We explore together the passuk in Mishlei perek 29 passuk 25, which speaks of the idea that the fear we have can create a trap and bring the thing we fear, whereas trusting in Hashem brings release.
Which is the most important part of Pesach - the first day or the last day? Why does the first day have so many mitzvos attached to it, while the last day has none? What is the characteristic of youth, and how does it compare to that of being elderly? What was so important about the fact that Moshe first heard his heart inspire him to sing, and then he sang? Why does it turn out that all of the first six days of Pesach are actually a preparation for the last day, when we sang at the parting of the sea? How does the redemption from Egypt parallel the final redemption, and where is that hinted to in the Haggadah? How do we approach the preparation for the final redemption in a parallel way as the preparation for the last day of Pesach?
We continue our study together of the passuk in Mishlei (proverbs) in perek 16 passuk 20. There Shlomo Hamelech tells us that one who applies his intellect alone can find good. But to find deep joy, one needs to also live in a space of Bitachon-faith, which we speak about this week in the context of finding the pause.
What is the concept of the Korban Shelamim? Why is it last in the list of the different sacrifices? How does the Shelamim relate to Shalom-peace? Why is the korban Todah (thanksgiving offering) the only type of sacrifice that will still be brought in the times of Moshiach? What is the lesson behind the erasure of Hashem's name in the context of Shalom Bayis (peace between man and wife)? Why did R' Meir allow a woman to spit in his face in order to keep peace between a man and wife?
We study together the passuk in Mishlei (proverbs) in perek 16 passuk 20. There Shlomo Hamelech tells us that one who applies his intellect alone can find good. But to find deep joy, one needs to also live in a space of Bitachon-faith.
Why is Moshe chosen as the only one who can hear Hashem's voice speaking from the Ohel Moed (Tabernacle)? What is unique about Avraham that he is chosen? How is he able to destroy many kings in one night? Why is he chasing them if they've 'already' fallen? How is Dovid Hamelech chosen, in a parallel way? I he chosen because of something that he did, or is it just a kindness from Hashem? How can each of us become 'chosen,' and how does the fall of the enemies in those times parallel the fall of Israel's enemies today?
We study together Mishlei perek 14 passuk 26, that speaks of the idea that when we trust in Hashem we are guaranteed to be protected, and this trust also has a profound effect on one's children, as well.
What is the idea of the 'wind' or 'spirit' that Hashem placed in Betzalel that inspired him to wisdom so that he could design the Mishkan-Tabernacle? How does this 'wind' parallel the wind that was present at the very moment of Creation? How does this wind animate and propel forward the creation of the world, and the parallel creation of the Mishkan? How does this power serve to move forward the Moshiach process as it prepares the way for the building of the Beis Hamikdash? How does it ultimately bring us 'back from the dead' and remind us of our true spiritual purpose?
We continue our study together of the passuk in Mishlei (proverbs) perek 3 passuk 5. This is the classic verse brought at the beginning of the section on Bitachon of the Alter of Novardok in Madreigas Ha'adam. Shlomo Hamelech stresses the importance of completely depending on Hashem, and not making the mistake of assuming that our past experiences and successes are the map to use for our future success.
Why does Hashem tell Moshe to 'descend' when the Jewish people sin with the creation and worship of the Golden Calf? Why does Moshe think that there can be no forgiveness for them? What is behind Hashem's statement to Moshe that He foresaw that the Jewish people would receive the Torah and that they would also sin with the Golden Calf? Is the reference to the Jewish people as a 'stiff necked' nation a positive description or a negative one? How can we use our stubbornness for good? How can we 'force' ourselves out of behavior that is spiritually counterproductive?