Week 17 (Book 2): Obadiah and Minimized Business Activity

HAAZINU:They sacrificed to demons, which have no power, deities they did not know, new things that only recently came, which your forefathers did not fear. (Deuteronomy 32:17)

Positive Light: Would they sacrifice to demons? No. [Their] power was G-d; they did not know new ones. They came from close by, [and] your forefathers did not fear them.

HAFTARAH: He sent from on high [and] He took me; He drew me out of many waters. (II Samuel 22:17)

QUALITY TO ACQUIRE THE TORAH: Minimized Business Activity (Miut Schorah)

PROPHET: Obadiah

LEVITICAL CITY: Gath-Rimmon

The seventeenth week of the year is the last in the month of Teveth. The verse in Haazinu continues to make reference to idolatry and their abandoning G-d. As mentioned previously, these are themes related to Teveth and the Tribe of Dan.

Again, this week’s verse in Haazinu can also take on a more positive note. It could be read in such a way that would indicate that they rejected idolatry and assimilation. Assimilation’s attraction, in the times of the Greeks as well as today, is that it is depicted as being something new and contemporary, while the values of the Torah are portrayed as being “outdated.” Another attraction of assimilation is that the attraction of other cultures is exactly related to those aspects that are closest to the Torah and to people that are like us. The Greeks and helenized Jews came from close, they championed values, such as wisdom and humanism, that were often quite close to Jewish ideals.

This week’s Haftarah verse is in line with the positive interpretation of the verse in Haazinu. Hashem remained connected to the Jewish people throughout their struggles. In times of many enticements, he drew them “out of many waters.” As mentioned in Book 1, “many waters” is a reference to struggles when making a living.

The quality of this week is minimized business activity, miut schorah. Business activity and the quest for money can easily become “idolatrous.” It can become an end in of itself, and we end up forgetting the whole point of why we sought to have money in the first place – to be able to better serve our Creator and provide for our families. That is why the Torah advises us to conduct our business affairs with “miut,” smallness and humility, remembering that ultimately our study of Torah and our service to G-d is what is most important.

This week’s prophet is Obadiah. Obadiah, like Michaia, prophecized in the times of King Ahab, in which idolatry became rampant. Ahab himself also exemplified the very lack of miut schorah – taking the field of another by force, and killing the owner. It was for this act that Ahab was punished with a Heavenly death sentence.

Obadiah, on the other hand, is perhaps the best example of “business activity” with humility and smallness before G-d. He used his money to keep alive one hundred prophets, and protect them against Ahab and his evil wife Jezebel.  It was this act that earned him prophecy. Obadiah’s name also hints to this quality, as it means the servant/worker of G-d. Obadiah understood that his main work was not for men, but for G-d.

Obadiah’s prophecy, recorded in the Tanach, is about how G-d loves Jacob and hates Esau – the message in the fight against assimilation. Much of what attracted the Jews to Roman culture and its ofshoots are their similarities with Judaism. Esau is Jacob’s brother after all. Like Jacob himself told Esau,

And he said to him, "My master knows that the children are tender, and the flocks and the cattle, which are raising their young, depend upon me, and if they overdrive them one day, all the flocks will die. Now, let my master go ahead before his servant, and I will move [at] my own slow pace, according to the pace of the work that is before me and according to the pace of the children, until I come to my master, to Seir. (Genesis 33:13, 14)

Jacob did not want to stay with Esau and have him be a bad influence on his family. Perhaps now it is also better understood why Jacob spoke of the flocks as well as of his children. Jacob did not want his possessions to be prey to Esau’s unending ambition.

The levitical city for this week is Gath-rimmon. It means winepress of pomegranites: Here again, when we are out in the world, engaging in business activity and facing its darkness, we have the opportunity to do many mitzvoth, and be full like the pomegranate. The pomegranate’s many seeds is also a reference to the ability to multiply, which is connected with Teveth.

Week 18 (Book 2): Achia HaShiloni and "Minimized" World Activity

HAAZINU: You forgot the [Mighty] Rock Who bore you; you forgot the G-d Who delivered you. (Deuteronomy 32:18)

Positive light: Rock [or Creator], they are your children; forget completely [our sins]; G-d delivers you.

HAFTORAH: He delivered me from my mighty enemy; from them that hated me; for they were too powerful for me. (II Samuel 22:18)

QUALITY TO ACQUIRE THE TORAH: Minimized World Activity (Miut Derech Eretz)

PROPHET: Achiah HaShiloni

LEVITICAL CITY: Mishal

On Week Eighteen, Rosh Chodesh Shevat, Haazinu’s verse speaks of how the Jewish people forgot about G-d, who bore and delivered them. Shevat is a month very much connected with nature – it includes the New Year of the Trees. It therefore seems appropriate that the verse speak of G-d’s relationship to us using the “natural” metaphor of giving birth. However, Shevat also represents the idea of being above nature, as well as the Oral Torah; it represents the idea of taanug (pleasure) and emunah (celebrating Tu B’Shvat in the midst of winter).

This week’s verse in Haazinu can also be understood more positively, as a prayer. “Rock [or Creator], they are your children; forget completely [our sins]; G-d delivers you.” The Haftorah’s verse also appears to continue the theme of prayer. The verse describes G-d’s intervention in the world in a way that is above nature.(See below about the Levitical City of Mishal, below, as well as the Grasshopper in Week 18 of Book 1).   

The quality for this week is minimized world activity (miut derech eretz). This seems to be a direct parallel with the Pirkei Avot teaching for this week in Book 1. When all of one’s affairs in this world are in a way of miut (humble and "minimized"), we see much more the Hand of G-d in all of our affairs.

This week’s prophet is Achiah HaShiloni. He, perhaps more than anyone, represents the idea of acting in a way that is above nature. He lived longer than any of the other prophets (as recorded by Maimonides, and taught Eliyahu HaNavi as well as the Ba’al Shem Tov. It was because of both men's minimized world activity that they merited to have Achiah HaShiloni revealed to them.

Achiah also told the Ba’al Shem Tov that he needed to reveal himself to the world. He directed him to be involved in the world, but in a way of miut, "smallness." Additionally, the Baal Shem Tov spoke of the importance of being a genuine and good person and having a simple connection to G-d. This seems related to both the idea of “Derech Eretz” – having good behavior and being a mentch, as well as the idea of taking care of the “Amei Ha’Aretz,” simple folk.

The levitical city for this week is Mishal, which means prayer, request. This is related to the song of the Grasshopper (Week 18, Book 1) , and to the Shmoneh Esreh, which has eighteen blessings. It is also related to ta’anug and to emunah, qualities of the month of Shevat. Mishal also has the same letters as Moshel, to rule. In prayer, we accept the notion that G-d is the ultimate Ruler.

Week 19 (Book 2): Jehu and "Minimized" Pleasure (Ta'anug)

And the Lord saw this and became angry, provoked by His sons and daughters. (Deuteronomy 32:19)

Positive light: And G-d saw this [the prayer], and became insulted with the anger against His sons and daughters.

They confronted me on the day of my calamity; but the Lord was a support to me. (II Samuel 22:19)

                               

Minimized Pleasure (Miut Ta’anug)

Jehu son of Hanani

Abdon

The nineteenth week of the year is the second in the month of Shevat. The verse in Haazinu continues to make reference to the relationship between G-d and the Jewish people as being one between a parent and a child. This week’s verse in Haazinu can also take on a more positive note. It could be read in such a way that would indicate that G-d took offense to the anger directed towards His children.

This week’s Haftarah verse is in line with this positive interpretation. It speaks of G-d’s support in times when we are attacked. The support comes from King David’s emunah, one of the themes of the month of Shevat, along with ta’anug, pleasure.

Quite appropriately, the quality of this week is minimized pleasure, miut ta’anug. Again, the idea is not to rid oneself of pleasure altogether, rather to do so with miut, smallness and humility. The idea is to enjoy the world’s pleasure in a way that elevates the world and connects us back to its Creator.

This week’s prophet is Jehu son of Hanani. Jehu spoke out against the corruption of both the kings of Israel and of Judah at the time. Interestingly though, in one of his few positive statements, Jehu praises Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, for his miut ta’anug - having removed idolatrous Ashera trees from his kingdom: “Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast put away the Asheroth out of the land, and hast set thy heart to seek G-d.” (2 Chronicles 19:3) Asherah trees were used for idol worship, as well as to beautify the places in which it was performed. Even though it was pleasing to the senses, planting such a tree near the altar is a violation of a Torah commandment.[1] In fact, Maimonides writes that Jews are forbidden from deriving any pleasure or benefit from such trees used for idol worship. (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 7:10-11) Trees is the most prominent theme of this month.

The levitical city for this week is Abdon. It comes from the word eved, servant. It brings to mind the famous verse found in the Torah portion of Beshalach: "Vaya'aminu BaHashem ub'Moshe Avdo," and they believed in in Hashem and in Moshe His servant. Abdon was also the name of one of the Judges of Israel. The Tanach states that the sons and grandsons of Abdon rode on seventy donkeys. All of the above appears connected to the idea of taking upon oneself the yoke of Torah, particularly the Oral Torah, related to this month of Shevat. 

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[1]  http://www.kolel.org/pages/5765/shoftim.html

Week 20 (Book 2): Azariah and "Minimized" Sleep

HAAZINU: And He said, "I will hide My face from them. I will see what their end will be, for they are a generation of changes [reversals]; they are not [recognizable] as My children whom I have reared. (Deuteronomy 32:20)

Positive light: And He said, “I will hide My face from [their sins]. I will see [focus] on how they will come be at their completion. They will be a generation transformed [by teshuvah]; they are my children! No! There is faith in them [or I have faith in them!]

HAFTORAH: And He brought me forth into a wide place; He delivered me because He took delight in me. (II Samuel 22:20)

QUALITY TO ACQUIRE THE TORAH: Minimized Sleep (Miut Sheinah)

PROPHET: Azariah son of Oded

LEVITICAL CITY: Helkath

On Week Twenty, Tu B’Shevat, Haazinu’s verse speaks of how G-d will hide His face from the Jewish people, because their sins had corrupted His children. Although the verse appears to be very negative, there are quite a few parts that can be understood positively. For example, G-d’s hiding His face and seeing their end can be understood as G-d focusing on future, mercifully awaiting their repentance. The second part of the verse can be read to show that G-d cares about his children and about their faith in Him that needs revealing. This is also the message of the Haftarah’s verse: once we are taken out of our confines, then our true nature comes out, our essence, which G-d so much desires.

This delight and desire are also connected to Ta’anug and the month of Shevat. The original Hebrew phrase for “generation of changes” is Dor Ta'apuchot, which sounds very much like Tapuach, which means apple or esrog. which is connected to Tu B’Shvat. Furthermore, the overriding theme is emunah, faith, which also means the ability of being able to change for the better - to celebrate the New Year of the Trees in the middle of winter, knowing the the spring will one day come, that is the ultimate message of Tu B’Shvat.

The quality for this week is minimized sleep (miut sheinah). Sleep is a state of confinement, in which our our consciousness and ability to serve G-d is significantly reduced. Nevertheless, sleep is also a moment of increased faith. We have faith that we will wake up in the morning.This is also one of the themes of Tu B’Shvat mentioned above. We celebrate it when the trees’ vitality is still dormant. However, the fruit is already there in potential.

 It is better not to “sleep” (slacken) in our service of G-d. However, even in such “sleep,” in moments in which we are not as focused, not as attuned to G-d, we have to act with miut, smallness and humility, hoping to serve Him better in the near future.

This week’s prophet is Azariah son of Oded. Azariah’s prophecy to King Asa also exemplifies the above notion of “minimized sleep. Azariah warns Asa not to slacken, but also informs him that in the days in which the Jewish people were “asleep” in their service, once they returned to G-d and sought Him, they found Him:

1. And the spirit of G-d was upon Azariah the son of Oded.

2. And he went out before Asa and said to him, "Hearken to me, Asa and all of Judah and Benjamin; the Lord is with you because you are with Him, and if you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.

3. Now there were many days for Israel without a true G-d and without an instructing priest, and without the Torah.

4. And they returned to the Lord, the G-d of Israel, when they were in distress, and they sought Him, and He was found by them.

5. And in those times, there was no peace for anyone going or coming for there were great turmoils upon all the inhabitants of the lands.

6. And nation was crushed by nation and city by city, because G-d discomfited them with all troubles.

7. But you be strong and let your hands not slacken, for there is reward for your work."

8. And when Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he strengthened himself and removed the abominations from all the land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities that he had captured from Mount Ephraim, and he renewed the altar of the Lord, which was in front of the vestibule of the Lord.

9. And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin and those dwelling with them from Ephraim and Manasseh and from Simeon, for many of Israel had defected to them when they saw that the Lord their G-d was with them.[1]

The levitical city for this week is Helkath, which means comes from the word “chelek,” part. This is also reminiscent of the theme of tithing of produce, to be performed on Tu B’Shvat. (See Week 20, Book 1).

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[1] http://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/16564/jewish/Chapter-15.htm

Week 21 (Book 2): Jahaziel and "Minimized" Speech

HAAZINU: They have provoked My jealousy with a non G-d, provoked My anger with their vanities. Thus, I will provoke their jealousy with a non people, provoke their anger with a foolish nation. (Deuteronomy 32:21)

Positive light: They have been zealous for me against a non-G-d; have been angered for me against the vanities [of the nations]; Therefore, I will be zealous for them against a non-people; I will be angry for them against a foolish nation.

HAFTORAH: The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He recompensed me. (II Samuel 22:21)

QUALITY TO ACQUIRE THE TORAH: Minimized Conversation (Miut Sichah)

PROPHET: Jahaziel the Levite

LEVITICAL CITY: Rehob

The twenty-first week of the year is the last of the month of Shevat. The verse in Haazinu makes reference to the closeness in the relationship between G-d and the Jewish people, and how the Jews really upset G-d with their idol worship.

Understood more positively, G-d is in fact praising the Jewish people for their zealousness against idol worship. G-d promises to respond in kind, showing His zealousness for His people. This in fact is the exact meaning of the Haftorah’s verse for this week. G-d rewards us according to our righteousness and our (moral) cleanliness. Zealotry (when performed correctly) stems from the very depths of our faith, as exemplified by Pinchas and Eliyahu. These verses come to teach us that will ultimately be rewarded for our emunah. (Vanities appears related to the idea of focusing on what is not essential, such as the statement “How beautiful is this tree,” explained in Week 21 of Book 1).

The quality of this week is minimized conversation, miut sichah. (Idle talk is also the quintessential example of “vanity.”) Conversation is often a source of distraction, and can lead to unintended consequences. Therefore, the sages warn men not to engage in too much conversation with women, even one’s own wife. However, while idle conversation is frowned upon, purposeful conversation, with miut, humility and smallness, is a very positive quality. Prayer itself is called “conversation,” as the Torah tells us that Isaac went to “converse in the field.” Rebbe Nachman believes “Hitbodedut,” conversing with G-d, to be the highest of all levels. Such conversation in the field seems quite appropriate for the month of Shevat, when we find ourselves focusing so much on nature (See Book 1).  

This week’s prophet is Jahaziel the Levite. His prophecy recorded in the Tanach also demonstrates the power of miut sichah, humility in speech:

14. And Jahaziel the son of Zechariah the son of Benaiah the son of Jeiel the son of Mattaniah the Levite of the sons of Asaph-the spirit of the Lord was upon him in the midst of the assembly.

15. And he said, "Hearken, all Judeans, inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat, so said the Lord to you: You shall not fear, neither shall you be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the war is not yours but G-d's.

16. Tomorrow, descend upon them; behold they are ascending on the ascent to Haziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley, before the desert of Jeruel.

17. It is not for you to fight in this [war]; set yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem; fear not and be not dismayed. Tomorrow, go forth before them, and the Lord will be with you."[1]

The Tanach continues its account with a description of the salvation that takes place that is full of humility, including singing and praising of Hashem. When we are able to simply do our part, and then step back and let Hashem do the rest, incredible miracles happen. Sometimes it is best for us to be quiet, such as at the time of the splitting of the Sea of Reeds: “The Lord will fight for you, but you shall remain silent.” (Exodus 14:14)

The levitical city for this week is Rehob, which means street. It comes from the word rahav, which means wide. A similar word, merchav (wide place), is used in last week’s Haftarah verse. When we are in dire straits and call out to G-d, He responds in a “broad” way. This is the essence of emunah, the theme of the month of Shevat. 

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[1] http://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/16569/jewish/Chapter-20.htm