VOLUME 20, ISSUE 25 FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2013 / 15 SIVAN 5773
CANDLE LIGHTING: 7:52 P.M. SHABBAT ENDS: 9:03 PM (CHICAGO)
TORAH PORTION: BEHA’ALOSECHA (NUMBERS 8:1 – 12:16)
This week’s CTN Shabbat Fax is dedicated in memory of Ilene C. Leon, Chaya bas Feige, z”l, on the occasion of her 31st yahrzeit. Please join us as we pay tribute to her memory at the Ilene C. Leon Chicago Conference for Jewish Women, ‘Spa Day for the Soul’, on Sunday, June 2.
1. Moses was very humble, more so than any man … (12:13)
‘Humility.’ When we hear the word, we may think of timid. Meek. Which are not positive traits.
… But humility is something else altogether.
Think about Moses. He knew more – and accomplished more – than anyone in history.
But at the very same time, he was the most humble.
… Was he naive?
Not at all.
Because the humble man is fully aware of his talents. And achievements.
He is humble because he always remembers that his talents are a gift from G-d.
And that whatever he accomplishes, he does with G-d’s help.
§ Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach . He was recognized as one of the greatest Torah
scholars of our generation.
Jews from all over the world sought his rulings on every area of Jewish law. Everything from
Shabbat and modern technology, to business ethics, to medical questions. And more.
He passed away in 1995 at the age of eighty-five. And left the following in his will:
“Should anyone want to say words of eulogy, I strongly suggest that they be concise.
No words of praise should be said.
Only words that inspire love of Torah, fear of Heaven, and perfection in deed and character …”.
… It’s interesting. The Talmud says: ‘One who runs from honor, the honor will catch up with him’.
Rabbi Auerbach ran from honor his entire life.
… And his funeral in Jerusalem was attended by over three hundred thousand people!
GIVE YOURSELF A GIFT … FORGIVE SOMEONE TODAY
They say that to err is human. To forgive is Divine.
It’s true. And in Jewish tradition there’s more to it.
… There was a Yeshiva student who hurt his friend’s feelings.
He felt very bad. And asked forgiveness.
But the other person was so hurt that he just couldn’t put it behind him.
So the student asked the Dean of the Yeshiva to convey how bad he feels. How much he
treasures their friendship. And to ask for his forgiveness.
This week’s CTN Shabbat Fax is dedicated in memory of Ilene C. Leon, Chaya bas Feige, z”l, on
the occasion of her 31st yahrzeit. Please join us as we pay tribute t o her memory at the Ilene C.
Leon Chicago Conference for Jewish Women, ‘Spa Day for the Soul’, on Sunday, June 2.
The friend was very moved. And he finally forgave him. With a full heart.
… And then the Rabbi did something that surprised him. He asked the fellow who forgave to
please bless him.
“Bless you? Why would a great person like you want the blessing of a simple man like me?”
The Rabbi explained: “Forgiving someone is a very spiritual thing. By doing it you emulate G-d.
And the Talmud tells us that G-d responds in kind.
That one who forgives another is himself forgiven by G-d for his sins.
Which means that by your willingness to forgive you reached a very pure and high spiritual level.
… So, I ask you again: Please bless me”.