Category Archives: Hizkuni

5770, Genesis, Hizkuni, Parsha, Torah U'mada, Vayishlach

The Price of Fear

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Genesis: Vayishlach

The Price of Fear

“I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.”

The Bene Gesserit Litany against Fear, “Dune”, Frank Herbert

Paul Atreides, the hero of Frank Herbert’s classic Sci-Fi epic “Dune”, overcomes his fear by reciting the Bene Gesserit Litany. If only it were always that easy.

In Jacob’s biblical struggle with the angel, he is wounded. Rabbi Hizkiyahu ben Manoach (Hizkuni) attributes the angel’s ability to wound Jacob as a result of fear.

Jacob’s apparently bloodthirsty brother, Esau, was on his way to confront Jacob together with 400 of his men (posse anybody?). It would seem normal, if not prudent, to have some fear of the situation. Hizkuni however, is of the opinion that we should not have fear of any mortal device or intention. This requires a high level of general faith. Hizkuni seems to demand this of Jacob. Jacob is further taken to task as he had been reassured previously and directly by none other than God Himself (can’t ask for a better bodyguard):

“Behold I am with you; I will guard you wherever you go.” Genesis 28:15

Because Jacob exhibited fear –

“Jacob became very frightened, and it distressed him.” Genesis 32:8

— he became vulnerable to attack and injury. Otherwise, Hizkuni claims, he would have been impervious to attack.

In the popularized words of FDR:

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself – nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882 – 1945), First Inaugural Address, Mar. 4, 1933

When they are fearful, I often tell my children that fear is a healthy thing – a sign of intelligence. If we did not fear (and respect) the flame, we would get burned. The key is to establish the correct relationship to the fear.

One last quote:

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear.” Mark Twain (1835 – 1910)

May we succeed in conquering all our fears, and thereby prevent unnecessary injury.

Shabbat Shalom,

Bentzi

Dedication

To the memory of Frank Herbert, the creator of what many have termed the best Science-Fiction book ever – “Dune”. Even non-Sci-Fi fans might appreciate his masterpiece.

5770, Genesis, Hizkuni, Parsha, Vayetze

Revolving Stairway to Heaven

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Genesis: Vayetze

Revolving Stairway to Heaven

In art, and probably in our imaginations, Jacob’s Ladder is depicted as a simple fixed ladder, with the bottom on the ground and the top reaching heaven (see Figure 1). This ladder is purported to service the multiple angels commuting between heaven and earth.

Simple Jacob's Ladder

I don’t know how they get around in heaven. Perhaps this ladder is our equivalent of the express train and they have local shuttles up in heaven. However on earth, it seems a bit out of the way for the only and final stop on the ladder to be centered in rural Bet-El.

Rabbi Hizkiyahu ben Manoach (Hizkuni) describes an infinitely more sophisticated transportation system. Even with current technology it would be difficult to replicate what Hizkuni proposes (taking into account some height shorter than ‘heaven’).

Hizkuni explains that Jacob’s Ladder has a variety of innovative elements:

  1. It is a classical step ladder (an upside-down V).
  2. It has a pole in the center that supports and reinforces the structure and enables two other functions:
    1. The ladder has telescopic legs. The starting and ending point can be at a variety of distances.
    2. Here’s the coolest part: the ladder rotates on the central shaft! That means the starting and ending points can be in any direction! (see Figure 2 below).

Angel Transport System

In the case of Jacob’s dream, Hizkuni explains that one leg of the ladder was at Beer-Sheva and the other end was at Bet-El. The top of the ladder and the central shaft are situated over the much more obvious Jerusalem (perhaps there was an express elevator in the shaft?).

Below is my layman’s attempt to illustrate (Figure 3).

Jacob's Ladder a la Hizkuni

What does it mean? I believe Hizkuni is implying that there is access to Heaven from everywhere, though some places may be a shorter climb.

May we each succeed in our ongoing ascent to God’s domain as we struggle with the rungs of the ladder of life.

Shabbat Shalom,

Bentzi

Dedication

To Rabbi Gad Dishi on the publication of his excellent, innovative and timely book: Jacob’s Family Dynamics – Climbing the Rungs of the Ladder. Available direct from the publisher through this link.

To see a full review of the book, by yours truly – click here.

5770, Genesis, Hizkuni, Parsha, Toldot

Who cares what they say?

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Genesis: Toldot

Who cares what they say?

There is often an inordinate amount of sensitivity as to what the nations of the world think about Israel and its actions. The obvious contrast is that other nations (take your pick, including U.S., Russia, China, etc.) don’t seem to care or even deign to respond to any criticism of their actions.

Rabbi Yaakov ben Manoach (Hizkuni) has an unusual approach regarding what the nations of the world say about Israel. Not only does he seem unperturbed by any criticism, but he doesn’t even want positive attention: “Don’t bless us – don’t even pray for us.”

Hizkuni wonders as to the source of our Matriarch Rebecca’s infertility. He claims that it was actually a result of her mother’s and brother’s farewell blessing. As Rebecca prepares to depart her hometown of Aram Naharayim together with Abraham’s servant, her family proclaims a munificent, if not bombastic blessing:

“Our sister, may you come to be thousands of myriads, and may your offspring inherit the gate of its foes.”

Genesis 24:60

Hizkuni explains that God did not want the nations of the world to take credit for the progeny that would be born, claiming that their generous blessing was the cause. God did not want them involved. He preferred that the prayer come exclusively from the immediate family:

“Isaac pleaded of God opposite his wife, because she was barren. God allowed himself to be entreated by him, and his wife Rebecca conceived.”

Genesis 25:21

God seems much more interested in our own self-determination, in our true actions (which He sees quite well, without the intervention of biased media) and our own connection and relationship with Him, rather than anything anyone else has to say about us – whether it is bad – or even good.

May we know how to judge ourselves correctly, before succumbing to the rants of hypocritical demagogues.

Shabbat Shalom,

Bentzi

Dedication

To all those who defend Israel’s name and honor. We shouldn’t have to, and I’m not sure how effective it is, but it is noble nonetheless.

5770, Chayei Sara, Genesis, Hizkuni, Parsha

Is your child a bully?

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Genesis: Chayei Sara

Is your child a bully?

Most of you will answer “no”. However, many of you will be wrong. It is curious that parents are often the last ones to realize or find out that there child is either physically, verbally or emotionally bullying someone. Such parents are then naturally shocked and/or defensive when confronted with such reports.

Bullies come in all shapes, sizes, ages, tactics and situations. The child (or adult) that is well-behaved, considerate, conscientious, helpful and an all-around darling at home, may be an entirely different animal in the playground or at the office.

Rabbi Hizkiyahu ben Manoach (Hizkuni) was aware of this potential duality and brings this psychology to bear when analyzing the courtship strategy of Abraham’s servant.

Abraham’s servant (who is often identified as Eliezer) travels a significant distance to find the home of his master’s family. Instead of asking directions (maybe it’s a male thing), and going straight to Betuel’s or some other relative’s home, he first goes to the local watering hole and hangs out, watching the young girls for a potential match for Isaac.

Hizkuni explains that Eliezer had a very specific purpose. He wanted to see the girl (Rebecca as it turned out) outside of her home environment. Observing Rebecca anonymously in a public place where she is not surrounded by authority figures would give a truer indication of her nature.

Thankfully for us, our Matriarch Rebecca turned out to be as kindhearted outside the house as in it.

May we all be as fortunate in our children, in our friends and in our children’s friends.

Shabbat Shalom,

Bentzi

Dedication

To the staff and administration of Orot Etzion Boys School. They do a noteworthy job on controlling bullying.

5770, Genesis, Hizkuni, Parsha, Vayera

The Blessings of Aging, Tribulations and the Death-Bed

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The Blessings of Aging, Tribulations and the Death-Bed

According to the Midrash, the physiology of Man during the time of our Forefathers was very different from what we know today. Rabbi Yaakov ben Manoach (Hizkuni) gives the details, as well as why things changed.

It seems that ancient Man did not show outward signs of aging. This troubled Abraham greatly, as it made things difficult to determine who was older and to whom to show the proper respect because of age. The problem became even more acute when sons would look identical to their fathers and they could not be distinguished. Abraham prayed to God about this problem, God enthusiastically agreed with Abraham, and in response, God made Abraham the first man to visibly age.

Isaac noted that man didn’t necessarily suffer tribulations before his death, and therefore the attribute of Justice would take a complete accounting of ones life. Isaac argued that if there were some tribulations, then absolute Justice would be softened by the attribute of Mercy (whatever that means) and man would not get as full and absolute a punishment as he deserves (presumably in the afterlife). God enthusiastically agreed with Isaac, and in response, God made Isaac the first man with tribulations (poor eyesight) before his death.

Perhaps most dramatic of all, is that Man did not die slowly or of disease. A person would suddenly sneeze and he literally expired (“exhaled his life force out”). This is one of the theories why we say “God Bless You!” or something similar since antiquity. Jacob prayed to God that there should be a slower process to give a person time to get his affairs in order as well as for the family and loved ones to prepare for the eventual death. God enthusiastically agreed with Jacob, and in response God made Jacob the first man to become “deathly ill” allowing everyone to prepare for his actual death.

Aging, tribulations and a death-bed are never easy to bear, but it is both surprising and somewhat comforting that according to Hizkuni our Forefathers actually prayed for such phenomena. What is even more significant is that God actually granted these “gifts” to the Forefathers themselves.

May God take his time in granting us such “gifts” and when he does have to bestow them upon us – may they be with grace.

Shabbat Shalom,

Bentzi

Dedication

To the memory of Tziporah Harari and Shula Suede of Alon Shvut, who both got their fair share of illness and tribulations. May their families be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

5770, Genesis, Hizkuni, Noach, Parsha

Carnivores Unite!

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Carnivores Unite!

Once, during my more foolish and perhaps idealistic youth, I decided to be a vegetarian. There were the purported health reasons. There was also a slight vague sense of guilt for the butchering of harmless, innocent creatures to merely satisfy my gastronomic urges. I was spending the summer in the Far East and kosher meat would be hard to come by in any case. It seemed like a good and noble idea.

As fate would have it however, the day following my momentous decision, there was a kosher community barbecue at the Hong Kong Jewish Center. The smell of roasting meat, of hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken wings, cutlets, shish-kebab and steak was more than I could handle. I attacked the meat with renewed gusto, questioning my sanity with each sumptuous bite in giving up such God-given (and permitted) delicacies.

I have good friends who are devoted vegetarians and I have tremendous respect for their dedication and persistence in keeping true to their diet. However, according to Rabbi Hizkiyahu ben Manoach (Hizkuni), ever since Noah’s Ark, there is no ethical reason to avoid eating animals.

Shortly after Noah exits the Ark, God commands Noah that all animals are fair game (pun intended):

“Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you; like the green herbage I have given you everything.”

Genesis 9:3

Hizkuni explains that because animals are in existence thanks to human efforts (i.e. Noah), they owe humanity an eternal debt that is payable in at least “a pound of flesh”. Hizkuni goes even further in saying we can make any use of animals, not only for food, but in any fashion that we deem fit. Pharmaceutical and drug companies would also seem to be permitted to perform animals testing according to Hizkuni.

I’m not sure where Hizkuni would draw the line between practical uses of animals and frivolous mistreatment or cruelty, but in the meantime, I will keep on enjoying my steaks.

May we partake of meat for joyous and celebratory occasions and enjoy the sacrifice that these animals are making for our nourishment, health and contentment.

Shabbat Shalom,

Bentzi

Dedication

In memory of my childhood pet, Kiki. Kiki was a beautiful, loving, Golden Labrador Retriever, who was our regular companion at our home in Rio de Janeiro. To this day we still mourn her untimely death.

I’m grateful that Noah rescued Kiki’s ancestors, as well of those of chickens, turkeys, cows and the occasional lamb descendant that we partake of.

5770, Bereshit, Genesis, Hizkuni, Parsha

Animal Intimacy

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Animal Intimacy

One of the more educational aspects of reading the Bible and the more challenging aspects when reading it to kids is the lack of censorship. The Commentators also had no qualm about tackling sensitive topics or issues that would be politically incorrect in our day.

According to Rabbi Chizkiya ben Manoach (Hizkuni) there are three species that naturally face each other in the act of procreation: Humans, fish and snakes.

Hizkuni comes to this startling conclusion by the simple fact that there are three different creatures in the Bible that are directly addressed by God. The snake is cursed by God for his ensnarement of Eve into partaking of the forbidden fruit. An unspecified Big Fish is given instructions by God to release the runaway prophet Jonah after having given him underwater sanctuary. Finally, Man is the primary audience of God’s word.

Hizkuni implies a parallel between the great honor of a creature having communicated directly with God (even if it was being told of its punishment) and that species being able to face its significant other during intimacy.

There is another related lesson we can extrude from the Hizkuni regarding the snake vis-à-vis the rest of the animal kingdom. Child psychologists have been saying for years that some children would prefer to be cursed and verbally abused by their parents than to be ignored (not that I’m recommending either act, of course). Cursing implies some type of attention, while ignoring or not even facing a child may give them the feeling of non-existence or at best non-importance (hence often engendering problematic attention-seeking behavior).

Was the snake like a petulant child seeking God’s attention?

By the way, if anyone can confirm or deny the animal physiology business, it would be interesting to have it verified.

May we know how to give the people in our lives the proper positive attention and may we be recipients of such attention ourselves.

Shabbat Shalom,

Bentzi

Dedication

To my children. They often give me the opportunity; if not outright force me, to see the world through their young and no less valid point of view.

Animal Intimacy

One of the more educational aspects of reading the Bible and the more challenging aspects when reading it to kids is the lack of censorship. The Commentators also had no qualm about tackling sensitive topics or issues that would be politically incorrect in our day.

According to Rabbi Chizkiya ben Manoach (Hizkuni) there are three species that naturally face each other in the act of procreation: Humans, fish and snakes.

Hizkuni comes to this startling conclusion by the simple fact that there are three different creatures in the Bible that are directly addressed by God. The snake is cursed by God for his ensnarement of Eve into partaking of the forbidden fruit. An unspecified Big Fish is given instructions by God to release the runaway prophet Jonah after having given him underwater sanctuary. Finally, Man is the primary audience of God’s word.

Hizkuni implies a parallel between the great honor of a creature having communicated directly with God (even if it was being told of its punishment) and that species being able to face its significant other during intimacy.

There is another related lesson we can extrude from the Hizkuni regarding the snake vis-à-vis the rest of the animal kingdom. Child psychologists have been saying for years that some children would prefer to be cursed and verbally abused by their parents than to be ignored (not that I’m recommending either act, of course). Cursing implies some type of attention, while ignoring or not even facing a child may give them the feeling of non-existence or at best non-importance (hence often engendering problematic attention-seeking behavior).

Was the snake like a petulant child seeking God’s attention?

By the way, if anyone can confirm or deny the animal physiology business, it would be interesting to have it verified.

May we know how to give the people in our lives the proper positive attention and may we be recipients of such attention ourselves.

Shabbat Shalom,

Bentzi

Dedication

To my children. They often give me the opportunity; if not outright force me, to see the world through their young and no less valid point of view.