Thoughts that Count - A Collection Of Thoughts On The Parsha
Week Ending: Friday, February 5, 2010 - Shabbos Yisro, 21 Shevat, 5770
Melbourne Shabbos begins: 8.12 pm (D.S.T.) -Shabbos ends: 9.12 pm (D.S.T.)

Click  Here To Open  This Article In A Newsletter As  A PDF File

Because the L-rd descended on it in fire (Ex. 19:18)

The giving of the Torah at Sinai is closely associated with fire, to teach us that a Jew should always worship G-d with a fiery enthusiasm, eagerness and warmth - the ability for which was conferred at Mount Sinai.


(Sefer HaMaamarim, 5701)


 

And Mount Sinai was altogether smoke (ashan) (Ex. 19:18)

The three letters of the word ashan, ayin-shin-nun, stand for olam (world - the dimension of place); shana (year - the dimension of time); and nefesh (soul - the energy that animates the physical plane). The revelation at Sinai signified that from that point on we were given the ability to refine and elevate these two dimensions (through Torah and mitzvot - commandments), and infuse them with a G-dly light and vitality.


(Rabbi Shneur Zalman, founder of Chabad Chasidism)


 

Honor your father and your mother (Ex. 20:12)

A basic principle in Judaism is that a person should always acknowledge and appreciate the good that is done for him. When a person considers that his father and mother are the reason he exists, having brought him into the world and taken care of him as a child, he will realize that it is only right that he repay their efforts to the best of his ability. This will, in turn, lead him to a greater appreciation of G-d, the Father of us all going back to Adam.


(Sefer HaChinuch)


 

It states in Psalms (128:6), "And may you see children born to your children; peace upon Israel." The way of the world is that children always complain that their parents aren't providing them with enough. It isn't until they grow up, have children of their own, and hear the very same complaints that they begin to understand their parents, and there is "peace on Israel."


(Alei Zayit)
 

Adapted and reprinted with the permission of Sichos In English
Pictures are  by Zalmen Kleinman