"With three things was the Torah given - with fire, with water and in the wilderness" (Midrash Rabba). Rabbi Meir Shapiro of Lublin zt'l explains the meaning of the Midrash in the following manner.

Throughout history, Jews have surrendered their lives at the hands of their enemies rather than forsake Hashem and the Torah. Rabbi Shapiro explains that these three medium were instrumental in Bnei Yisroel's demonstration of their willingness to sacrifice for Hashem and His dictates.

Our forefather Avrohom was the first to demonstrate the great strength of self-sacrifice. The fire to which the Midrash refers is the one burning intensely within the furnace of Nimrod, when he demanded Avrohom to denounce his belief in the one true G-d. Rather than declaring Nimrod the ruler of the world, Avrohom was willing to be thrown into the burning furnace in order to sanctify Hashem's name. With this act Avrohom implanted in future generations of Jews the courage and strength of spirit to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of Hashem.

One may argue, however, that this was an isolated act by a great and righteous individual and is not indicative of the true spirit of the Jewish people as a whole. In response to this claim, the Midrash points to an incident of self-sacrifice, which occurred with water, involving the entire Jewish nation. At the Red Sea, the entire Jewish people, at the command of Hashem, bravely walked into the midst of the sea, not knowing if they would drown or cross over to the other bank.

These two acts of self-sacrifice may still leave some to question whether Bnei Yisroel were able to sacrifice themselves long term. To answer this doubt, the Midrash recounts their willingness to travel through a wilderness filled with wild beasts, lacking food or water, and not knowing the length of their trip. Hashem's command was the only motivating factor in their eagerness to undertake this journey. The prophet Yermiyahu recounts the endearing faith and love for Hashem demonstrated by Bnei Yisroel in the wilderness, when he stated, "I recall for you the kindness of your youth, the love of your nuptials, your following Me into the wilderness, into an unsown land" (Yermiyahu 2, 1).

Rabbi Shapiro concludes that it was by virtue of passing these three tests of fire, water and wilderness that Bnei Yisroel proved to Hashem their total self-sacrifice in observing Hashem's dictates. Since these three tests proved Bnei Yisroel's willingness to sacrifice for Hashem's command under all circumstances, Hashem felt that they would implement His mitvos no matter the hardship or difficulty. Therefore, Hashem deemed them to be the worthy recipients of His precious gift - the Torah.

The Torah describes the configuration of Bnei Yisroel's camp, with three tribes occupying each section, as follows:

East - Yehuda, Yissochor, Zevulun
South - Reuven, Shimon, Gad
West - Ephraim, Menashe, Binyomin
North - Dan, Asher, Naphtoli

The Baal HaTurim points out that except for Zevulun, the last name mentioned in the other three sections is connected with the letter "vav" - 'u'mattei Gad (and the tribe of Gad), 'u'mattei Binyomin (and the tribe of Binyomin) and 'u'mattei Naphtoli (and the tribe of Naphtoli). Why, the Baal HaTurim asks, is Zevulun's name not connected with a "vav" - The Torah only says "mattei Zevulun (tribe of Zevulun)?

The Baal HaTurim explains that the Torah is defining a new interpretation regarding the relationship between Yissochor and Zevulun. These two tribes had an agreement whereby Yissochor studied Torah and Zevulun supported them. As a result of Zevulun supporting Yissochor, Zevulun was rewarded for the learning of Yissochor. Simply understood, this reward allowed for Zevulun to receive a portion of Yissochor's reward for learning.

The Torah is teaching us, according to the Baal HaTurim, that the reward for Zevulun is that he and Yissochor are actually considered as one tribe. They are not merely partners in receiving a reward for Torah study, rather they truly become part and parcel of one entity. When one supports Torah, he is not merely an "investor" awaiting dividends, he becomes an intricate part of the company.

TABLE TALK

THE DILEMMA
(What is permitted to do in this situation?)

Boruch returns the candy bar to the owner and the owner tells Boruch to take another bar of the same type. Before leaving, Boruch again breaks the candy bar and again finds a worm inside. Understandably, Boruch was not interested in another candy bar, so the owner gave him a refund.

Boruch asked the owner if he would like his assistance in removing the other bars of the same type from the shelf. The owner tells Boruch that two wormy candy bars does not mean that all of them are infested and therefore, does not plan on removing the others bars from the shelf.

Is it permissible for Boruch to report the store to the health department?

Is it permissible for Boruch to inform customers about the incident?

Is your answer dependent on the religion of the storeowner?

(Consult your Rav for a proper halachic ruling)

Last week's clues and answer: I'm all tied up but produce a confession; I am awaiting a comeback, speedily in our days; I am first in Yerushalayim; I am spiritually and physically separated - Bikkurim

Congratulations to Reva Efroymson, Davida Fink, Ms. Cheryl Birkner Mack and Mr. Brandon Raff

TORAH RIDDLE

In what instance is the second day of Yom Tov more stringent than the first day of Yom Tov?

(Please send us your answer by e-mail to gkrainess@adelphia.net. The answer will appear in next week's issue)

Last week's riddle and answer: Was it ever permissible for a healthy person to eat on Yom Kippur? Yes. During the dedication of the first Beis Hamikdash, Bnei Yisroel rejoiced and ate on Yom Kippur.

Congratulations to the Hefter Family and Mr. Brandon Raff

THE KOLLEL FAMILY

MAZEL TOV

Mr. and Mrs. Dovid Lipins on the birth of a granddaughter

Mr. and Mrs. Yaakov Pollack on the birth of a grandson

Dr. and Mrs. Alan Schlesinger on the birth of a son

REFUAH SHELEIMA

Mrs. Deanna Wylen

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

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