Thursday, February 27, 2014

The Baal Tshuva in the Parsha : Bereshit # 3

BH

The Baal Tshuva in the Parsha: Bereshit 3

In memory of Reuven Shalom Ben Avrohom ah whose 2nd yartziet was 26 Tevet 5774

The Mark of Cain: The sign of a Baal Tshuva or a Mark of Shame

After Cain murders his brother Hevel, the Bible records , G-ds first reaction , it was to give Cain a chance to admit and do Tshuva , as it says ; "And the Lord said to Cain:' Where is Abel your brother (Genesis 4:9)"?

Rashi is bothered by the obvious question; Does not Gd know where Cain's brother is ?!

Rashi explains, that G-d, was asking the question, not because He did not know but in order to begin with words of; "Nachas"- "Kindness". To give Cain the oppertunity to admit what he had done -repent- and say, "I killed my brother Hevel".


{G-d did the same with Cains father, Adam after Adam sinned, G-d called out to Adam saying: “Aiyeko”-" Where are you" , though G-d knew where Adam was, for the same reason (See Genesis 3:9 and Rashi)}

However, Cain instead of admiting his crime, he denies any knowledge of his brothers where abouts.

Cain says: "I know not?! Am I my brother’s keeper"?!

G-d then rebukes Cain and informs him that: "The voice of thy brothers blood crieth out to me"....."Cursed art thou from the ground...." A fugitive and a wanderer shalt thou be in the earth" ( Genisis 4:10-13).

Now Cain with knowledge that G-d knows what he has done and that he will punished.

He then pleads with G-d and says; “My punishment is greater than I can bear". (Genesis 4: 13).

G-d accepts his plea and proclaims : "Who ever slays Cain , vengence shall be taken ...and the Lord set a "0is"-sign for Cain lest there should smite him" ( ibid 4:15).

0ur Sages differ as to the meaning and intent of Cain’s words: “My punishment is greater than I can bear". (Genesis 4: 13).

Where they words of T’shuva or words meant to challenging G-d into mitageting His judgment.

Rashi is of the opinion that Cain was not a true penitent, and his tone is one of questioning and challenging G-d.

Rashi follows this line of reasoning later when Cain leaves G-ds presence, where it says: “ V'Yatza'- Cain went out from the presence of the Lord"(Genesis 4:16).

Rashi says; " Cain went out meekly as one who deceives (as if he could) the mind of the Most High".

He acted like a thief sneaking away …

The Talmud too (Sanhedrin 101:2) teaches that Cains words “My punishment is greater than I can bear" (Genesis 4: 13). Where words of “Negotiatiaton". They where not words of remorse only an argument for a lesser punishment.

A “Negotiatiaton Tactic in T’shuva".

Cain was coming with a challenge to G-d.

Cain said: " Is my sin, greater than the sin of the over six hundred thousand Jews who will sin against you in the future (in the desert)?

Yet You forgave them, forgive me as well!” (See Rashi - Talmud).

Other commentaries as the Midrash Rabbah, say that he was with these words admitting his guilt and doing Tshuva!

These words where said to make a statement, not an argument.

Cain was admiting that, indeed; "My sin, is too great to bear; it is even greater than the sin of Adam (See Torah Temima Chumash).

The Sefrono too writes, Cain , at first thought he could hid his crime and fool G-d, so he denies it. However after being confronted with G-d’s knowledge of it, Cain felt hopeless, both in the physical and spiritual sense.


First , because G-d is all knowing ,He looked into his heart and sees the repentance is not a true enough.

It was out of fear of punishment and not remorse for the sinful act commited.

There for he will receive the full brunt of the punishment.

Spiritual, He feels G-d will never truly forgive him. He is "lost" for ever from being able to go back and be in G-ds favor. (See Ramban).

Cain is thus saying: "My sin is too great to bear" - " I have no hope of ever achieving complete forgiveness and cleansing ; both of the sin and its punishment". "My T’shuva is insufficient and unacceptable".

The Alshich, quoting the Tanchuma (Bereshit 9) writes that at first Cain blamed the "Yetzer Ha'ra" - his evil inclination (that G-d gave) him for the murder.

He said ; "It’s not my fault, my 'Yatzer Ha'rah' , Nature made me do it!".

[ Adam and Chava ( his parents)did the same; blame others (Adam blamed his wife, Chava, while she blamed the snake) for eating from the Forbidden Fruit. ]

Finally , Cain does, however admit his guilt and says to G-d; "Indeed my sin is great, -but he argues- is not Your Power to forgive even greater " then my sin or any sin for that matter.

Cain here is making a very valid point: "What is the whole idea of G-d's power of compassion and forgiveness if not for the sinner who needs it most?!"

Cain, admits his guilt but asks to be forgiven.

Many other commentaries join the side that Cain repented:

The Even Ezra, Ramban, Klie Yakor , The Zohar , The Ksav Sofar, Midrash and others.

The Even Ezra explains that the word "M'Nsoa" - “To Bear”, which Cain, uses, refers to forgiveness; as in the words: "Nosa Avon”, to bear sin.

The Ramban writes that it was a form of "Vidu" -confession.

In addition, he writes, Cain was concerned that by being forced to wander and not see G-d "Face" he would never be able to pray or bring a "Korban" to G-d again.

The Klie Yakor says that Cain did do Tshuva and this is evident in his actions after sinning.

The way of a Baal Tshuva, the Klie Yakor, explains is to do a Mitzvah that is in the opposite extreme of their sin.

Cain had destroyed the world by killing , he now wished to fix it by building. He became a "Bona Ir" - "City Builder" (Genesis 4:17) to correct his sin.

The Zohar states that at first Cain wandered the whole world and when he could not find a "place" to rest he "banged himself on the head" and did do Tshuva.

The Ksav Sofar brings the Midrash that  Cain , "VaYatza " - Went away from his conversation with G-d he was "Somach" -"Happy".

Adam asks him; Why are you happy?"What is with you 'din' - your judgement/ punishment?"


Cain responded that he did Tshuva.

Adam then said; "I did not know the power of Tshuva" , and he sang "Mizmor Shir L'Yom Ha'Shabbos".

(see also my earlier article of Baal Tshuva in the Parsha and Bais Genazi on this Midrash)

The Ksav Sofar asks what does the Song of Shabbos have to do with Adam understanding the power of Tshuva.

He explains that Adam had thought that once he sins he has lost his purpose and can never reclaim it.

However upon seeing what Cain achieved through tshuva, he now understands that Tshuva, not only helps to be forgiven from punishment, but even more, it helps one to reclaim thier purpose in life.

Just like the Sabbath.

As the Shabbat Day is the purpose of creation, Adam too now has a purpose.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe on the this topic ( Lekuite Sichos Vol. 35 , pp.7-9) qoutes many of the commentaries who explain that Cain did do Tshuva.

The Rebbe goes on to explain Cain's subsequant actions in the Chumash, they where all part of his Tshuva, which entailed a three part plan of action.

A) Confession: Cain said ; "My sin s to great to bear.(Genesis v. 16).

B) Exile : Cain went into exile , as the verse says ; he " Dwelt in the land of the wanderers" ( Genesis v.16).

C) Positive Action: 1) He fathered a son. 2) He built a city. 3) "He named the city after his son , Chanoch" (Genesis v.17).
The Rebbe explains ,Cain is teaching us a lesson regarding the Baal Tshuva.

A Baal Tshuva , having been tempted, failed and sinned, has a "low spirit".

Is now tempted with inaction, due to feelings of inferiority.

The challenge, of the Baal Tshuva is to free themselves of this feeling of inferiority and to start fresh and to contribute to society.

Specificly in a public and expansive manner.

Cain does exactly this, (in addetion to confession and exile) he fathers childrens , builds cities and publicizes the fact.
( See Gutnick Chumash page 29 )

( See also other commentaries that explain that he called his son "Chanoch" - "L'chancho B'mitzvos" )


After  viewing various commentaries regarding Cain words we wonder what Cain realy was.

A true Baal Tshuva who blazed a path of Tshuva for others to follow or an oppertunist that , so to speak "manipulated" G-d into forgivness.

Perhaps we can understand this by look at what the commentaries say was the "Ois" - "Sign" (Genesi 4: 15) upon Cain.

Where on Cain was this "Sign " and what was it?

Rashi says : " He (G-d) engraved on his forehead a letter of His Holy Name.

The Midrash Rabbah qoutes Rebbe Chanan who says:  "Ois L'Balie Tshuva" - "A "Ois" to / for the Baal Tshuva 

The Yalkutie Shemoni (page 26) qoutes various opnions:

1) It was one of the 22 letters of the Jewish Aleph Bais in Torah and it was on his arm!
2) The sun shone upon him.
3) A dog to protect him.
4) Leprosy on his skin.
5) A horn grew upon him.
6) A sign of / to the "Murders"
7) A sign of / to the Balie Tshuva.

Perhaps we can say that the differant opions are based on whether he was a true Baal Tshuva or not.

The more respectable "Ois" was a "Sign" not only to protect him but to indicate his status as a Baal Tshuva.

The more "hideous" sign was indicative that though his life was spared he did not really desire it.

Interesting to note that the Yalkut mentions how all the animals , beasts and birds and even The Serpent - "Nachash" wish to kill Cain. 
But G-d did not allow it.   G-d said : " Cain had no one to learn from, he does not have the law of a "Rotzach". However one who will kill Cain , will have the law of a "Murderer".

The lesson then is really left to future generations.

First that one should never give up on one self; for even Cain was able to do Tshuva.

That even the greatest person i.e. Adam can learn  Tshuva from some one "lower" then him. Certainly we can.

That every person who does Tshuva regardless of the "qaulity" of the Tshuva is an inspiration and teacher to another who is struggling with Tshuva.


That though all Tshuva is good.  We should always strive for a higher Tshuva.

We see from Cains "Ois" that there is "Thsuva" and there is "Tshuva".

  Not every Tshuva turns one into a  Baal Tshuva!

Tshuva is one thing a Baal Tshuva is quite another thing entirely.

Good Chodesh Adar of Joy!

Rabbiyw@yahoo.com
Cikb brooklyn ny

The Baal Tshuva in the Parsha: Bereshit # 2

BH

The Baal Tshuva in the Parsha:
Bereshit : “Ayeko- A Call To Tshuva

After Adam eats from the Tree of Knowledge, the Bible describes how G-d calls him, before confronting him with his sin.  As the verse states: "And the Lord G-d called to man, and said to him where thou art?” (Koran Chumash- Genesis 3:9). The commentaries differ to the reason and purpose of this call and its meaning.

    Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki -Rashi -comment on this is; “He [G-d] knew where he was but He asked where Adam was to enter into conversation with him so that he should not be afraid to answer, [as he would be] if He should punish him suddenly (B.R.). - (S.S. & R Publishing).
The Sefsie Chachomim on  Rashi (Genesis 4:9) explains,  that G-d's intent in  asking Adam where he was, instead of punishing him suddenly, was in the hope Adam would respond to G-d's call, by saying " Chatosi - I have sinned" and  would then do Tshuva . - see Chumash Shai L'mora [R.E. Mizrachi Gur Aryai]).

Instead of admitting his guilt and achieve forgiveness, he denied it and receive punishment.
Indeed the simple reading of the text implies that Adam did not do Tshuva then.

    When Adam was asked by G-d, “Hast thou eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee that thou should not eat?"?  Adam answered, “The women whom Thou didst give to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat" (Koran Chumash- Genesis 3:11, 12).  This verse speaks volumes; he blamed his wife!

More perplexing is that it seems that only after Qayen did tshuva, did Adam do so.
As the Midrash (Berishit Rabbah- 22) relates that when Adam met his son Qayen, after being punishment  by G-d’s for killing his brother Hevel and Qayen was happy, (Genesis 4 - 8-16), Adam did not understand. 

He asked: “What happened with your judgment”? Said Qayen: “I did Tshuva and was saved" said Adam:” So (great) is the power of Tshuva...I did not know"! Immediately Adam stood up and began to sing "Mizmor Shir Lyom Hashabos" (which refers to tshuva).

See too the Zohar (54:2 Tosefta) that states, Qayen told Adam, he was forgiven because he did  tshuva and (By) admitted his guilt.

Adam then does the same and more; He singes praises, does tshuva and as well admits his guilt before G-d.

However other sources seem to indicate that Adam did do tshuva earlier.
Either after he heard,    G-d’s punishment or before then, right after he ate from the tree and felt naked. 

To understand this let us review the verse, "But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for on the day that thou eatest of it thou shalt surely die " (Koran Chumash -Genesis 2:17). 

Why then did Adam live and not die the same day he ate from the tree?
The Torat Shelomo quotes the Zohar Chadosh (Bereshit 19), as soon as Adam was sent out of the Garden of Eden, he thought he would die. Adam began to cry, plead and do tshuva.  G-d accepted his tshuva and had compassion on Adam and gave him a thousand years of life. 
The Alshich as well (Sefer Toras Moshe -Bereshit)   explains that the "Hascholas Hatshuva” - “The Beginning" of Adams tshuva, began right after he ate from the tree and realized he was naked of "holiness”.

Furthermore, the Alshich explains, it was because of this tshuva, Adam was able to still hear the "Kol Hashem" to him, even after sinning.

Having seen these various commentaries,  regarding Adams tshuva or lack thereof.
The question really is; where was Adam self awareness that is essential to the tshuva process?
Did not the father of all men, made by G-d’s own hand, not realize, on his own, he had done wrong?
Did Adam need to feel the pain of punishment or the example of Qayen, a murderer to show him the power of tshuva, to realize he must do so?
In the Sefer Bais Genoza by Rabbi Rafael Moshe Luria, he explains what Adam learnt from Qayen regarding tshuva.

Rabbi Luria explains that initially Adam thought tshuva was only to achieve "mchila” G-d's forgiveness. Seeing Qayen was "bsimcha" and being informed of Qayens tshuva , he now understood that tshuva can in addition be "M’saken" , "Correct" that which was been broken , not only to avoid punishment.  Or in Chassidic terminology, the first tshuva was to avoid punishment the second to correct the effect sin had on creation. The first,  out of fear, the second out of love.
In the end we see that Adam did indeed have awareness of self that is vital to realization of G-d’s plan. However there are many levels to tshuva as there to sin. With each sin committed, whether his own, Qayen or others, a new and deeper level of tshuva was revealed to Adam.

The Zahor (Bereshit) says that the word "Aiyeko" and "Aicho" are spelled the same in Hebrew, only with different vowels.  G-d was telling Adam that by eating of the tree, it will lead to the destruction of the Temple and to the book of "Aicho" - Lamentations.  However in the end the Temple will be rebuild and death, which came about by eating of the tree, will seize to exist.
To conclude with a story of the Alter Rebbe and the call of G-d to each of us; Aiyeko" where are you?

When the Alter Rebbe was in prison for teaching Chassidism the minister of education, came to see him and he asked.

"Rabbi, I believe the Bible is true, but I have a question that really bothers me. The Bible tells us that after Adam had eaten from the tree of knowledge G-d asked him, 'Where are you?' (Gen. 3:9).
"This makes no sense to me. What difference did it make where Adam was? And even if it was important, why did G-d ask? Doesn't G-d know everything?"

The Rebbe replied "Rashi, the greatest of Torah commentators, explains that G-d wanted to hear Adam's answer and began a conversation."
"I know that" replied the Minster. "I know what Rashi says. I'm interested to hear what you say, Rabbi."
The Rebbe looked at the minister and replied. "I say that Adam means not just the first man but every man. The Torah is informing us here that G-d asks every man at every instant 'Where are you?'

"For instance you," the Rebbe looked the Minister in the eyes and continued. "Where are you? What have you done with the fifty two years of your life? (The Rebbe told him his exact age). Have you lived according to the Torah? Have you done anything lasting and true or just accumulated egotistic achievements?"

The minister was shaken to the very essence of his being and humbly left the cell. (Adapted from Ohr Timmim)

I would like to add based on the earlier commentaries, that “Aiyko”  is a “Call To Tshuva”.
Gd is asking Man all the time “Ayeko” When will you do Tshuva ?

To contact me please email me at rabbiyw@yahoo.com

BH



Shed a Tear for Lubavitch



Shed a Tear for Lubavitch

Shed a Tear for Chabad



A  Tear for (Lubavitch and ) its Leaders

 That has lost their tongue and clever words



A Tear for (Lubavitch and ) its Children

To be born who await instruction



A Tear for the struggles of its youth in search of truth



A Tear for the Shliach who has lost his love and fire

For the mission though he carries on



A Tear for the Mashpia who has lost his hope in his
students

And searches for it in foreign pastures



A Tear for the mother who sings Shamil to her child in a
lullaby

And for her child who asks her why does she cry



A Tear for the bride who vows "Only Shlichus" for
me and my man

 At the dawn of their new life and still waits to find
a place



A Tear for the Chassid of The Rebbe that still believes but
struggles with words of how to explain



A Tear for those who await Moshiach every day with more
belief with every delay



Shed a Tear for The Rebbe and all he hoped to achieve

Tear upon Tears for all the toil he had and yet he said
“I have not yet succeeded"...



Rebbe how many more Tears must be shed



Tears upon Tears as we wait for the happy promised end

Before we see the light at the end of the tunnel.... Shalom
Peace Whole Complete



Master of the World we shed a Tear for You too as

You stubbornly refuse to redeem and return us to You.



Tatta in Himmel we shed Tears wait and do what we can with
Your help

Until we can share with you a different kind of Tears those
of joy very soon



Shed a Tear for Hashem

Shed a Tear for the Rebbe

Shed a Tear for the Chossid

Shed a Tear for Chabad

Shed  Tear for Lubavitch

Shed a Tear for Yisroel

Shed a Tear for the World

Shed a Tear for Moshiach

Shed a Tear for ....27 Adar...

Shed a Tear for ( The Tears) Golus

 Shed Tears of Geula



Rebbe

Ad Mosia

Daloie Golus



We Want Moshiach Now !