Rabbi Yisrael Lipkin (Salanter)
“One who cannot explain properly does not understand properly.”
From Tenuas HaMussar (The Mussar Movement)
Sunday’s Salanter Selection
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Author Archives: Neil Harris
Photos of Purim 5770 bei the Skwere Rebbe of Boro Park (YWN)
The Alter of Kelm on Ki Sisa
The following was sent to subscribers of R Zvi Miller’s Salant Foundation email list:
THE SAGES OF MUSSAR ON THE PARSHA: KI SISA
HaShem selected Betzallel to form the vessels of the Mishkan, i.e., Tabernacle. However, the criterion to serve as the “chief artisan” was not based on his artistic ability. Rather, HaShem selected Betzallel because he had “a good name.”
In light of this the Midrash cites the verse (Kohelles 10:1), “Dead flies putrefy the fragrant oil, whereas a good name falls on a corpse and does not putrefy.” This poetic verse cries out for an explanation! Moreover, what possible application can we draw to Betzallel from the concept of “a good name falling on a corpse?”
Rather, the verse metaphorically uses the terms “fragrant oil” and “a good name” to depict two divergent types of people in relationship to the performance of Mitzvoth.
“Fragrant oil” refers to a person who suppresses his negative impulse in order to perform a good deed. For instance, Shimon is miserly by nature. Therefore, in order to fulfill the Mitzvah of tzedakah (charity), he consciously forces himself to give to others. HaShem recognizes his struggle and merits him accordingly.
However, the inner conflict impedes him from giving generously and joyously. As a result, he does not find much favor in the eyes of the community. Resultantly, his Mitzvoth are like fragrant oil, putrefied by dead flies, i.e., his unrefined character traits.
Whereas, a “good name” refers to a person who has rectified his character to pure goodness. Through the combination of his excellence of character and the Mitzvoth that he performs, he faithfully and graciously serves his community.
In this light, “a good name falls on a corpse and does not putrefy.” That is, even when he performs Mitzvoth that might awaken base character traits, his goodness is constant and absolute.
Betzallel transformed himself. That is, he was filled with compassion and kindness, and had no inner harshness, whatsoever. The Mishkan was the place where HaShem revealed His compassion and forgiveness. Therefore, HaShem chose Betzallel, to assemble His holy dwelling place on earth, amongst the Children of Israel.
[Based on Ohr RaShaz of the Alter of Kelm]
Comparing Franklin, Cheshbon HaNefesh, and RYS
Please take time to read this post by R Micha Berger that discusses Ben Frankin’s virtues, the 13 middos listed in sefer Cheshbon HaNefesh, and the 13 “Middos of R Yisrael Lipkin (Salanter)”.
What might Rabbi Yisrael Salanter have looked like? (Link)
Please check out the link below…very interesting.
On the Main Line: What might Rabbi Yisrael Salanter have looked like? Pt. ii
Husker Du themed Shaloch Manos
Unless you know the band, you might as well stop reading.
Freilichen Purim
(see, this is what not listening to music can do to a person…lol)
Red Bull (original and sugar-free) approved by cRc
This is not Purim Torah. According to the Chicacgo Rabbincal Council’s website, Red Bull, both the original and sugar-free) are now approved. The Red Bull “Shots” (those are ths small little bottles that look like travel shampoo) are not approved.
I give up
Photo from flickr
Every month or so I am completely speechless when it somes to my children’s chinuch. I find myself left without words, not because my children’s education as been ruined by “the system”, but because I’m astounded by how fortunate they are to be learning so many important things that are not always found in a textbook.
A few weeks ago my daughter in second grade told me after shul on Shabbos that she was “mevater (gave up) her lollypop to her older brother”. I was speechless. Not because she gave up a lollypop (althought that was impressive), but because she rocked the term “mevater”. It isn’t a word that gets used a lot in conversation. In fact, I think I’ve only used the term maybe 3 times in my entire adult life. I’m not against the concept of being mevater, however despite the book, Let’s Learn Middos 4: Being Mevater (which we don’t own), I don’t often think of it as a middah. Maybe I should.
For a child (or this blogger) it’s important to understand that “giving up” something can be a good thing. Selflessness, chessed, and understanding what we need vs. what we want are part of growing up. For me, it might also be prudent to be mevater certain inhibitions and notions I have about my own abilities. Can one be mevater the things that hold one back from their Avodas Hashem? Probably, but you have to know yourself and what why you are not doing what you should be doing. Of course, a true student of Reb Nachman of Breslov will comment that one should “never give up hope”, but you could give up what’s blocking you from hope.
For a second grader to understand that all isn’t lost when you give up some candy is an important lesson and one that her Morah has successfully taught. I know the lesson was a success because everyone in my family is on the “mevatar-bandwagon”.
Selling out…uberdox style
While this blog is “non-profit” I do get requests to promote items and websites.
One such request that came to me last week and I sort of dropped the ball. I have previously felt honored that Oh Nuts! had asked me to be involved in various giveaways. This time for Purim, I didn’t get time to post their giveaway. However, if you do need to find really cool Purim Baskets or any other candy that is supper yummy, then check out their Purim Basket page.
Again, sorry that I’m not jumping on the giveaway bandwagon, it has nothing to do with Oh Nuts!, and everything to do with me just being busy.
Poll time
I just posted a poll located towards the top right side of this blog. It will be up for a week. Feel free to click on an answer that might connect with you.
Thanks.
