the group of cynics, as it is written: “He withdrew His hand with cynics” (Hosea 7:5), indicating that God distanced Himself from them. This pertains to the group of liars, as it is written: “He that speaks falsehoods shall not be established before My eyes” (Psalms 101:7). This pertains to the group of flatterers, as it is written: “That a flatterer shall not come before Him” (Job 13:16). This pertains to the group of slanderers, as it is stated: “For You are not a God who desires wickedness; evil shall not dwell with You” (Psalms 5:5), which means: You are righteous, and there will be no form of evil in Your dwelling.” (Sefaria.org translation)

The prayer Ana Bekoakh and God’s 42-letter-name TB Sanhedrin 101

 Out of respect for my father, I would never call him by his first name Bob. Similarly today’s daf TB Sanhedrin 101 teaches us never to use our Father in Heaven’s name disrespectfully. “The mishna teaches: Abba Shaul says: Also among those who have no share in the World-to-Come is one who pronounces the ineffable name of God as it is written, with its letters. It is taught in a baraita: This is referring to one who pronounces the name in the outlying areas outside the Temple, and in colloquial [aga] language, for no particular purpose.” (Sefaria.org translation)

But which of many of God’s names is Abba Shaul is referring to? According to Rashi he is referring to the Shem Hameforash, the 42-letter-name that was used only in the Temple.

This 42- letter-name is embedded in the prayer Ana Bekoakh which is recited right after Psalm 29 and right before Lekha Dodi in the Kabbalat Shabbat service.

“אָנָּא בְּכֹֽחַ גְּדֻלַּת יְמִינְ֒ךָ תַּתִּיר צְרוּרָה: קַבֵּל רִנַּת עַמְּ֒ךָ שַׂגְּ֒בֵֽנוּ טַהֲרֵֽנוּ נוֹרָא: נָא גִבּוֹר דּוֹרְ֒שֵׁי יִחוּדְ֒ךָ כְּבָבַת שָׁמְרֵם: בָּרְ֒כֵם טַהֲרֵם רַחֲמֵם צִדְקָתְ֒ךָ תָּמִיד גָּמְלֵם: חֲסִין קָדוֹשׁ בְּרֹב טוּבְ֒ךָ נַהֵל עֲדָתֶֽךָ: יָחִיד גֵּאֶה לְעַמְּ֒ךָ פְּנֵה, זוֹכְ֒רֵי קְדֻשָּׁתֶֽךָ: שַׁוְעָתֵֽנוּ קַבֵּל וּשְׁמַע צַעֲקָתֵֽנוּ יוֹדֵֽעַ תַּעֲלוּמוֹת: בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד:

Please, by the force of Your great right hand, release the bound one. Accept the prayer of Your people; strengthen us, purify us, Awesome One! Please! Mighty One, those who seek Your Unity, preserve them like the pupil [of Your eye]. Bless them, purify them, have compassion on them; Your benevolent righteousness [may You] always bestow upon them. Mighty, Holy One, in Your abundant goodness, lead Your community. Unique One, Exalted, turn to Your people who are mindful of Your holiness. Accept our prayer and hear our cry, [You] Who knows hidden thoughts. Blessed [is His] Name, Whose glorious kingdom is forever and ever.” (Sefaria.org)

“The Ana Beko’ach prayer, formed by Rav Nehonia ben Ha Kana between the first and second century, is considered one of the most powerful prayers for connecting us to the power of creation.

“The kabbalists explain that each time we recite the Ana Beko’ach, we return to the time of creation, and each time we meditate on a particular sequence, we return to the original uncorrupted energy that built the world. By performing the Ana Beko’ach meditation, we enrich our lives with unadulterated spiritual Light and cosmic energy.

“The Ana Beko’ach prayer is considered one of the most powerful prayers for connecting us to the power of creation."

“The Ana Beko’ach is hidden within the first 42 letters of the book of Genesis, beginning with the word bereshit and ending with the word vavohoo. Referred to as the 42-letter name of God, the source of the efficacy of this prayer is indicated to us by where it is revealed in the Bible – at the very beginning, in the story of Creation itself.

“The Ana Beko’ach is constructed of 7 lines that are related to the seven days of Creation, the Seven Sefirot, and of course, the seven days of the week. Each line is comprised of two three-letter sequences – 6 letters per line. With the exception of the second line – which spells Kra Satan, meaning to “tear out Satan” – none of the sequences spell actual words. According to the Zohar, the Hebrew letters represent a source code of all of physical reality. The Ana Beko’ach, or the 42-letter name of God, is considered to be the code that was used to create the process by which Creation happens.” (For the rest of the article which is very interesting follow this link: https://www.kabbalah.com/en/articles/kabbalah-on-ana-bekoach/)

The fate of liars TB Sanhedrin 89

 Make of this as you will concerning our current President from today's daf TB Sanhedrin 89. "this is the punishment of the liar, that even if he speaks the truth, others do not listen to him. Therefore, I do not believe you and will fulfill that which I was commanded to perform.." (Sefaria,org translation)

Who is qualified to be a judge? TB Sanhedrin 88

Today’s daf TB Sanhedrin 88 discusses the court system in which determines whether the scholar is indeed a rebellious scholar. There is a hierarchy of courts. The closer the court of 23 is to Jerusalem, the greater the court is. The highest court is the Sanhedrin of 73 which is located in the Chamber of Hewn Stone.

“If the matter was unclear and it was necessary to ask and clarify it, those uncertain of the halakha would ask the court that is in their city. If the members of the court heard a clear halakhic ruling with regard to that matter, they said it to them, and if not, they would come to a court that is adjacent to their city. If the members of the court heard a clear halakhic ruling with regard to that matter, they said it to them, and if not, they would come to the court at the entrance to the Temple Mount. If the members of the court heard a clear halakhic ruling with regard to that matter, they said it to them, and if not, they would come to the court at the entrance to the Temple courtyard.

“And the elder whose ruling deviated from the ruling of his colleagues says: This is what I interpreted and that is what my colleagues interpreted; this is what I taught and that is what my colleagues taught. If the members of the court heard a clear halakhic ruling with regard to that matter, they said it to them, and if not, these judges and those judges would come to the Chamber of Hewn Stone, where the Sanhedrin would be convened from the time that the daily morning offering is sacrificed until the time that the daily afternoon offering is sacrificed.

"And on Shabbatot and Festivals, when court is not in session, the members of the court would sit at the rampart. When a question was asked before them, if the members of the court heard a clear halakhic ruling with regard to that matter, they would say it to them, and if not they would stand for a vote on the matter. If the judges who deemed the item in question ritually impure outnumbered those who deemed it pure, the court would deem the item impure. If the judges who deemed the item in question ritually pure outnumbered those who deemed it impure, the court would deem the item pure.” (Sefaria.org translation)

The Gemara then defines the qualities a judge should process. “The baraita continues its discussion of the workings of the Sanhedrin: From there, the Sanhedrin writes and dispatches the following statement to all places: Anyone who is wise and humble and the minds of people are at ease with him shall be a judge in his city. If he is successful in his city, from there, they promote him to the court at the entrance to the Temple Mount if there is a vacant seat on the court, and from there they promote him to the court at the entrance to the Temple courtyard, and from there to the court in the Chamber of Hewn Stone.” (Sefaria.org translation)

With a low opinion the majority of Americans have of the Supreme Court justices, I doubt whether the many can truly be described as wise and humble and the minds of people are at ease with him. And that is a shame.

Let me add that these are qualities all public servants as well as all people should strive to have.