Weekly Parsha

This weekly study is dedicated to the birthday of "Bracha Malka bas Esther Tank". "Mazal Tov"! I pray your day is filled with immense joy and that you are surrounded by family and friends and may the joy present at your birth be with you today and always, Amen. "Yom Huledet Sameach!" (happy birthday). 

This weekly study is also dedicated to the "Refuah Shleima" (speedy recovery) of " John Tucker and Jimmi Black. May G-d deliver us from this crisis speedily and grant a complete recovery to those who are ill, Amen!

Prayer List

"Shlomo Tamas ben Sarah"
"Aaron Caleb ben Chana"
"Malka Batya bas Tova"
"Shabatai (Sebastian) ben Tova"
"Adira (Heidi) bas Sarah"

Rafael ben Gladys left the hospital and is back home Baruch Hashem!

Numbers 30:2 - 36:13

Matos includes the laws of making and annulling vows, the surprise attack on Midian (the '67 War wasn't the Jewish people's first surprise attack!) in retribution for the devastation the Midianites wreaked upon the Jewish people, the purification after the war of people and vessels, dedicating a portion of the spoils to the communal good (perhaps the first Federation campaign), the request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad for their portion of land to be east of the Jordan river (yes, Trans-Jordan/Jordan is also part of the Biblical land of Israel). Moshe objects to the request because he thinks the tribes will not take part in the conquering of the land of Israel; the tribes clarify that they will be the advance troops in the attack and thus receive permission.

Masei includes the complete list of journeys in the desert (the name of each stop hints at a deeper meaning, a lesson learned there). God commands to drive out the land's inhabitants, to destroy their idols and to divide the land by a lottery system. God establishes the borders of the Land of Israel. New leadership is appointed, cities of the Levites and Cities of Refuge (where an accidental murderer may seek asylum) are designated. Lastly, the laws are set forth regarding accidental and willful murder as well as inheritance laws only for that generation regarding property of a couple where each came from a different tribe.

* * *

The Torah states:

"If her husband will remain silent for a complete day, then she must fulfill all of her vows or all of the bans which are upon her. He has established them because he remained silent on the day that he heard them" (Numbers 30:15).

Why is her husband's silence considered to be agreement to her vow?

Comments the Sforno (Rabbi Ovadiah Sforno, 1475-1550): When a person has the ability to protest and remains silent, his silence is similar to verbal consent. When you do not say something to disagree, it is as if you agree with what was said or done.

This concept has many practical applications. Very often, someone might say something in your presence that is improper and you feel that you cannot really influence the person to change his mind or to stop what he is saying. Should you speak up or remain silent?

Whenever your silence can be understood by others as agreement with what was said, you have an obligation to speak the truth. This way no one will mistakenly think that you agree with what was said.

Moreover, you can never tell; perhaps you will be successful in influencing others to make positive changes. A person who is not very assertive might find this difficult. However, learn from the person who says things that should not be said. If he is able to say something that he shouldn't, you certainly have a right to say those things that should be said. He is not afraid to say something improper, you should have the courage to speak up out of idealism!

Discipline trumps motivation!

To desire is human;
to control our desires
is the essence of being human

Shabbat Shalom!

Quarantine won't stop our learning

We are excited to announce the American Jewish College FREE Learning Program. Please contact Rabbi Tank WhatsApp number +1 (917) 834-4770 to let him know that you want to join the English, Spanish or Portuguese group.

The wise man seizes the opportunity to do mitzvot" (King Solomon). The lazy person says -- someday I'll do it.

COVID-19 Kids Activity List

We will be publishing a centralized directory of things to keep your children occupied with as all are currently home without school, and unable to go outside.

There are many Torah learning events, educational online events, entertainment for children, musical live streams etc.

PLEASE SEND ANY ITEMS YOU ARE AWARE OF TO HAVE THEM LISTED HERE TO INFO@BEITCHAI.COM

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST

COVID-19 Prayer List

If you have any Tehillim names of people who are hospitalized with COVID-19, please contact Beit Chai with those names to be added to the list.

Do NOT send us names from existing lists, and ONLY send us names you know personally. This is for COVID-19 victims ONLY. 

SEND THE NAMES TO INFO@BEITCHAI.COM

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST