Nach Daily

I hope you’re all doing well today. Welcome to another episode of NachDaily with Mishlei Perek 22.

The chapter opens with the words “ Nivchar shem me’osher rav, mikesef u’mizahav chein tov. Ashear varash nifgashu, oseh kulam Hashem - Better a good name than a great fortune, a pleasing demeanor than silver and gold. Rich and poor meet - God makes them all.”

The Ibn Ezra and Metsudos explain that a person should not look up to a rich person and look down at a poor person because even the most intelligent people aren't in control of their financial stature. Wealthy and poor in a sense both “meet” the same fate which God decreed for them. But a “good name” and someone who is pleasant to be around are considered to have true riches because they are in our hands to attain.

Alternatively, the Gemara in Temurah 16a says that the words rich and poor meet refers to a Talmid Chochom who doesn't want to teach a simple person. In the end Hashem will make the Talmid Chochom poor and the simpleton rich.

Verse 6 is a very famous passuk about chinuch: it says “Chanoch lana’ar al pi darcho, gam ki yazkin lo yassur mimena - train the youth according to his way and even when he grows old he won't swerve from the path.”

The introduction of the Chovos Hatalmidim by the Piazecna Rebbe explains this passuk at length. It is priceless, and necessary for parents or anyone in education to learn!

Education, behavior modification, and Chinuch are all 3 completely different things, he says. Education and behavioral techniques are only the tools someone uses to bring about the desired goal of Chinuch. Chinuch is when you set children’s Neshamos on fire to the point that they become independent and want to seek Hashem and His Torah on their own. I often wonder if some people are actually reaching the basic standards of education, yet alone the loftier goal of Chinuch!

It's not just about getting children to behave better or teaching them knowledge. We need to set their souls on fire to serve God and follow His will, to want to learn Torah, daven and do Mitzvos, not for their parents, school or test grades, but because that's what life is really about! We need to teach them about the Mezona D’nishmasa, nourishment of the soul, which avodas Hashem provides. Teach them that yeish Boreh olam, there is a God, and He is good!

Moving on in the perek Shlomo Hamelech relates that the rich man rules over the poor, the lender over the borrower. Generosity brings brocha upon you. Stay away from negativity. Hashem loves the simple, pure-hearted person. As I've mentioned many times throughout NachDaily, it takes no sophistication to come close to Hashem. It takes great simplicity, utter joy and a sincere heart!

A procrastinator always makes excuses for himself. Young people tend to act foolishly. A person who robs from the poor, then gives gifts to the rich, will only incur a loss in the end.

Shlomo Hamelech winds down the perek by relating that we should concentrate on trying to know God. We must seek the knowledge of God with the very fabric of our beings, so much so that serving Hashem should spill out to our lips. This way we’ll learn to trust God.

Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily.

Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day!

I hope that you’re all doing well today. Welcome to another episode of NachDaily. Today we’re learning Mishlei Perek 21.

The perek opens with the words “Palgei mayim lev melech b’yad Hashem al kol asher yachpotz yatenu - The heart of a king is like streams of water in God’s hand. He inclines it in whichever way he desires.” The Gr’a explains that just as water can split into two streams, Hashem uses the king's heart for good and bad.

The Malbim relates in a lengthy manner that a king’s free choice differs from that of a regular person. Because the king’s policies affect the masses, Hashem controls his heart to bring about the outcome He desires. Hashem uses the world’s leaders to bring about the changes He wants to see made. He tilts their hearts to the decisions and policies that affect us.

This should be encouraging as we look at the never ending news. We know that Hashem is behind the steering wheel, using the world’s leaders as pawns, guiding history towards redemption. Nothing is random.

Moving on in the perek, Shlomo Hamelech explains that Hashem desires people to do what is right in His eyes more than he wants sacrifices. Stolen money often gets lost and leads to man's downfall, entrapping him in schemes of corruption.

It is better to be by yourself than with a bad wife or friend, as negativity attracts negativity. As the expression goes, misery loves company. When a cynical person gets punished, those around him learn and become wiser because they learn from his mistakes. A wise man loves constructive criticism because he learns from it.

A person who ignores the screams of the poor won't be answered when he calls out. A gift has the ability to make someone lose his anger at you. One who loves physical possessions will never be truly wealthy. Better to live in a wasteland, than with a wife who’s constantly arguing with you. Guarding your mouth is like guarding your soul.

Verse 30 is a very famous passuk: “Ein chochma v’ein t’vunah v’ein eitzah l’neged Hashem - There is no wisdom, no discernment, and no counsel against God.”

Rashi explains that even the wisest person is nothing in comparison to Hashem. The Ralbag adds that even if you plan to do something, God can alter the outcome. When Yosef was sold, his brothers wanted to kill him, but Hashem changed the course of events and Yosef became their ruler.

The Ramad Walli explains that we must know that no matter what happens in our lives, it’s from Hashem. If plans didn't work out, or someone harmed you, it’s from Him. Do not be resentful towards God's decrees and the happenings in your life.

The Ramad Walli then asks if so, what's the purpose of reflecting on our actions and ways to make sure they are in line with Hashem’s wishes? He answers that even though everything comes from Him, this does not exempt us from working on ourselves and doing our part. We must do our utmost to take stock in ourselves and mend our ways.

He explains that Hashem interacts with mankind using the upper 3 Sefiros of Chochma, Bina and Daas. When Hashem wants to send suffering, He uses them to mix up our thoughts, leading to confusion and lack of peace of mind. He takes away our mochin d’gadlus, higher level of consciousness, and replaces it with mochin d’katnus, a lower level where life looks confusing and difficult.

This is why the passuk says that there is no wisdom, no discernment, and no counsel against God because He can turn over our minds at anytime that He feels it necessary.

I hope you enjoyed today's NachDaily.

Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day!

Welcome to another episode of Nach Daily, with Mishlei, Perek 20.

In this perek Shlomo Hamelech continues to describe the derech tova v’hara, the positive and negative paths of life.

Those who are lazy and do not plow in the proper time will have nothing to harvest when they actually need to eat. The deeper meaning is that this world is the time to plow with Mitzvos, Torah and Tefilah. When we fail to do that, we’ll have nothing to “feed” our neshamas in Olam Habah when the time comes for us to reap the fruit of our labor.

Verse 5 says, “Mayim amukim eitza b’lev ish, v’ish tefuna yid’lena - the counsel in man’s heart is deep, yet a man of insight draws it out.”

Rashi explains that an insightful student can draw more from his rebbe’s mind. The Gr’a brings the Bereishis Rabbah to explain that this is like a very deep well with fresh and clear water that can't be reached by average means. One day a man of insight came and tied many ropes together until he was able to reach the water and draw from it.

The Ramad Walli explains that the deep waters in man's heart refers to a talmid chochom, but a man of insight means one who is able to draw and understand from sod, the hidden secrets of the Torah, and reveal them.

This is what we find by Yosef Hatzaddik, who corresponds to the trait of yesod, foundation. He was able to interpret dreams, which are hidden. The Ramad Walli goes on to explain that this is why Yosef was fit to be the ruler.

On a psychological note: Insight is different than regular chochma. When you receive an insight into your life, it’s a new thought gifted to you by Hashem. It is custom made for your situation in life. Your insights are something no one can take away from you. That's why our passuk says that people have deep waters within them. They need to listen, to search for their own unique insights about life.

Verse 9 says, “Mi yomar zekisi leebe tahar’ti meichatasi? - Who can say ‘I have purified my heart, I am purged of my sin?”

Rebbe Nachman explains in Lekutay Maharan, lesson 6 based on this verse, that a person needs to do teshuva on top of the original teshuva. It's not enough to do it once. Now that you've advanced, you can see how your original teshuva was considered more physical in relation to your new level. Because, “Who can say ‘I have purified my heart, I am purged of my sin?’ Even as you say these words, you know deep within that there is more to do, so who can properly say, “I have purified my heart?”

In verse 27 we find the famous passuk, “Ner Hashem nishmas adom, chofes kol chadrei batten - The soul of man is the lamp of God, with which He searches all his innermost parts.”

The Yalkut Shemoni brings that R’ Acha said that the soul discloses everything that man did in public and in private to Hashem. In the future, God will rebuke each man for his deeds and they will be astonished.

This is compared to a person who married the king's daughter. Every, morning the king would say to him “I heard about everything you did in your house.”

“How do you know about everything I do?” he asked.

“Fool,” the king replied, “you're married to my daughter!”

So too we are married to our souls which are like the king's daughter, disclosing everything to God.

Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily.

Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day!

Welcome to another episode of Nach Daily with Mishlei, Perek 19.

The perek opens by telling us that it’s better to earn an honest living and be poor than to be wealthy through deceit.

Verse 2 says, “Gam b’lo da’as nefesh lo tov, v’atz b’raglayim chotei – It’s not good for a person to be without knowledge, and he who rushes his steps, sins.”

The Malbim relates that people usually sin not because they are fools, but because they lack da’as, true knowledge and understanding. The more we understand about life, the more informed we are in our judgments and moment to moment decisions. Lack of understanding will cause a person to rush to sin.

Alternatively, the Gr’a explains that “it's not good for a person to be without knowledge” refers to someone who does Mitzvos without learning Torah. Ultimately a person's nefesh won't feel satisfied without Torah learning, while he who rushes his steps is referring to those who try to act higher than their level. This is a temptation for many people. Don’t act more righteous than you are, but present yourself accurately, not any higher or lower than your reality.

The higher up on a ladder one climbs, the harder the fall. Act with humility and advance in your avoda, your spiritual growth, little by little, step by step.

The perek goes on to relate both the advantages and pitfalls of wealth and poverty. Those with wealth may find themselves with many new friends. It can be hard to discern who’s truly interested in them or who wants to benefit from the perceived wealth.

Poor people will find companions who are truly interested in them for no ulterior motives. On the other hand, those who live in poverty are often detested by those around him, even their relatives, as others may fear that they will be asked for financial aid.

A rich person is able to be philanthropic, and not seek the help of others. Wealth gives a person a sense of autonomy and independence.

Further in the perek we learn that an intelligent man is able to overlook things, while a fool harbors resentment and grudges. Difficult children weigh on the heart, and a nagging wife is like an annoying drip. Financial wealth is often inherited, but a good wife is a gift from God. Those who overcome their anger and rescue their enemies will be blessed with added days and goodness. (Rashi) Accepting good advice allows one to grow in wisdom with the years.

In verse 21 we learn the famous passuk of, “Rabos machashavos b’lev ish va’atsas Hashem hi sakum - Many are the thoughts in a man’s heart, but it's God's counsel that will be fulfilled.”

The Gr’a explains that when people attempt to accomplish or figure something out, they have many thoughts about how to go about it. Ultimately, however, the only thing that will happen is what Hashem had decided on in the first place.

Psychologically speaking, rabos machshavos, man has many thoughts. Research says that the average person has 60,000 to 100,000 different thoughts a day! Often when we try to figure something out we’re just ramping up the noise in our heads. It's like making the volume louder on a stereo until the mind is filled with a marching band.

Therefore, atsas Hashem hi takum - it's God's counsel that will be fulfilled, meaning that a person must go deeper. Rav Shlomo Wolbe says that among the many thoughts in our minds is what Hashem desires. With deep thought and self discipline, with a quiet mind, we can discover the right course of action.

The Meiri says that we must trust Hashem as we make our plans, aware that the outcome may be entirely different than what we had anticipated.

Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily.

Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.

Welcome to another episode of NachDaily. Today we’re studying Mishlei Perek 18, which contains 24 pessukim.

In this perek, Shlomo continues to point a person in the direction of goodness and warns of the perils of cynicism and negativity.

A person who detaches himself from God has a deeper motive: to pursue his own desires. A smart person will be able to see right through the “intellectual arguments” of the non-believer and understand that the entire reason for denying God is so that he can live life in the way of his desires.

Verse 4 says: “Mayim amukim divrei fi ish, nachal novea m’kor Chochma - The words of man are deep waters: his fountain of wisdom is a flowing stream.”

The Ralbag explains that there is infinite depth to the words of a true chocham because they are like a brook constantly flowing and being rejuvenated with fresh new water. So too, the words of the wise emanate from the Source of chochma, so new things can constantly be found in them.

The Ramad Walli notes that this doesn’t refer to just anyone with wisdom. The passuk is only referring to those with great chochma, on the level of nachal novea, like a flowing brook, constantly renewing themselves and the Torah they've learned. The Vilna Gaon notes that this can only apply to someone who learns Torah l’shma, for its own sake.

Moving on, the perek speaks about the power of speech and using words properly. A fool becomes entangled in his own words, which eventually become his downfall.

Verse 10 says, “Migdal oz Shem Hashem, bo yarutz tzaddik v’nisgav - The Name of God is a tower of strength. With it the righteous man can run and be strengthened.”

The Metsudos and Ralbag explain that a person can find constant chizuk and strength in God. One who is connected to Him feels encouraged with strength to deal with the trials and tribulations of life.

The Ramad Walli explains that it’s specifically the tzaddik that’s able to run and be strengthened in God. God builds the world through the power of “oz, strength,” which is synonymous with gevuros, strictness, and judgment. The tzaddik climbs from level to level, constantly going upwards. Using his strength to constantly serve God and reach higher levels provides hamatakos hadinim, sweetening of judgment, to the power and judgment used to govern the world.

Moving on the perek, Shlomo Hamelech relates the value of proper judgment. The first to plead one’s case always seems right until a counter argument is presented. Siblings fighting with each other is preferable to enemies fighting with each other, because at the end of the day you can never fully sever a connection with siblings. Even if you don't speak with them for many years, they’re still your siblings.

A person who found a wife has found goodness, and finds favor in God’s eyes. The poor man supplicates, while the rich man answers harshly. A man makes friends so that he can enjoy their company, because sometimes a friend can be closer than a brother.

Stay tuned to the next NachDaily when we’ll be moving in to perek 19.

Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.

Welcome to another episode of Nach Daily. Today we’re learning Mishlei Perek 17 which contains 28 pessukim.

In this perek, Shlomo Hamelech continues to point us to a good true path of life, cultivating positive and healthy attitudes and behaviors that will bring us to live a moral, honest life, connected to God, while simultaneously warning us of the pitfalls of moral corruption and negative actions.

Shlomo begins by relating that it’s better to be poor and at peace than to be wealthy and embattled. God looks at the heart, not at our financial stature. Therefore, mocking the poor is like mocking the Maker. Rejoicing in others’ misfortunes won't go unpunished.

Verse 9 says that “Michaseh pesha mivakesh ahava, v’soneh v’davar mafrid aluph - He who covers another’s sin elicits his love. But he who belabors a matter alienates a leader.”

Rashi explains that if a person wrongs you, but you hide your upset feelings by not constantly reminding the person of what he did, that person will eventually come to love you.

This is such an important lesson. So many times we try to correct another person's behavior by constantly reminding that person of the wrong done. In regard to a child we may constantly point out what it is doing wrong. This is a big, albeit innocent, mistake so many people make. It adds fuel to the fire, actually exacerbates the problem, and can damage a relationship.

Not constantly reminding people of their wrongdoings and shortcomings actually increases good will and love in our relationships. By focusing on the wellness and good that's already there, overlooking the person's sins, the response will be with love.

The perek moves on to equate misfortune, foolishness, evil and negative judgment while the other side equates wisdom, good fortune, positive regard, good will, blessings, friendship, and God.

Verse 24 says, “Es p’nei meivin Chochma, v’enei ksil b’ktsey aretz - Wisdom is right in front of the man who understands, but the eyes of the fool go searching to the end of the earth.”

Rebbe Nachman brings a famous metaphor about a person named Yitzchak who traveled a great distance to find a treasure chest that he kept seeing in his dreams. Once Yitzchak reached his destination, he was stopped by security guards patrolling the area. He was forced to explain about the treasure chest in his dream.

“You fool!” retorted the guard. “I keep on having a dream about a man named Yitzchak who lives in Warsaw whose address is such and such who has treasure buried underneath the oven in his home! Don't believe everything you dream.”

To Yitzchak’s astonishment, the guard had named his home address. Yitzchak rushed home and dug up the treasure under his oven.

We all have a treasure chest of God-given wisdom planted inside of ourselves. Each of us is filled with unique wisdom, but we often look outside of ourselves, traveling the world to find it.

I hope you enjoyed this NachDaily. Stay tuned to the next episode when we’ll be moving on to perek 18.

Welcome to another episode of NachDaily. Today we’re learning Mishlei Perek 16, which contains 33 pessukim.

Shlomo Hamelech opens this perek by speaking about the need for a person to set his mind, heart, and actions on serving Hashem. Not only does one need to think about God, but needs to act in accordance with Halachah and Hashem’s will. Ultimately every circumstance in which we find ourselves, and every emotion, can be used to serve God.

As it says in passuk 4: “Kol pa’al Hashem la’ma’aneihu v’gam rasha l’yom ra’a - Everything Hashem made, He made for His sake, even the evildoer for the day of retribution.”

The simple meaning is that even the people who desecrated God’s Name will ultimately bring about a glorification of it when Hashem punishes them at the end of the final redemption.

Rebbe Nachman explains in Lekutey Maharan Tinyana lesson 12 that the whole world is sustained through the asara maimaros shenivra ha’aolom, the 10 sayings with which the world was created. The most depraved, deep and dark places however, are sustained through the maimer sassum, hidden and closed meanings of the first word in the Torah, Bereishis. It goes without saying that if something didn't contain even a spark of divinity it could not exist within this world. Even the most decadent of places are sustained through the hidden maimer sassum.

Everything Hashem created was for His honor. When we start to search out “ayeh mikom k’vodo? - where is the glory of God?” – we are able to connect the hidden potent point of Kedusha within that place. And now the low place to which we have fallen can be transformed into a point of elevation. Just as every yerida is for the purpose of aliyah, every descent is for the purpose of ascent. As we find in our passuk, everything was created for the sake of God, even the reshaim, evil people.

The perek relates that fear of God moves a person away from evil. Hashem gives extra help to those who trust in Him. The King’s judgment must be completely righteous, and it is an abomination for kings to pervert justice. A king’s desire is to do what's right and love truth. Be careful of the king’s wrath, because it is akin to the Angel of Death!

In verse 16, Shlomo again speaks about the value of wisdom as it says: “K’no chochma ma tov meicharutz u’knos bina nivchar mikasef - How much better than fine gold is the acquisition of wisdom, and the acquisition of understanding is choicer than silver!”

How much do we need to value the wisdom of Chazal and our sages! We often devalue our pure Torah wisdom. We constantly need to remind ourselves, ashreinu mah tov chelkeinu - how fortunate are we to have received the Torah on Har Sinai, that Hashem chose us above all the nations on earth and selected us to be His chosen nation. This should bring us all great happiness.

The rest of the perek essentially goes on to contrast the humble with the haughty. It's better to be lowly spirited than full of arrogance. Better to go slowly and steadily than to “win the race” and accomplish a little bit at a time than to arrogantly push to make something happen. Often our egos are what cause us to push to no avail, but when humbled we catch our breath and realize how much we were full of ourselves. This causes us to slow down, refocus our attention, and let Hashem back into our lives.

We are fortunate that Hashem is slow to anger and stronger than any person. It is not in our power to make anything happen. With proper Emunah we will feel more empowered and encouraged to succeed.

Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily when we’ll be moving on to perek 17.

Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.

I hope that everyone had an uplifting Pesach. We’re now continuing Mishlei, Perek 15 which contains 33 pessukim.

The perek opens with the words “Ma’aneh rach yashiv cheima, u’dvar etzev ya’aleh aph - A gentle reply turns away wrath, but a sharp word incites anger.”

The Rabbenu Yonah explains that Shlomo Hamelech teaches here that we need to train ourselves to speak softly to others.

Psychologically speaking, beyond hearing actual spoken words, people are listening to the feelings and tones behind them. The same words can be said angrily or with soft feelings. This is what really makes the difference in being able to influence other people and to get your message heard. As the old expression goes, “It's not what you say, it's how you say it.”

Therefore, Shlomo Hamelech was saying, when your soft, calm words have the ability to diffuse upset feelings. The same words spoken in a fit of anger feeds the fire, and the listener becomes even more upset.

The perek continues to list the virtues of using words to speak truth and build people up in contrast to spreading negativity, cynicism, and complaints. The words of the wise spread knowledge. A person who seeks truth enjoys constructive criticism, while a person filled with complaints hates rebuke.

Passuk 13 says, “Lev sameach yeitiv panim, u’va’atzvut lev ruach n’cheiya - A glad heart cheers the face, but a despondent heart causes a broken spirit.”

The Radak explains that the happiness in a person's heart is apparent, radiating on his face.

I heard from Rav Shalom Arush that if you want to see if a person is shalem, at peace with God, you can tell by the smile. A person who’s always smiling shows that they’re at peace with the world around them and are happy. Happiness exudes and shines on your face.

Those whose hearts are discouraged, however, feel completely broken on the inside, that there’s no use to even try to make things better. Nothing's worked out in the past and this will continue.

If you feel discouraged with life, broken spirited, you can always pick yourself up and start again. Strengthen yourself. Force yourself to be happy and even silly. Never give up hope and praying for God's mercy to shine upon you.

This brings us to passuk 15, which says “Kol yimei ani ra’aim, v’tov lev mishteh samid - All the days of a poor man are bad, but a good hearted person feasts perpetually.”

The Vilna Gaon explains that one with a good heart constantly feels as if he’s drunk with happiness. With a good heart, everything is a reason to celebrate and be happy. One feels truly grateful for everything, valuing even the smallest of accomplishments. A person with a good heart is always at a party because everything is cause for celebration.

The perek continues to relate that a person who is happy always feels rich, but one who lacks understanding in life feels miserable. One who follows the path of Torah and truth will have great reward in the next world. Those who leave the path of truth will regret the bad choices and decisions they made along the way. Ultimately, true wisdom is fear of Hashem, while being humble is a far greater pleasure than receiving honor.

Pessach: I Glorify Myself in You by Rabbi Shaya Sussman, LCSW

Welcome everybody to NachDaily, covering the entire Tanach one perek at a time. Today we’re learning Mishlei, perek 14.

The perek opens with the famous words of “Chochmos nashim bonsa veisa, v’eveles b’yadeha seher’senu - A woman’s wisdom builds her house, but a foolish woman destroys hers with her own hands.”

We see that there's a special wisdom which women receive in order to influence and build their homes in a proper way. As steering a ship can be very difficult and require many decisions, building and guiding a home is also very nuanced. With so many subtleties of interactions and different personalities, how is a woman supposed to understand how to navigate her home in an ever-changing world?

Perhaps this is why our passuk begins in the plural with the word chochmos, wisdoms, and not chochma, wisdom, in the singular. Every situation, from being a wife, raising children, to working, requires a different type of wisdom and insight. With the many hats that women wear, and the many responsibilities that they juggle, a lot of wisdom is needed.

We see that there are special insights, perspective, and common sense that a woman receives in order to build her home. Insight is always changing, shifting, and guiding you on how to navigate your home. Sometimes with the same child one moment requires you to be strict while the next moment requires more flexibility, and the list goes on. Women’s expanded capabilities help them to build their homes and navigate their roles. This is hinted to by the use of the word Chochmos in plural form.

On a deeper level, the Vilna Gaon explains that the main bayis, house, of Tzaddikim is Olam Habah. Tzaddikim are constantly building spiritual edifices in the next world. The neshama, soul, is called an isha, woman. Therefore, this passuk can be understood to mean that Tzaddikim use their wisdom to cultivate their neshamos to build spiritual houses for themselves in the next world.

Imagine that after 120 years you receive your dream house, any type you might want, with any type of scenery. This should motivate us all to do mitzvos with simcha to continue building our houses in the next world which will last forever. These houses won't need an insurance policy or mortgage! They will be fully backed and guaranteed by the ultimate Builder of all we see, Hashem!

The rest of the perek continues to contrast the wise with the fool, the cynic with the good-hearted, evil with good. Someone who lives with the fear of Hashem versus one who doesn't, who acts with honesty as opposed to one who makes his way through life lying, who gives tzedakah versus a person who steals.

The people who walk in the path of God and His light will reap the benefits of their work, while those who were dishonest, and deviant, will live a life filled with strife and pain. We know in our hearts into which categories we fall, and at differing moments we can be in differing categories.

Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily. We’ll be moving on to chapter 15.

Thank you for listening and have a wonderful day.