Parshas Mishpotim

Hashem told Moshe to explain the laws of this week’s Parsha “Like a set table”. (Rashi)
My brother (SEB [beshaim R' Grossman]) once told me a beautiful explanation. What one can prepare to eat depends on what utensils he has with him. If he has a knife he can make himself a sandwich, if he has a flame to cook with- more can be prepared, a full oven even more etc. But if one comes to a wedding hall and sits down in his seat and before him the table is laid with three types of forks, three spoons, two knives and three glasses- he knows that whatever they bring out of the kitchen, he’ll be prepared and ready to eat. Rashi is telling us how to teach and give over Torah and Yiddishkiet. For the giving over of Torah teaching is not enough, one must give over a way of life and prepare the student so that whatever comes his way he will be ready with all tools at his disposal.

Story Time

Rabbi Friefeld in his older years was going to the Doctor. Being that he was weak, he was debating if he should get dressed- after all he was a Rosh Yeshiva or he should go in pajamas. He decided on getting dressed but did not put on shoes but rather went in slippers. A talmid asked him what made him decide on his choice of footwear. He answered that he felt that it would not be respectful to his talmidim if their Rebbi was seen in pajamas and a robe. But being that he couldn't tie his shoes it would be disrespectful to his Rebbitzin to have her tie it for him, so he decided to wear slippers.

Rav Shamson Raphael Hirsch Zt"l

I would like to share a thought from Reb. Shamson Raphael Hirsch zt"l- who's yahrtziet is this Shabbos, the 27th of Tevas.
"Other nations habitually are described by the picture of an animal, Yisroel is pictured preferably as a tree. An animal can be killed with a single pressure of the trigger- finger or a single stab of the dagger. But a tree reproduces with every part- the possibility of the continuance of life of the whole. Even if the root is severed, a branch, a twig, a bud, a germ is often sufficient to reinstate the destroyed plant, and save its continued existence" (Shemos 3;18)
The best way to learn about a Gadol and what he stood for is to learn his Torah. In this small piece we see all that Rabbinner Hirsch went through in his life as Rav in Frankfurt. He came to town with all but a small bud left of a tree which was once from the nicest kehillahs in Europe and revived and nurtured it back to its old glory. While leaving all of Klal Yisroel with his eye opening and bright writings. Yehai zichro boroch.