Inspirational Thoughts on the Parsha Avrohom Piekarski

The ultimate reason of being on this world is to make a difference and to change the world. Our Parsha talks about somebody who is struggling with the mitzvah of Shmitah, asking how will he have food to eat if he doesn’t plow? Or somebody being sold as a slave to a non-Jew, questioning if he still has to keep the mitzvahs. Yet the name of the Parsha is Behar-“ mountain”- representing the mountain of Sinai where the Torah- something beyond the world- was given. The truth is that the entire purpose of Torah is to live in a reality where you could fail, yet where Torah gives you the power to overcome. Lag B’Omer is going to be this Sunday and Reb Shimon bar Yochai offers the same message; that although Torah is so important, ultimately it’s about reaching out to somebody else who doesn’t learn yet- to overcome any challenges and to encourage him to learn as well.
לקו״ש יז

When the Torah mentions Shulamis Bas Divri, it says that she was not perfect in the area of Tznius, however, all the other women were perfect in that area, and therefore, that’s a praise for the Jewish people. The question arises that since Torah never speaks negatively, even about an unkosher animal, why would the Torah say something negative about her? The answer is that through mentioning her, it brings an extra awareness to the sensitivity of Tznius- which actually turns out to be a praise for her. Regarding Tshuva done out of love, the Alter Rebbi explains that this type of Tshuva is inspired by the distance one feels from G-d due to one’s sins, and the desire to love Him, which actually causes one to then do mitzvos. This ‘about face’ actually transforms all one’s sins to mitzvahs- turning the negative into a positive.

לקו״ש לז

The Chazal tell us that nothing in this world was created randomly, and that everything in this world, is created for a reason and a purpose. Based on this, the Bal Shem Tov says that everything we hear and see in this world is there to help us serve Hashem. The Parsha says if you see another Jew in trouble and you could help him you must. The lesson is the very fact that you see another Jew in trouble, whether it’s physically or spiritually is proof that you can help him, otherwise why would Hashem show you this situation? It must be because you have the power and capabilities to help, and therefore you must.

לקו״ש לב

What is Emunah? Why is it that in its honor that the Jews were released from Mitzraim? Other nations in the world also acknowledged a God - but with a difference. For them their first reality, is the existence of a world, which then logically assumes a creator that created the world. Their God is a limited one and therefore they always try to explain everything according to nature, unless they’re forced to believe in God when a big miracle occurs. Jews are naturally believers, and therefore they believe in G-d first, and then they become aware of the world. Their belief in G-d is not limited to the world, and therefore has no limitations. This unlimited Emunah is what freed them from all limitations, both spiritual and physical. לקו״ש א

The laws of a Metzora are split into two. First we need a wise man who is proficient with all the laws, to decide if this person is impure. Second, we must have a Cohen to actually proclaim him impure. Although he might not know the laws, but because the Cohen is recognized as someone who blesses the Jewish people with love, and is known as a person of kindness, we are assured that he will be certain before he makes his proclamation. He will certainly question and requisition the wise man to make sure that the person is impure, because he truly feels and understands the consequences. He understands that if the person actually becomes a Metzora that he will be sent out of the community.
לקו״ש כז

Moshe Rabbeinu represents truth, which is constant and unwavering -no matter the circumstance. Aharon Hakohen represents kindness, which represents receiving everybody on their level. Everyone is different, and that’s why Moshe Rabbeinu wanted Aharon Hakohen to eat from all the Karbanos on the day of the inauguration of the Mishkan, even though he was in mourning. In a deeper sense, Aaron Hakohen explains to Moshe that as powerful as truth is, the essential purpose of truth is not in the abstract, but since all people cannot be equally holy, each person should connect to it on their own level.
לקו״ש י״ז