‫בס“ד‬

Toronto Torah Beit Midrash Zichron Dov

Parshat Yitro 17 Shevat 5771/January 22, 2011 Vol.2 Num. 21

With Open Ears David Teller

It is odd that a parshah which features the criticized on two accounts: They were guilty expressed in that very mishnah in Avot,
arrival of the Jewish people at Har Sinai and of following the deplorable actions of the when it precedes the abovementioned
the Divine revelation that would forever nations that surrounded them, but they were quote with the equally famous insight,
change the destiny of the Jewish people criticized for failing to copy the positive “Eizehu ashir? haSameach b’Chelko,”
would be named after Yitro, a Midianite values of those non-Jews who were “Who is rich? He who is happy with what
priest who, according to rabbinic tradition, “metukanim,” living lives worthy of he has.” On one hand, we need to look
sampled the world’s pagan religions emulation. There was much to learn from the internally and appreciate that which we
before coming to Judaism. What is more positive qualities of certain non-Jewish possess, both materially and educationally.
challenging is the story that follows, with individuals, but the Jewish people failed to However, that should not dissuade us from
Yitro not only recognizing the Goodness of do so. looking externally, to those around us who
G-d, but offering advice to Moshe There is, of course, a boundary to our search may possess wisdom that can serve to
Rabbeinu as to his direction of the judicial for knowledge and wisdom among the improve our understanding of this world
affairs of the Jewish people. What advice nations of the world. Eichah Rabbah says, and how to better develop it.
could a renowned idol worshipper impart “Chochmah ba’goyim ta’amin, Torah Perhaps this is the intent of not only
to the greatest prophet of all time? And, bagoyim al ta’amin,” that we can acquire beginning, but naming the parshah of
even more surprising, how could Moshe wisdom from other people, but Torah is matan Torah after the Yitro story. The
listen and implement this advice into daily exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Jewish people are about to receive the
practice? If this was the correct way of Jewish people. Nations that try to impose Torah, with its all-encompassing values and
leading the people, shouldn’t Moshe have their beliefs on what defines our faith should objective truth. Right before this, the Torah
come to this understanding on his own? not be listened to. But the broad umbrella of begins with the words “VaYishma Yitro,”
And what is the connection between this “chochmah” in which non-Jews may “And Yitro heard,” symbolizing this
story and the Sinai Experience that directly specialize, ostensibly can teach us in any important message of needing to continue
follows? place where it is found. listening and learning from other people,
A passage of gemara (Sanhedrin 39b) “Eizehu Chacham” “Who is wise?” asks the even those who appear as having nothing
presents two seemingly contradictory mishnah in Avot (4:1). And it replies, “The to offer. The shoresh “shama” appears
verses describing the Jewish people’s one who can learn from every man.” Not multiple times in the first 2 perakim of
sinful behaviour in the times of Yechezkel. only is one expected to learn from the rabbi parshat Yitro, and serves as a backdrop to
In an earlier sentence in Sefer Yechezkel of his community, his parents and close the whole story of revelation. Yitro “hears”
(5:7) the navi criticizes the Jewish people friends, but the religious person is called the miracles of the Jewish people and
for not acting like the nations around them, upon to extract knowledge and wisdom from recognizes their authenticity. Moshe
but in a later verse (11:12) he excoriates every human being. It is philosophically Rabeinu, the av ha’neviim, “listens” to Yitro
the Jewish people for doing just the challenging to believe that we alone possess and changes the way the Jewish court
opposite, following the deeds of the objective truth while recognizing the need to system would operate in the desert. And,
nations. Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi answers learn from others who come from a different finally, the entire Jewish people gathered
that the Jewish people were being background. Perhaps this tension is at the foot of Har Sinai declare in unison
“Naaseh v’nishma,” “We will do and we
will listen,” a commitment to performing,
Parshah Questions R’ Meir Lipschitz and listening to, the word of G-d.
What is true regarding learning from the
Answers are provided on the back page. nations of the world is all the more so
 Does the prohibition against theft belong in the Aseret haDibrot? regarding members of our own faith.
(Rashi to Shemot 20:12) Unfortunately, it is all too common for us to
 How can we say about G-d, vayanach, that He rested? box individuals and communities under
certain banners, rejecting anything that
(Rashi, Mechilta, Seforno, Ohr HaChaim, Netziv, and Daat Mikra to Shemot 20:10)
comes at odds with our perceived
 Why is it significant that there was a great and unending sound when G-d gave understanding of Torah and truth. We need
the Torah? to recognize the unique perspective that all
(Rashi, Mechilta, Ibn Ezra, Ramban, Rabbeinu Bachaye, Malbim, and Netziv’s members of Am Yisrael kedoshim possess,
Haameik Davar and Herchev Davar to Shemot 19:19) and strive to listen to, and derive wisdom
 For children: Why did Yitro choose to join the Jews? from, any place it can be found.
(Rashi to Shemot 18:1) dteller@torontotorah.com
mlipschitz@torontotorah.com
This Toronto Torah is dedicated to Rabbi Meir and Jordy Lipschitz, an avreich in our Beit Midrash, on the birth of a baby boy. Mazal Tov!
To sponsor a Toronto Torah in memory or in honour of a loved one for $180, please email sponsorship@torontotorah.com or call 416-781-1777.
Shevat, The Month of Water R’ Meir Lipschitz

The mazal of the month of Shevat is ‫דלי‬, Rabbi Akiva makes this point clear in Tu B’Shevat is a holiday of renewal; in
a bucket, or pail, of water (some may his parable, explaining that a Jew can Shevat we celebrate the New Year for
be more familiar with the Zodiac sign no sooner abandon the study of Torah the trees, the beginning of a new
of Aquarius, the water-bearer, which is than a fish can abandon the sea; a Jew season in the agricultural cycle. On
the sign of late January through without Torah is like a fish on land. The that day we take note of the first signs
February). The month’s sign is drawn physical properties of water are also of spring, celebrating the smallest
from the passuk: ‫יזל מים מדליו וזרעו במים‬ comparable to the nature of Torah: Both buds of fruit. According to Rashi, we
‫“—רבים‬Water shall flow from his wells, start from on high and accumulate on establish the New Year of the trees in
and his seed shall be by abundant the Earth; small drops of water this season because it is now that the
waters.” It is also based on the gemara combine to form lakes and vast oceans, majority of the year’s rain has fallen,
which states that by this month most of just as Torah adds up, bit by bit, until it and Tosafot add that the water enters
the year’s rain has already fallen (Rosh becomes a mighty flowing stream; and, into the tree, giving it life and
HaShanah 21a). It is because of that both are available to all people generating the sap to create a new
rainfall that wells are full and buckets indiscriminate of their class or social crop of fruit. While on the surface Tu
can be filled from the mouths, rather standing. B’Shevat seems focused on the fruit, on
than the depths, of the wells. It could a deeper level it is about the role of
Water and Shevat are also intertwined
therefore be said that this month is the water in the growth of the fruit,
in the major events of the month’s
month of water. The question can then because there would be no fruit
Torah readings. Twice in Beshalach the
be asked: So what? What life lesson without water.
nation challenges HaShem regarding
can be learned from the relationship
the lack of water in the desert, first in Shevat is also the month of Sefer
between Shevat and water?
Marah where the bitter waters Devarim. In the last month of his life, as
It is common knowledge that water is miraculously became sweet, and later the Jewish people are about to enter in
the most basic component of life, and in Masah-Merivah where Moshe to the land of Israel, as Moshe is about
in this capacity is similar to Torah. The brought forth water from a rock. There to hand over the leadership of the
gemara in Bava Kamma (82a) is, of course, also the Splitting of the nation to Yehoshua he delivers one
expounding on the passuk in Yeshaya Sea, another miraculous incident—one final rousing speech—containing a
(55:1) ‫—הוי כל צמא לכו למים‬Everyone that which warranted the singing of the review of old laws, the teaching of new
thirsts, come for water” explains that Shirah—involving water. And although ones, lessons from past experiences,
man’s most basic thirst is for the words not directly mentioning it, but certainly and his blessing for the nation—in
of Torah; just as water sustains life, so homiletically referring to water, was order to reaffirm the people’s
Torah sustains life. Speaking of the Revelation at Sinai and the Giving of commitment to, and teach them to
HaShem and the Torah, the passuk in the Torah, a moment when the Jewish follow the ways of, HaShem. Moshe
Shir Hashirim (4:15) states: “You are a people encountered G-d in the most died on the seventh of Adar, and so his
fountain of gardens, a well of living intense of ways and were entrusted speech took place in Shevat; the
waters.” The great Talmudic sage with His most prized possession. original “last lecture” was delivered in
the month of Shevat roughly 3300
years ago.
613 Mitzvot: Mitzvah 77 The relationship between Shevat
and its mazal, the bucket (of water),
Special Laws for Capital Punishment now becomes clear. In the depths of
winter, in the long months between the
The Sages (Rosh haShanah 26a) not permitted to reverse himself major holidays of the year, we
teach that we are required to make during judicial deliberations. He may encounter a month full of religious
every effort to exempt defendants not voice an argument for guilt, potential. Water, the symbol of Torah
from capital punishment. As the although he may reverse himself and and the source of life and renewal, has
Sefer haChinuch (Mitzvah 77) vote for guilt in the end. This historically played a crucial role in this
month, and it is our responsibility to
explains, HaShem saw fit to create a encourages the judge to defend his
continue that trend. It is specifically in
death penalty in order to preserve initial view of the defendant’s
the month of Shevat, as the rainy
society, but He views us as His innocence.
season ends and spring begins, as the
children, and so He desires that this
trees begin their New Year, as the
punishment be implemented only in This mitzvah also requires a judge to
parshiot remind us of G-d’s imminent
cases of absolute necessity. vote independently and not to
involvement in our lives, and as Moshe
automatically follow the views of other
implored us to strengthen our
Toward that end, Mitzvah 77 says judges, even when those judges are commitments to HaShem, that we must
that a judge who argues initially in older, more knowledgeable and more rededicate and reinvigorate ourselves
favour of a defendant’s innocence is experienced. anew to the service of G-d.
torczyner@torontotorah.com mlipschitz@torontotorah.com

2 Visit us at www.torontotorah.com
 Ha’Am V’Ha’Aretz
Rav Avraham Yitchak HaKohen Kook
Torah in Translation
Exercising
Orot haTechiya Chapter 34
The exercise that the young Jewish men in
the Land of Israel engage in, to strengthen
their bodies to become children of great
strength for their nation, refines the spiritual
power of the supremely righteous who
engage in the “yichudim” of the holy names
of G-d. The righteous do this to spread G-
d’s light in this world, and the revelation of
one light (the spiritual NJ) will not stand
without the other (those engaged in the
physical NJ). “And David made a name…
David performed justice and charity for his
entire nation.” “And Yoav son of Tziruyah
head of the army…” (The juxtaposition of
these two verses highlights the need for both
the spiritual leader, David, and Yoav, the
strong leader of the army. Rav Kook continues
to say that Avner, another general, was
punished, but this was in no way connected to
his position, but due to inappropriate
behaviour. NJ) Avner was only punished
because “he devalued the blood of the
young lads (Yerushalmi Peah 1:1).” But for
the young men to act playfully in order to
strengthen themselves and their spirit, and
so to strengthen the State as a whole, is holy
service which raises the Shechinah higher
and higher just as it rises through the
recitation of the songs and praises that King
David said in the book of Psalms. The
difference is only that through spiritual
reflection the internal soul rises, and
through actions that strengthen the bodies
of these individual for the public the
external spirituality rises. The two of them
together refine the orders of holiness in
their entirety, as they emphasize the
structure of the nation, in fulfillment of the
fundamental verse, “In all of your ways you
shall recognize Him.”
Do not be disturbed if there are deficiencies
in the way of life of these individuals who
are engaged in strengthening their bodies
and in all of the territorial strengthening in
Israel. Even the appearance of ruach
haKodesh requires refinement from the
impure mixtures that are mixed into it. This
is a continuous process of purification and
refinement that eventually redeems it from Rav Kook wrote prolifically on Jewish
its exile, until it becomes part of the path of
thought and the development of the Jewish
the righteous. State, and new works of his writings
continue to be published even now. In
njavasky@torontotorah.com 1924 he founded Yeshivat Merkaz haRav -
Visit us at www.torontotorah.com
R’ Netanel Javasky
Hadera
Hadera is located approximately
Rav Avraham Yitzchak haKohen Kook was 45 kilometers from the major cities of Tel
born in Griva, Latvia, known today as
Aviv and Haifa. The city is located in an
area seven kilometers off the Israeli
Daugavpils, in 1865. Recognized as a
Mediterranean Coastal Plain.
prodigy at a young age, he joined the
famed Volozhin Yeshiva, where his father Hadera was founded in 1891, in the early
had studied as well, and the young days of modern Zionism, by Eastern
Avraham Yitzchak developed a fond European immigrants who were a part of
relationship with the Rosh haYeshiva, Rav Hovevei Tzion, on land purchased by
Yehoshua Hankin, known as the Redeemer
Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin (The Netziv). His
of the (Jezreel) Valley. This was the largest
stay in Volozhin was not a lengthy one,
purchase of land in Palestine by a Zionist
lasting under two years, but the Netziv is group. The land was of low quality and
quoted as saying that had the entire mostly swampland; the only inhabitants
Volozhin Yeshiva been founded just to prior to the purchase were a few families
teach Rav Kook, it would have been a raising water buffalo and selling reeds.
worthwhile endeavour. His brilliance and The town may derive its name from the
inquisitive nature combined to lead him to Arabic word khadra, meaning "green", in
the study of subjects not commonly reference to the wild weeds which
explored in the traditional Yeshiva settings covered the marshes on which the town is
of the time, including the study of Tanach, built.
philosophy, Hebrew language and The first settlers lived in a house known as
mysticism. Becoming a Rav at the age of the Khan, close to what is today Hadera's
23, Rav Kook, in his early years, served the main synagogue. Initially, Hadera was a
communities of Zaumel and then Bausk. lonely outpost of 10 families and 4 guards.
In the early years of the 20th century, In its early years, however, the town had
immediately before emigrating and issues with land ownership, having
fulfilling his dream of living in Israel, Rav drained the swamps with the aid of
Egyptian workers sent to them by Baron
Kook published three articles on the topic
Edmond de Rothschild. Old tombstones in
of Israel; the ideas in these articles would
the local cemetery reveal that out of a
form a basis for his philosophy on this
population of 540, 210 died of malaria.
subject later in life. In 1904 Rav Kook
assumed the position of Rav of Jaffa, and Hadera's population began to grow
his impact on all walks of life was instantly dramatically after Israeli independence in
felt. He had great respect and love for all 1948, as immigrants flocked to the country.
In 1952, Hadera was declared a city; in
Jews, and considered them all as pioneers
1953, Israel's first paper mill opened in the
in ushering in the spiritual redemption. In
city. Sponsored by investors from within
his mind, there was enough sinat chinam, Israel, as well as from the United States,
baseless hatred, and it was time to engage Brazil, and Australia, the mill was designed
in ahavat chinam, baseless love for each to meet all of Israel's paper needs. The city
and every Jew. He explained that the Jew grew dramatically during the 1990s, as it
was made up of two components: the inner absorbed large numbers of Russian and
pintele yid and the route which he has set Ethiopian Jews.
out upon with his actions. Even if one was During the Second Lebanon War in 2006,
weak in the latter, there was still the heart three rockets fired by Hezbollah hit
and soul of a Jew that could be loved and Hadera. Hadera is 50 miles (80 km) south
encouraged. Rav Kook’s love and affection of the Lebanese border, and marks the
towards the secularists was often seen by farthest point inside Israel hit by
his opponents as compromising Halachah Hezbollah.
by supporting those who were staunchly
Hadera Paper continues to be a large
anti-religion. employer in the city. In December 2009,
Rav Kook was in Europe during the the world's largest desalination plant of its
outbreak of World War I, and he used the type, located within the municipal
opportunity to spread his philosophy and borders, was inaugurated. Hadera is also
his desire that religious Jews settle the the location of the Orot Rabin Power Plant,
Israel's largest power station.
Land and influence its development. Soon
after his return to what was then Palestine, named posthumously in honour of Rav
he was appointed as the first Chief Rabbi. Kook - known today as the bastion of the
Religious Zionist Yeshivot and a place
which has become synonymous with the
teachings of Rav Kook. Rav Kook passed
away in 1935, but his influence continues
to be felt to this very day.
3
 Parshah Answers Russell Levy

fundamental principle of the 39 melachot mortal: Whereas sounds produced by

Does the prohibition against theft
belong in the Aseret haDibrot?
 Rashi explains that lo tignov, “Do not
steal”, can be interpreted in two ways:
theft of property, and abduction of
i n d i v idu a l s . S i nc e t he other
commandments, “Do not murder”, and
“Do not commit adultery” are capital
crimes, Rashi explains that “Do not
steal” must logically refer to such a
crime as well. Therefore, by logical
inference, since property theft is not a
capital crime and kidnapping is, lo
tignov must refer to kidnapping.
How can we say about G-d, vayanach,
that He rested?
 Rashi and the Mechilta explain that this
is a mere anthropomorphism: G-d does
not labour, and therefore does not
require rest. Nevertheless, He still
ceased to work on the seventh day of
creation. Hence, we, who do toil all
week, must all the more so rest on
Shabbat.
 The Seforno elucidates that the “rest”
here refers to the fact that the creation
process was completed. Similarly,
Da’at Mikra relates that vayanach does
not refer to rest, but cessation of work; G
-d ceased the creation process after the
first six days.
 The Or HaChaim HaKadosh offers two
explanations:
 First, this phrase was chosen to explain a
Shabbat, the 39 activities prohibited on
Shabbat. There are some acts, such as
carrying an object from the private
domain to the public domain, which are
not strenuous, but are still prohibited.
The fact that the basis for forbidden work
is the “rest” of G-d, who is incapable of
both rest and toil, demonstrates that this
prohibition is not rooted in the toil of the
action, but in the action itself.
 Next, the Or HaChaim relates, based on a
Midrash, that throughout the six days of
creation G-d had to continually sustain
the world from destruction. Shabbat, the
seventh day, ensured that the world
would not need constant maintenance.
Each future Shabbat maintains the
following week. For this reason G-d was
able to “rest”, as the world’s existence
was now guaranteed.
Why is it significant that there was a
great and unending sound when G-d
gave the Torah?
 Rabbeinu Bachaye explains that Moshe
was required to speak over this great
sound; that, and directly addressing the
approximately two million Jews at once,
is a physical impossibility. G-d helped
Moshe to speak loudly when he repeated
the Ten Commandments to the nation,
and the fact that this other sound existed
speaks to the fact that Moshe did, indeed,
require this help.
 The Mechilta contrasts G-d with a mere
flesh and blood will inevitably weaken,
those produced by the Almighty
increase in intensity. The Midrash
continues that those learning Torah may
merit a similar trait; that their power of
thought will not wane.
 The Ibn Ezra relates that had the sound
been similar to the sound of an ordinary
shofar, the initial sound would have
frightened the Jewish people. An
increasing sound allowed the people to
become accustomed to the noise without
fright.
 The Ramban cites some who explain
that this sound was to acclimate the
Nation of Israel to such a loud sound.
They were anxious due to the great
sound, and Moshe Rabbeinu explained
to them to expect such a noise when they
would receive the Commandments
directly from G-d.
 The Malbim explains that this sound of
the shofar testified to the Jewish People
that Moshe was truly the messenger of
G-d.
For children: Why did Yitro choose to
join the Jews?
 Yitro heard about the miracles
performed by G-d for the Jewish People:
the splitting of the Reed Sea; the war with
Amalek; feeding the people with Manna;
and the miraculous well of Miriam.
rlevy@torontotorah.com

Schedule for the Week of January 22, 17 Shevat

Shabbat, January 22 Tuesday, January 25
7:45AM R’ Azarya Berzon, Ramban: Parshat Yitro, Or Chaim 1:30PM R’ Mordechai Torczyner: Yonah, at Shaarei Shomayim, with
10:15AM R’ Azarya Berzon, The Month of Shvat in Halacha and Mekorot
Hashkafa, Clanton Park 7:30PM R’ Azarya Berzon: Tools for Brisk: Din Klali or Din Misuyam,
One Hour Before Mincha: R’ Azarya Berzon, Kiddushin 9b,
BAYT Thornhill
Mizrachi Bayit
7:00PM Parent/Child Learning, Shaarei Shomayim 8:00PM Dovid Zirkind: Interactive Parshah Discussion, Westmount
Sunday, January 23 Learning Centre
9:15AM Itamar Zolberg, Parshah & Issues b’Ivrit, Zichron 8:30PM R’ Mordechai Torczyner: Minchat Chinuch at Clanton Park:
Yisrael Are women instructed to destroy Chametz?
7:30PM R’ Azarya Berzon, Masechet Megila 3b: Which Comes 8:30PM R’ Azarya Berzon: Moral Dilemas in Monetary Issues, BAYT
First, Megilla or Burying the Dead?, Shaarei Thornhill
Shomayim
Wednesday, January 26
8:30PM R’ Azarya Berzon, Masechet Kiddushin: The Third
9:15AM R’ Mordechai Torczyner: Hosheia, 239 Franklin Women
Method of Marrying a Woman, Shaarei Shomayim
Monday, January 24 Babysitting provided - Jews, Silver and Gold
12:10PM Russell Levy, Masechet Pesachim (advanced), 7:15PM R’ Azarya Berzon, Week’s Shiur Highlights, Clanton Park
Wolfond Center Lunch served 8:30PM R’ Azarya Berzon: Masechet Kiddushin 42b “Ein Shliach
6:00 PM R’ Mordechai Torczyner, History of Jewish Publishing, LeDvar Aveira”, Shomrei Shabbos Chevra Mishnayos
2 of 4, MNJCC; $20 for series Thursday, January 27
7:30 PM R’ Meir Lipschitz: The Thought of R’ Shlomo Aviner, 37 8:00PM R’ Netanel Javasky: Landmark Halachic Responsa, Bnai
Fraserwood, Apt 4, Women Torah
8:30PM R’ Azarya Berzon, Rambam: Lo Tachmod, Clanton
8:30PM R’ Azarya Berzon: The Asseret HaDibrot in Halacha &
Park
8:45PM R’ Meir Lipschitz: Gemara Beitzah Chaburah, Shaarei Hashkafa, Clanton Park
Shomayim 10:00PM R’ Azarya Berzon: Rambam Hilchot Talmud Torah, Clanton
9:20PM R’ Azarya Berzon, Ramban: Insights into Parshat Yitro, Park
G-d’s and the People of Israel, 12 Midvale Road Monday - Friday 6 AM R’ Mordechai Torczyner: Daf Yomi, BAYT

4 We would like to thank koshertube.com for filming our shiurim! Visit us at www.torontotorah.com