July 26, an accident occurred at 9:05pm, on Cross Country Blvd., a driver hit an electric pole and caused both side of the street to close down for over an hour. The driver fled the scene. The accident also caused a small electrical fire. Hatzalah and Chaverim were quick to respond.
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TorahSweets- With All Your Money
Guest post by JewishByte Contributor, Rabbi Yosef Tropper of CloseToTorah.com
We pronounce the Shema at least twice a day and there are numerous perplexing aspects that deserve our attention. Last week’s Parsha contained the first paragraph of Shema, which discusses the Unity, Power and love of Hashem. In this Parsha, we have the second paragraph of “VeHayah” which discusses the acceptance of the Mitzvos and reward and punishment.
(והיה אם שמוע תשמעו אל מצותי… ולעבדו בכל לבבכם ובכל נפשכם (יא:יג
“If you will all listen… to serve Hashem with your hearts and your souls” (11:13).
In the first paragraph, it states (6:5), “You shall love Hashem with all your heart, all your soul and all your money”. This is stated in the singular form. In our Parsha, it states (11:13), “…to serve Hashem with all your hearts and all your souls”. This is in the plural form. There are two other distinct differences as well. Firstly, in our Parsha there is no mention of “money” and secondly, the first paragraph discusses loving Hashem and here it discusses serving Him.
Rabbi Chaim Volozin zt”l gives a famous explanation, which in truth is found in the words of Rashi in our Parsha (see last Rashi on 11:13). The first paragraph is hinting to the highest level attainable for individuals; whereas, the second paragraph is discussing everyone. Meaning, the level of loving Hashem with all of your money is the highest achievement. Someone that puts his full trust in Hashem regarding one of the hardest areas in life, Parnasah, livelihood, shows their true colors. Rabbi Volozin states that this primarily refers to one who lives life according to Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (Berachos 35b) who makes Torah his sole focus of work. The second paragraph discusses the job of the followers of Rabbi Yismael (there) who states that man should spend part of his day working in vocational pursuits. (The greatness of each person following either option and all of the details is beyond the scope of this article).
I suggest that this now explains why the context of Shema is “love of Hashem” whereas VeHayah focuses on service. The first level towards growth is one who sees himself as a servant of Hashem. The next stage is to develop the love. In fact, without the love and commitment, one would not be motivated to ascend higher. See Rabbeinu Ovadia Bartenura on Avos (1:3) for vital clarification of this entire topic.
Hence, the common-folk begin with the service of Hashem. The individuals then develop and excel in love of Hashem. Certainly, both categories have both, servitude and love, as both verses ultimately apply to everyone, but we are stressing their dominant feature.
The more that one loves Hashem and appreciates all of the goodness which He bestows upon him, the more one dedicates his life towards the true trust, love and service of Hashem.
~~~~~
Extra Short and Sweet Exalted Mitzvos
The first verse in the Parsha states that if we follow the Mitzvos, we will be greatly rewarded. What needs to be understood is the term “Eikev, heel” which is used. Rashi states that it refers to Mitzvos that people “trample on” by stating that they are minor. Hence, the verse is promising reward to one who keeps even the forsaken Mitzvos.
Humans are greatly influenced by their surroundings. The place that we reside has a profound impact upon what we view as “normal” and “acceptable”. Our peers together with us, define the standards and we effect each other’s attitudes and outlooks. This can work for the positive or negative.
“Eikev” means that even when we live in a society that tramples upon Mitzvos and calls them unimportant, never-the-less, we return the Mitzvos back to their true value and perform them to their fullest.
~~~~~
Rabbi Yosef Tropper is a Rebbi at the New Baltimore Yeshiva; Personal tutor and mentor; and a weekly contributor at Closetotorah.com. We are proud to bring his Divrei Torah and words of inspiration to the greater Baltimore Jewish Community as a guest on JewishByte.info.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of JewishByte.info Baltimore. Likewise the views and opinions expressed by JewishByte.info Baltimore are not necessarily those of the individual author(s) and contributors.
© Copyright 2010 JewishByte.info. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed online or in print, in any shape manner or form.
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Photos by Israel Orange of Orange Photography, – for JewishByte.info.
© Copyright 2010 JewishByte.info. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed online or in print, in any shape manner or form.
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Baltimore County Police Department, Community Outreach Division:
The Baltimore County Police would like to make you aware of a current crime trend that is occurring in YOUR area.
The police would like your assistance to help locate and identify a dark complected black male, approximately 35 to 50 yrs old, weighing approximately 200 pounds, and is 5′ 10″ to 6′ tall. This subject is traveling door to door asking for work or claiming he has completed some type of work like cleaning the gutters and asks for money.
If you have anyone come to your house and you believe they match the above description, call 911 immediately! Do not open the door or allow them into your house.
If you believe that this person has been to your house in the past please contact the precinct at 410 887 6777.
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“According to whatever comes out of his mouth, he shall do,” (Bamidbar 30, 3).
The Torah gives us a clear command regarding the gravity of our words. I Read more »
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Tonight, July 17, 11:35pm an accident occurred on Cross Country Blvd. & Bancroft Road.
From observers at the accident scene, Jewishbyte has learned that the driver, after hitting a pole and destroying the car, jumped out of the car into another awaiting car, fleeing. If anyone has more info, please call 911. See photos taken by Israel Orange.
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TorahSweets- Like Water
Guest post by JewishByte Contributor, Rabbi Yosef Tropper of CloseToTorah.com
The word “באר” means “a spring (of water)”. Rashi tells us that Moshe explained the Torah to the Jews in all 70 languages of the world. What is the significance of a spring and the languages?
The K’sav Sofer explains that Moshe was instructed by Hashem to bring home the message that Torah applies at all times and internationally! No matter which country a Jew resides, no matter which language he speaks, the Torah is his guiding light and shows us how to achieve a happy and fulfilling life. Read more »
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TorahSweets- A Journey Forward
Guest post by JewishByte Contributor, Rabbi Yosef Tropper of CloseToTorah.com
The commentators are confused as to why the verse repeats and switches the order of the words, “מוצאיהם למסעיהם, the events to their destination”. The verse ends by stating, “מסעיהם למוצאיהם, their travels and its events”. What is going on here? Read more »
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JewishByte Baltimore - The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will next week begin a $1.2 million project to resurface two miles of MD 129 (Park Heights Avenue) between south of I-695 at Autumn Drive and north of I-695 at MD 130 (Greenspring Valley Road). Weather permitting, SHA anticipates completing the resurfacing by late August. Read more »
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JewishByte Baltimore -It is now official that Yeshivat Rambam’s flagship campus at 6300 Park Heights Avenue will be sold to Bnos Yisrael Girls School also known locally as Bnos. Read more »
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by Bracha Goetz -
Here are signs to protect our children from danger:
In 95% of cases, the molester’s not a stranger.
He’s someone you know and respect. He’s disarming.
He is drawn to children. And he’s awfully charming.
Read more »
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Kiddush HaShem is the avoda of the Three Weeks. Rav Yissachar Frand says that sanctifying G-d’s name should be our primary focus during this mourning period leading up to Tisha B’Av.
Why? Read more »
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JewishByte Baltimore -In a letter sent out this morning to shul membership, president Jonathan Lasson announced the results of the election last night. The Shomrei Emunah family has chosen Rabbi Marwick to the honored post of rabbi of Shomrei Emunah. Rabbi Marwick is a wonderful and approachable individual and we congratulate the Shomrei Emunah family on an excellent choice. We wish Rabbi Marwick and his family much hatzlacha in this new endeavor. Read more »
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TorahSweets-The 17th of Tamuz: A Three Weeks Perspective
Guest post by JewishByte Contributor, Rabbi Yosef Tropper of CloseToTorah.com
This time of the year is very difficult. The Jewish calendar is rich with joyful occasions gracing each month. Delicious flavors of Shabbos, Yom Tov and jovial days inspire our lives. I have often thought about the contrast of how easy it is to celebrate a Yom Tov, versus how difficult it is to get into the mind-set and feelings of the Days of Mourning. Indeed, from the 17th of Tamuz until after Tisha B’Av, we are in a twenty-one day period of national mourning, for the loss of the Bais HaMikdash. How do we connect? Read more »
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In the blessing of השכיבנו following the krias shema in our evening prayers, we say, “והסר שטן מלפנינו ומאחרינו – And remove the Satan from before us and from behind us.”
Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch explains that we’re asking HaShem to protect us from spiritual harm in the future (that which is before us), and from the consequences of what has already occurred (from behind us). Read more »
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JewishByte Baltimore - Harvest Fresh Sunfield brand Cut Baby Corn in 106 oz. cans (6lbs 10 oz), distributed by Inteco, bear an unauthorized Star-K. Corrective action is being taken.
© Copyright 2010 JewishByte.info. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed online or in print, in any shape manner or form.
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TorahSweets- A Donkey’s View- Parshas Balak
Guest post by JewishByte Contributor, Rabbi Yosef Tropper of CloseToTorah.com
Much time is allotted in the Torah to the story of Bilaam’s disgrace through the actions and words of his donkey…. What is the lesson here?
The Gemara (Sanhedrin 98a) tells us that Mashiach will arrive riding on a donkey. Why this specific animal? When Avraham took Yitzchok to the Akaida, they rode on a donkey and when Moshe came to Egypt to speak to Pharaoh he also utilized a donkey. What is the significance? Read more »
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JewishByte Baltimore – On Wednesday afternoon, a vehicle collided with an electricity pole on Greenspring Avenue. Read more »
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JByte Op-Ed – The issue of giving tzedakah is a difficult subject for me. When a tzedakah collector comes to my door, I will usually give $18, because I feel that I don’t give enough tzedakah in general. I usually do this without asking much of the meshulach because I view his appearance at my door as an opportunity to do a mitzvah, and we should take every opportunity to do any mitzvah that we can. Read more »
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JewishByte Baltimore - A morning fire occurred shortly before 9 .a.m. at the Owings Chase Apartments just off Old Court Road at 4615 Old Court Road in Randallstown. Read more »
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JewishByte Baltimore - On Monday afternoon Baltimore County Fire Department were called to the scene of an electrical fire in the ceiling of the Pikesville Senior Center/Library building on Reisterstown Road. Read more »
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JewishByte Baltimore - Jack Abramoff is all over the news again, this time it is over his recent release from a half-way house in east Baltimore and his new gig. Read more »
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