PURE WATER
by Rabbi Reuven Semah

"The entire commandment that I command you today...so that you may live and increase" (Debarim 8:1)

The Be'er Mayim Hayim illustrates: A king once had a special wellspring of pure water on his castle grounds. Since he wanted all of his subjects to enjoy this wonderful water, he issued an order that everyone should attach a pipeline to the well and draw the water directly into their own homes. Those who were wise and respectful laid new clean pipes to guard the purity of the water. They genuinely enjoyed the water and loved the king for giving them this gracious gift. The lazy foolish people, however, took old rusty and leaky pipes. Naturally, the few drops that they received were foul smelling and repulsive. Their reaction was, "The king is terrible and gives us horrible water." The King, Hashem, has a life-sustaining well of blessing. All He asks of us is to connect a clean "pipe," Torah, misvot and good deeds, to His well. Those that construct a clean, pure conduit without foreign thoughts and objectives, that don't leak, will drink of these waters and love Hashem for it.

The outside world thinks that it is easier to be a partial Jew by doing partial misvot or some misvot. However, the opposite is true. It is more difficult to be a partial Jew than to be a complete Jew. Being a complete Jew is easier because of the sweet water that comes flowing into our lives. Shabbat Shalom.

WITHOUT A TRACE

"And what was done to Datan and Abiram...how the earth opened up her mouth and swallowed them up" (Debarim 11:6)

Korah's sons, once they repented, were spared from Hashem's punishment. They were standing there as Moshe recounted the various incursions and transgressions of Klal Yisrael. In order not to embarrass them, their father's name is not publicly mentioned. Datan and Abiram, however, who were swallowed up leaving no lasting trace, are mentioned, since no shame or disgrace can befall others with this statement. (Peninim on the Torah)

TEACHING BY EXAMPLE

"You shall teach them to your children to discuss them" (Debarim 11:19)

The word "otam" without a "vav", which is translated to mean "them" can also be read as "atem", which means "you." The Torah is instructing that in order for a parent to succeed in teaching "otam, them" - Torah and misvot - to his children, it is imperative that it also be "atem" - you must be a living example to your children - i.e. they should see you learning Torah and observing misvot.

A non-observant father once sent his child to a Hebrew school. As the child's bar misvah was approaching, he took his son to the Hebrew bookstore and asked the salesman for a bar misvah set. The salesman opened the box and the boy saw in it a pair of tefillin and a tallit. Having no knowledge of theses strange items, he asked his father with a puzzled expression on his face, "What are these?" The father told him, "My son, this is what every Jew must have when he becomes bar misvah." The young boy looked up to his father and inquisitively asked, "So father, when are you becoming bar misvah?" (Vedibarta Bam)

SOMETHING TO REMEMBER

"For if you will guard and continue guarding all this command" (Debarim 11:22)

We may suggest another reason for the analogy to glass. When glass falls and breaks, it splinters into sharp jagged pieces that are dangerous to anyone who touches them. Similarly, coming into contact with one who, due to a lack of dedication, has forgotten various aspects of his Torah wisdom is hazardous to one's spiritual health. Torah is not a secular subject that is studied merely to be remembered. Rather, it represents the lifeblood of our people and must constantly be reviewed so that its students become thoroughly imbued in its value. (Peninim on the Torah)

Answer to Pop Quiz: It never wore out and it grew along with the people.