DIVREI TORAH ON PARSHAS RE'EH
The Torah tells people that a Novi Sheker, a false prophet, may have the ability to perform miracles. Hashem gave them that ability in order to create a true Nisoyon, test, for people, to see if they will believe the Novi Sheker, when he instructs them to act contrary to the Torah. What is required for people to be strong enough to ignore what they see, despite what seems to be a compelling argument?
People are often required to decide whether, or not, to act in a manner that is consistent with what they see, and know to be true. Here are two examples: Instructions for a newly purchased piece of furniture sometimes describes a step which will make no sense to the reader. Sometimes people are given driving directions (such as by WAYZ), which seem to take them in the opposite direction from which they intended to go. Should people listen to these, or should they follow what they “know” to be true.
When I was younger and, I guess, more arrogant, I couldn’t believe that what I thought was true, was not true. If I saw something that made sense to me, I believed that it was sensible. I assumed that the furniture instructions were wrong. Since then I’ve learned to follow the advice of what I know to be true, such as instructions that make sense, and were tested, even if what I’m seeing seems to be contrary.
Klal Yisroel clearly sees a false Novi perform a miracle. The Nisoyon is to decide whether to act on what they saw, and seems to be true, or what they know to be true. Within the Parsha, Hashem makes it easier for them to act on what they know to be true, by reminding them that He gave the Novi Sheker the ability to perform miracles, even if his message isn’t true.
This same rule applies to people in their daily lives. In general, people should avoid becoming affected by hype, mass movements, or anything other than what they know is true, through Torah study, or their Rebbi.
People are often required to decide whether, or not, to act in a manner that is consistent with what they see, and know to be true. Here are two examples: Instructions for a newly purchased piece of furniture sometimes describes a step which will make no sense to the reader. Sometimes people are given driving directions (such as by WAYZ), which seem to take them in the opposite direction from which they intended to go. Should people listen to these, or should they follow what they “know” to be true.
When I was younger and, I guess, more arrogant, I couldn’t believe that what I thought was true, was not true. If I saw something that made sense to me, I believed that it was sensible. I assumed that the furniture instructions were wrong. Since then I’ve learned to follow the advice of what I know to be true, such as instructions that make sense, and were tested, even if what I’m seeing seems to be contrary.
Klal Yisroel clearly sees a false Novi perform a miracle. The Nisoyon is to decide whether to act on what they saw, and seems to be true, or what they know to be true. Within the Parsha, Hashem makes it easier for them to act on what they know to be true, by reminding them that He gave the Novi Sheker the ability to perform miracles, even if his message isn’t true.
This same rule applies to people in their daily lives. In general, people should avoid becoming affected by hype, mass movements, or anything other than what they know is true, through Torah study, or their Rebbi.
The author can be contacted at shmuelgluck@areivim.com
In Perek 12, Posuk 20, Rashi explains that it’s only proper for people to eat meat if they can afford it. This is a lesson in fiscal responsibility, and clashes, significantly, with today’s culture. People tend to read this Rashi, maybe smirk, and move past it; however, this lesson deserves our attention.
For those people who are unaware of it, “swiping” a credit card is called borrowing. The attitude of our Chachomim is that people should never borrow. However, there are a few exceptions, such as borrowing for Shabbos. I once “saw a Gra” who explained that borrowing for Shabbos was only permitted when the money was anticipated.
Let’s put this into perspective. People should never borrow; however, they can “advance” themselves money. When people know that their paycheck will cover their credit card purchases, it’s called an advance, and is permitted for the Kovod of Shabbos.
The Torah is warning people to have discipline at all times, and not to blur their line between needs and privileges (such as meat). Many families have credit card debt. Although it can negatively affect their lives, they’re comfortable living with it. The only life they know is, see, want, swipe, and worry later.
Frum Jews, who take all statements from our Chachomim seriously, live without debt, and live a happy life. Other people may “look down” at them for their simplicity. They don’t see anything wrong with telling them, “Go out for supper with friends. You can always pay for it later”. Only years later, when these people pass mid-life, and have a newly refinanced mortgage that’s more money than the original value of their house, they wonder how they “got there”.
Rashi is reminding everyone to look at the words of our Chachomim, whether they’re focusing on Halacha, Hashkafa, or just good old fashioned advice, and to embrace Rashi’s message as something people need to trust.
For those people who are unaware of it, “swiping” a credit card is called borrowing. The attitude of our Chachomim is that people should never borrow. However, there are a few exceptions, such as borrowing for Shabbos. I once “saw a Gra” who explained that borrowing for Shabbos was only permitted when the money was anticipated.
Let’s put this into perspective. People should never borrow; however, they can “advance” themselves money. When people know that their paycheck will cover their credit card purchases, it’s called an advance, and is permitted for the Kovod of Shabbos.
The Torah is warning people to have discipline at all times, and not to blur their line between needs and privileges (such as meat). Many families have credit card debt. Although it can negatively affect their lives, they’re comfortable living with it. The only life they know is, see, want, swipe, and worry later.
Frum Jews, who take all statements from our Chachomim seriously, live without debt, and live a happy life. Other people may “look down” at them for their simplicity. They don’t see anything wrong with telling them, “Go out for supper with friends. You can always pay for it later”. Only years later, when these people pass mid-life, and have a newly refinanced mortgage that’s more money than the original value of their house, they wonder how they “got there”.
Rashi is reminding everyone to look at the words of our Chachomim, whether they’re focusing on Halacha, Hashkafa, or just good old fashioned advice, and to embrace Rashi’s message as something people need to trust.
The author can be contacted at shmuelgluck@areivim.com
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