Week 48 (Book 3): Manasseh and Asking Hashem to Forget

BESHALACH: 7. He named the place Massah [testing] and Meribah [quarreling] because of the quarrel of the children of Israel and because of their testing the Lord, saying, Is the Lord in our midst or not? 8. Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.  

TANACH VERSES FOLLOWING THE HAFTORAH: 8. that the Lord sent a prophet to the children of Israel, and he said to them, "Thus says the Lord, G-d of Israel; I brought you up from Egypt, and I brought you out of the house of bondage. 9. And I saved you from the hand of Egypt, and from the hand of all your oppressors; and I drove them out from before you, and I have given you their land.

TALMUD SOTAH: DAF 48 – Reforms of Yochanan Kohen Gadol

GENERATIONS FROM ADAM TO THE LAST KING OF JUDAH: Manasseh

SEVEN CANA’ANITE NATIONS: Chivites

Week 48 is the second week of Elul, also including a day of Rosh Chodesh. Because of the people’s quarreling and testing of Hashem, doubting whether Hashem was in their midst, Amalek came and fought against them. (See Book 1, on how the scorpion in week 48 represents the coldness of Amalek) This ultimately brought them to cry out to G-d and battle against Amalek’s G-dlessness.

The Tanach verses for this week include G-d sending the people a prophet in response to their crying out to Him. Because the people in the times of Gideon cried for mercy, G-d responded with mercy and reassurance.

Daf Mem Chet (Folio 48) of Sotah describes the reforms made by Yochanan Kohen Gadol. The daf also describes a prohibition against singing after the destruction of the Temple, the loss of Ruach HaKodesh, and various spiritual declines since the Temple was destroyed and the Sanhedrin abolished. A general theme again the incredible need for teshuvah.

King Menasseh, the son of Hezekiah, was extremely evil and fell deeply into idolatry. Worse, he led the people of Judah to perform idolatry as well. However, after King Menasseh was taken captive a tortured, he did sincere teshuvah, and when he returned to the throne he acknowledged Hashem and tried to bring the people back. Menashe means to “forget.” In Elul, we ask Hashem to “forget” our inappropriate behavior throughout the year.

The forty-eighth week is connected to conquering the Chivites. Their name appears to come from the Aramaic word for snake: Chiviah. The Chivites are connected to the negative side of Yesod: being self-centered and overly concerned with one’s own pleasures. General, the perfecting of the sefirah of Yesod involves the control of one’s sexual impulses, exemplified by Yosef HaTzadik.

Week 49 (Book 3): Amon and Raising the Lowest of Sparks

BESHALACH: 9. So Moses said to Joshua, Pick men for us, and go out and fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of G-d in my hand. 10. Joshua did as Moses had told him, to fight against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur ascended to the top of the hill.

TANACH VERSES FOLLOWING THE HAFTORAH: 10. And I said to you, 'I am the Lord your G-d, you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.' But you have not obeyed me." 11. And the angel of the Lord came, and sat under the oak which was in Ophra, that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite; and his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress, to be enabled to flee from Midian.

TALMUD SOTAH: DAF 49 – the power of prayer and the times of Mashiach.

GENERATIONS FROM ADAM TO THE LAST KING OF JUDAH: Amon

SEVEN CANA’ANITE NATIONS: Jebusites 

Week 49 is the third week of Elul. The Torah section for this week is related to the fight against Amalek, who represents the worst kind of kelipah, impurity. This fight was physically led by Joshua, but spiritually by Moshe’s prayer, with the aid of Aharon and Hur. Each of these figures represent a different aspect of the Jewish people. Moshe is Netzach, Aharon Hod, Joshua Yesod, and Hur, Miriam’s husband from the tribe of Judah, is Malchut. All of these characteristics had to work together in order to defeat Amalek. (See Book 1, on how the week 49, the culmination of the Omer count, represents the dissipation of kelipah)

The Tanach verses also speak of the fight against Canaanite nations and their ideology. The leader to fight against their oppression is also introduced here: Gideon. There are very strong parallels between Moshe and Gideon, both in their humility, and questioning their appointment. Gideon also has aspects of Malchut, because he is the only judge in which his son was also appointed a leader, just like a king. Gideon is from the tribe of Menashe son of Joseph, which is related to Yesod. Rashi explains that the prophet who came to speak to the nation was Pinchas, who was a kohen, who is connected to the sefirah of Hod.

Daf Mem Tet (Folio 49) of Sotah describes the power of prayer. The daf also describes the various spiritual declines since the destruction of the Temple. It depicts in great length how certain aspects of holiness and saintliness were lost after certain rabbis died. It also describes the problems of the generation of Mashiach. These problems will cause us to ultimately cry out to G-d and be saved. This is what we are meant to do in Elul as well, as a preparation for Rosh Hashanah.

King Amon, the son of Menasheh, is considered the most evil of all the kings of Judah. Unlike his father, he did not do teshuvah.  He “not only worshipped all his idols but also burned the Torah and committed incest with his own mother (Sanhedrin 103:6).”[1] Fortunately, his rule only lasted two years, because he was murdered in a conspiracy. Amon’s reign’s sinfulness is a precursor for the saintliness of his son Josiah’s reign, discussed next week. Therefore, we see that the above is also related to the theme of teshuvah of  the month of Elul.

The forty-ninth week is connected to conquering the Jebusites. Their name comes from Jebus, the city conquered by King David and made into Israel’s capital and the future home of the Beit HaMikdash, Jerusalem. Jebus appears related to the Hebrew word bushah, shame. Yerushalayim is a combination of the words “fear” (Yirah) and “peace” (Shalom).

The Jebusites are connected to the negative side of Malchut, which means kingship, and is connected with the power of speech. The negative side of Malchut therefore is evil speech, Lashon Harah. Lashon Harah represents the very opposite of the above qualities. Someone who speaks Lashon Harah is shameless and does not properly fear Heaven. It also causes quarelling and social ostracism, the exact opposite of peace.

King David witnessed the power of Lashon Harah in his interactions with King Saul. King Saul’s hatred for David arose from others speaking positively of David in front of him (this is known as Avak Lashon Harah). Also, Doeg’s Lashon Harah caused the annihilation of the entire priestly city of Nov. King Saul’s own soldiers were not successful against the Philistines due to their slander of David.[2] The best example of avoiding evil speech comes from David’s ancestor Tamar, who refrained from accusing Judah even though she’d be thrown in a fire and burned alive. From Tamar our sages learn that it is better to throw oneself in the fire than to shame someone in public (from the Hebrew word bushah).

The conquest of the seventh nation, the Jebussites, and the conquest of Jerusalem represents a final, crowning step in the conquest of the land, just as forty-nine is the final day of the counting of the omer.

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[1]http://www.azamra.org/Bible/II%20Kings%2021-22.htm

[2]http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/922039/jewish/Laws-of-Lashon-Hara.htm#footnote7a922039

Week 50 (Book 3): Josiah and Emunah

BESHALACH: 11. It came to pass that when Moses would raise his hand, Israel would prevail, and when he would lay down his hand, Amalek would prevail. 12. Now Moses hands were heavy; so they took a stone and placed it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one from this [side], and one from that [side]; so he was with his hands in faith until sunset.   

TANACH VERSES FOLLOWING THE HAFTORAH: 12. And the angel of the Lord appeared and said to him, "The Lord is with you, mighty man of valor." 13. And Gideon said to him, "Please my lord, if the Lord be with us, why then has all this befallen us? And where are all His wonders which our forefathers told us, saying, 'Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?' But now the Lord has forsaken us, and He has delivered us into the hand of Midian."

TALMUD NAZIR: UP TO DAF 22

GENERATIONS FROM ADAM TO THE LAST KING OF JUDAH: Josiah

THREE ADDITIONAL NATIONS: Kenites    

Week 50 is the week of Chai Elul. The Torah section for this week continues to describe the fight against Amalek. The key ingredient in the fight is Emunah, faith. It is well known that Amalek represents lack of faith, and has the same numerical value as the word safek, doubt. Our sages teach us that it was not Moshe’s hands that won the war, but rather when the Jewish people would turn their face towards Heaven, in an act of faith, that is when they would gain the upper hand.

The Tanach section for this week shows Gideon’s doubts and a relative lack of emunah. These doubts are in essence the same kind of doubt that Amalek sought to instill. How could it be that the people of G-d, with G-d Himself on their side, fall prey to the attacks of another nation? The answer, of course, is that it is due to our sins, and that it is only in this way, partially reliving the exile and the exodus originally experienced in Egypt that we come to teshuvah, which is the theme of of the month of Elul, especially Chai Elul.

After completing the tractate of Sotah, which corresponds to the Counting of the Omer, we now move to the tractate most associated with it, Nazir, which represents the three weeks connected to Shavuot as well as Passover of the coming year. The Nazir is also deeply connected to the teshuvah of Elul.

Sotah follows Nazir in the order of the Mishnah, and the reason for this is addressed in the opening pages of both tractates. The discussion makes note of the fact that in the Torah itself, the sections on Sotah and Nazir are side-by-side, although there it is Sotah, not Nazir, which comes first. The reason give for the juxtaposition in the Torah (which is the basis for the juxtaposition in the Talmud) is that, “one that sees a Sotah in her disgrace (kilkulah) should make a vow to abstain (become a Nazir) from wine.” The reason the order in the Talmud is reversed is because the legal discussion goes from vows (which are similar to Nazir) and only then turns to other related topics. The same is true regarding the two orders here. Passover comes before the omer, which represents the “vows” we take to be free and to receive the Torah, which begins the omer process. On Shavuot, once one has seen the Sotah in its disgrace (in other words, once he’s broken (kilkul) his animal behaviors and his Ruach Shtus of Kelipah during the counting of the omer, he is ready to move to an even higher level, to become a Nazir from wine, to crown himself (from the word Nezer) from wine of Torah, which is given to us on Shavuot. On Shavuot we received two crowns, one for Na’aseh and one for Nishmah. (See Book 1, Week 36)

The Torah states regarding the nazir, "for the crown of his G-d is on his head" (Bamidbar 6:7). Ibn Ezra explains this to mean: "He has a crown of royalty on his head." Similarly, the Torah calls him "holy," as it says: "He is holy to Hashem." (6:8)[1] There are three types of people who are crowned with a "nezer" in the Tanach: the King, the Kohen Gadol, and the Nazir. The first to be called this way is the Kohen Gadol (Shemot 29:6; Vayikra 21:12), followed by the Nazir himself (Bamidbar 6:7), and the King. (II Shmuel 1:10) Interestingly, both the King and the Kohen Gadol have strict rules about how often they are to cut their hair. [2] The very first mention of a Nazir is regarding Joseph, who is called the “Nazir of his brothers.” (Bereishit 49:26)

The Reisha Rav, HaGaon Rav Aaron Levine, explains how Joseph’s life in fact parallels that of the Nazir. Rav Levine divides Joseph’s life in three phases: 1) the conspiracy of his brothers which almost led to his death; 2) as a slave in Egypt in the house of Potiphar, where he has to stave off Potiphar’s wife’s advances, which were due to his physical beauty, including his long hair; 3) the events leading up to his appointment as viceroy and meeting his brothers again, when he had wine for the first time in 22 years. Rav Levine parallels these three phases with the main three prohibitions of the Nazir: 1) not being in contact with the dead; 2) letting one’s hair grow; and 3) not drinking wine.[3]  

For the purpose of these upcoming three weeks related to Shavuot, Nazir is divided into the sections of 22 dapim. They roughly parallel a division of the chapters of the tractate into 3 sections: chapters 1 – 3 (daf 2 to 20); 4 – 6 (daf 21 – 46); 7 – 9 (daf 47 – 66).

Dapim Beit through Kaf Beit (Folios 2 - 22) of Nazir (which mostly cover chapter 1 – 3), describe the kinds of vows and expressions that make a person a Nazir; instances in which the vow has to be recommenced; and how Naziriteship only applies in the Land of Israel. (This parallels the first years of Joseph’s life in the Land of Israel).

King Josiah, the son of Amon, is considered the most righteous of all the kings of Judah since David. He completely repudiated the ways of his father, repaired the Temple, and elevated the spiritual stature of the people in an unparalleled way. (It is appropriate that he be the king mentioned for the week of Shavuot/Chai Elul). His greatness and righteousness shone forth from time he took the reigns at the tender age of 8 (this also parallels with the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe’s childhood). Despite strengthening the people spiritually and militarily, Josiah was ultimately defeated. In what appeared to be a preventable death, Josiah did not allow free passage for Pharaoh on his way to war with another power, overestimating how much the people had repented. Josiah was thus killed in battle, and the Jewish people  were once again burdened by an Egyptian ruler, Pharaoh Necho.

In the fiftieth week, we also move from working on the emotional characteristics to those of the intellect. This is connected to expanding our territory, and is related to conquering the Kenites.

The Kenites are connected to Chochmah. The name appears to be related to the Hebrew word kinyan, which means “acquisition,” and of all sefirot, kinyan is associated with Chochmah. In fact, the Hebrew word for elder/sage is Zaken, which stands for Zeh She Kanah Chochmah (he who acquired wisdom). The Alter Rebbe, whose birthday is this week, is called in Hebrew, “Rabbeinu HaZaken,” our wise/elder rabbi.

The Kenites are the descendants of Yitro, and historically had good relations with the Jewish people in biblical times. Yitro himself represents both the positive and negative aspects of the trait of Chochmah. Before converting, Yitro engaged in every type of idol worship, and was deeply familiar with Chochmat HaGoyim, the wisdom of the nations. His wisdom made his recognition of G-d all the more powerful. Yael is married to Chever the Keinite, and among her descendants would be the source of most of our Chochmah today, Rabbi Akiva. The Midrash states that Yael became pregnant from Sisera, and that from this line of descendants would come Rabbi Akiva. This is similar to Yitro, who went from having the Chochmah related to the opposite of the service of Hashem, to the ultimate service of Hashem. Rabbi Akiva’s life also draws a similar parallel – he was unlearned until the age of 40, and then became the greatest sage of all times.

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[1] https://www.kby.org/english/torat-yavneh/view.asp?id=3781

[2] www.seliyahu.org.il/parasha/par5757/epar57037.rtf

[3] http://www.shemayisrael.co.il/parsha/eylevine/5761mikeitz.htm

Week 51 (Book 3): Using Understanding (Binah) to Strengthen our Faith in the Merciful King

BESHALACH: 13. Joshua weakened Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.  14. The Lord said to Moses, Inscribe this [as] a memorial in the book, and recite it into Joshua's ears, that I will surely obliterate the remembrance of Amalek from beneath the heavens 

TANACH VERSES FOLLOWING THE HAFTORAH: 14. And the Lord turned toward him and said, "Go, with this your strength, and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?" 15. And he said to Him, "Please O Lord, with what shall I save Israel? Behold, my thousand is the poorest in Menasseh, and I am the youngest in my father's household."

TALMUD NAZIR: UP TO DAF 44

GENERATIONS FROM ADAM TO THE LAST KING OF JUDAH:  Jehoiakim, also known as Eliakim

THREE ADDITIONAL NATIONS: Kenizites

Week 51 also falls within the month of Elul. The Torah section for this week describes how Joshua weakened Amalek, and how Moshe is told to inscribe in the Torah and recite into Joshua’s ears that Hashem will surely obliterate the remembrance of Amalek. Hashem’s statement and Moshe’s words to Joshua are meant to encourage all those in doubt that Hashem will certainly destroy Amalek and punish them for their impudence. As mentioned previously, Amalek has the same numerical value as safek, doubt. This is the time of the year in which we strengthen our faith in G-d and prepare to crown Him as our King. 

The Tanach section for this week again shows Gideon’s doubts and feeling of weakness. Like the section from the Torah, Hashem gives Gideon strength and encouragement, while appealing to Gideon's logic and understanding. There is also an interesting parallel between Gideon who is from Menasheh and Joshuah who is from Efraim, both descendants of Joseph.

Dapim Kaf Gimmel through Mem Dalet (Folios 23 - 44) of Nazir (which mostly cover chapters 4 – 6), describe cases in which others join in someone’s vow, nullifying a wife’s vow, and other laws relating to women and their vows or power to annul the vow of others. The tractate then discusses vows made by mistake (such as vows made without known about the destruction of the Temple), as well as other mistakes Nazirites might make, trespassing the conditions of their vows. This parallels the second phase of Joseph’s life, when he mistakenly grew his hair and made himself attractive to Potiphar’s wife; it also parallels the further personal crisis Joseph endured, after being falsely accused and imprisoned. Nullifying vows is one of the most important preparations for Rosh Hashanah.

Prior to Jehoiakim, his brother Jehoahaz reigned briefly for three months. He displeased Pharaoh Necho, and was replaced with Jehoiakim, who was renamed Eliakim. Eliakim was lax in his piety, and did not help the people return to Hashem. Judah was engulfed by greater and greater corruption and depravity. (See Book 1, how week 51’s Wiesel is related to these qualities. Chuldah is also the prophetess that foretold of the destruction of Judah to King Josiah). Eliakim angrily refused to listen to the prophets, and instead sought to kill both Jeremiah and Baruch. He ultimately was forced to submit to Babylonia (who had defeated Egypt) and pay heavy taxes. After three years, he rebelled. The rebellion was quashed and he died in captivity. Jehoiakim failure to listen to the prophets was his greatest folly.

Both Jehoiakim and Eliakim mean “G-d will establish.” The only difference in the two names is the name of G-d used. The name “El,” in contrast to the name “Hashem,” is a reference to the thirteen attributes of mercy and is particularly connected to the month of Elul. (Alter Rebbe, Likkutei Torah, Re’eh) Throughout the month of Elul, these attributes are constantly repeated during Selichot (prayers of forgiveness and repentance said all month by Sefardi communities, and in the week prior to Rosh Hashanah in Ashkenazi ones). Elul itself begins with the letters of the name “El.”

The fifty-first week is related to conquering the Kenizites. The root of their name is Zaken spelled backwards. As mentioned previously, Zaken, translated as elder or sage, stands for “Zeh She Kanah Chochmah,” he who has acquired wisdom. The Kenizim stand for that which is the complementary “mirror” of Chochmah, namely Binah, understanding.

There are at least two very famous righteous leaders whose name are related to these people: Caleb the Kenizite and his brother Othniel ben Kenaz. Both are also known for their territorial conquests. Caleb, along with Joshua, was the only spy who came back from the Land of Israel with a positive report. Othniel ben Kenaz conquered Kiriat Sefer, and thereby merited to marry Caleb’s daughter, Achsah. (Joshua 15:17) Both also embody the attribute of Binah, a form of intellectual conquest.[1]

Caleb used his understanding to deal with the other spies with great cunning, thereby avoiding an even greater disaster. Caleb’s name contains the word “Lev,” heart, which is closely connected to the attribute of Binah.

Othniel ben Kenaz was the first Judge of the Jewish people. He was also the one to restore the Jewish laws that had been forgotten by Joshua during the mourning period of Moshe. Othniel ben Kenaz used deductive reasoning, the main attribute of Binah, to be able to decipher those laws.

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[1] It seems interesting that the words Achsah, Kenaz, and Sefer are phonetically quite similar to the names for Ashkenazim and Sefardim.

Week 52 (Book 3): Crowning G-d as Our King

BESHALACH: 15. Then Moses built an altar, and he named it The Lord is my miracle.  16. And he said, For there is a hand on the throne of the Eternal, [that there shall be] a war for the Lord against Amalek from generation to generation.

TANACH VERSES FOLLOWING THE HAFTORAH: 16. And the Lord said to him, "Because I shall be with you, and you shall strike Midian as one man." 17. And he said to Him, "If I have now found favor in your eyes, then show me a sign that it is You that speaks with me.

TALMUD NAZIR: UP TO DAF 66

GENERATIONS FROM ADAM TO THE LAST KING OF JUDAH: Mattaniah also known as Zedekiah

THREE ADDITIONAL NATIONS: Kadmonites

Week 52 is the week of Rosh Hashanah. The last verse in Beshalach describes how Moshe built an altar and named it “Hashem [is] my miracle.” It also mentions how Amalek is an impediment to Hashem’s throne, literally an obstacle to His Kingship, which must be fought against in every generation. Rosh Hashanah is about crowning Hashem as King, and therefore this description of the fight against Amalek is all the more significant. Again, Amalek represents doubt, and Rosh Hashanah is the time of the ultimate certainty in our faith in G-d; it is when we crown Him as our King.

The parallel Tanach section continues its connection to Amalek in that Hashem attempts to further allay Gideon’s doubts, even though Gideon’s lack of complete emunah is self-evident by his request that Hashem grant him a sign. Ultimately Hashem does grant Gideon a sign and his faith is restored. There is a parallel between altar Moshe built and the sign asked by Gideon. In reality, both are signs and testaments; one is meant for the future, testifying to a past miraculous battle, while the other is meant to confirm a recent past assurance, testifying to future miraculous battle that is still to take place. These are also two dimensions of Rosh Hashanah – one related to the year that passed, and the other to the year that is to come.

Dapim Mem Heh through Samech Vav (Folios 45 - 66) of Nazir (which mostly cover chapters 7 – 9), make comparisons between the Nazir and the Kohen Gadol and other rules regarding someone impure that is to enter the Temple; it also discusses rule in the case where there is doubt as to whether someone became unclean; it also discusses the Nazirite vows of women and slaves; the laws of the Metzorah, and whether Shmuel HaNavi was a Nazir. This parallels the third part of Joseph’s life, where he attains a position of power and stature, and is also responsible for the affairs of Egypt, in which essentially the entire population becomes his slaves. References to the Kohen Gadol and Shmuel HaNavi also appear related to Rosh Hashanah, given that Hashem answered Chanah’s prayers for a child on Rosh Hashanah, and that answer was conveyed by Eli the Kohen Gadol.

Like Jehoiakim, Mattaniah’s rule was preceded by a brief three-month rule by his nephew, Jehoahaz, also known as Jeconiah. Jerusalem was then besieged by Babylonia, who conquered the city and exiled all the nobles as well as most of the rest of the population, leaving only the very poorest behind. Jeconiah was also exiled, and Nebuchadnezzar appointed his uncle Mattaniah as a tributary, changing his name to Zedekiah. Zedekiah also did not show signs of repentance, and he too rebelled against the emperor. Zedekiah threw Jeremiah in prison; later Jeremiah was also thrown in a mudpit, and almost died before being saved by the king. Zedekiah refused to heed Jeremiah’s call to surrender to Nebuchadnezzar. The rebellion was again quashed, but this time Jerusalem was devastated and the Temple was destroyed. The king tried to flee but he was captured. His children were murdered in front of him and his eyes were put out. Similarly, on Rosh Hashanah, one cannot run away from one’s fate. One must be ready to face the King and be judged.

This also appears to be the significance behind the last king of Judah’s change in names. Mattaniah means, “G-d’s gift,” while Zedekiah means “G-d’s justice.” Rosh Hashanah is primarily about being judged by G-d for our deeds over the past year. (Eventhough Rosh Hashanah is also about Chesed and G-d giving us life and sustenance for the coming year. See Week 1, also of Rosh Hashanah).

The fifty-second week is related to conquering the Kadmonites. Their name is associated to the word “kadmon,” original primordial. This term is often used in Kabbalah as a reference to the beginning of Creation, and the primordial forces of existence. Adam Kadmon is a supernal Divine revelation that is connected to Keter (crown), the intellectual sefirah for this week, known also as Da’at, knowledge. Adam Kadmon is also a reference to Adam, the first man, created on Rosh Hashanah. The Nachash Kadmoni, the primordial snake, is connected to the essence of the Yetzer Harah, which will ultimately be destroyed with the coming of Mashiach. Only then will we be able to fully crown Hashem as our King (See also Book 1, Week 52).

Book 4 in a Nutshell

B"H

Hanna’s Song Shmuel I, Chapters 1 and 2 (up to verse 26)	Pirkei Avot, Chapter 6 (31 + 5+7+1+8)	Mishle/Kohelet/Psalm 72/ Shir HaShirim (31+12+1+8)	Yahrtzeits and Birthdays (31 fixed weeks + 21 non-fixed)
1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of the hill-country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.	Whoever studies Torah for Torah's sake alone, merits many things	Mishlei: Chapter 1	2 Tishrei - R' Yisroel ben R' Asher of Stolin (1868) known as the "Yenuka" Stolin (Karlin), Kapitchnitz (Apta)
2 And he had two wives: the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah; and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.	not only that, but [the creation of] the entire world is worthwhile for him alone.	Mishlei: Chapter 2	9 Tishrei - R' Elazar Nisan ben R' Moshe of Drobitich (1854) Karlin,  Lubavitch
3 And this man went up out of his city from year to year to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there priests unto the LORD.	He is called friend	Mishlei: Chapter 3	14 Tishrei; Rav Yisrael Hopstein, the Maggid of Kozhnitz Karlin, Breslev
4 And it came to pass upon a day, when Elkanah sacrificed, that he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions;	beloved,	Mishlei: Chapter 4	Rabbi David Moshe Friedman, the first Chortkover Rebbe, the 5th son of Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin (1828-1903) Chortkov (Ryzhin), Ribnitz (Shtefanesht-Ryzhin)
5 but unto Hannah he gave a double portion; for he loved Hannah, but the LORD had shut up her womb.	lover of G-d	Mishlei: Chapter 5	29th of Tishrei Rav Menachem Mendel of Vizhnitz Rizhyn, Vizhnitz
6 And her rival vexed her sore, to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.	lover of humanity	Mishlei: Chapter 6	7 Cheshvan - R' Yehuda Meir ben R' Yaakov Shimshon Shapiro (1933) Chortkov (Ryzhin), Vizhnitz
7 And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she vexed her; therefore she wept, and would not eat.	rejoicer of G-d	Mishlei: Chapter 7	14 of Cheshvan - Rabbi Avraham Elimelech Perlow of Stolin-Karlin ben Rabbi Yisrael (1891-1942). Vizhnitz, Stolin-Karlin
8 And Elkanah her husband said unto her: 'Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?'	rejoicer of humanity	Mishlei: Chapter 8	20 Cheshvan - Rav Yechezkel, the third Rebbe of Radomsk, known as the Kenesses Yechezkel of Radomsk (1864-1910) Radomsk, Belz
9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk--now Eli the priest sat upon his seat by the door-post of the temple of the LORD;	The Torah enclothes him with humility	Mishlei: Chapter 9	27 Cheshvan - Reb Yaakov Leiser - the second Pshevorsker Rebbe Riminov, Pshevorsk
10 and she was in bitterness of soul--and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.	and awe	Mishlei: Chapter 10	Rabbi Yaakov David Kalish (1803-1878), founder of the Amshinov dynasty Amshinov, Lubavitch
11 And she vowed a vow, and said: 'O LORD of hosts, if Thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of Thy handmaid, and remember me, and not forget Thy handmaid, but wilt give unto Thy handmaid a man-child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.'	makes him fit to be righteous	Mishlei: Chapter 11	13 Kislev – Rabbi Israel Taub, the Divrei Israel, founder of the Modzitz Chassidic dynasty Modzitz (2), Amshinov
12 And it came to pass, as she prayed long before the LORD, that Eli watched her mouth.	pious	Mishlei: Chapter 12	19 Kislev - Yahrzeit of Rebbe Dov Ber, the Magid of Mezritch Rachmastrivka (Chernobyl), Stolin
13 Now Hannah, she spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice could not be heard; therefore, Eli thought she had been drunken.	correct	Mishlei: Chapter 13	Rabbi Chaim of Tchernovitz (1760-1817) Be'er Mayim Chayim Tolna (Chernobyl), Peschischa
14 And Eli said unto her: 'How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.'	and faithful	Mishlei: Chapter 14	4 Teves - R' Gershon Chanoch Henoch Leiner of Radzin (1890) ben R' Yaakov of Izhbitza Peschischa (2), Ishbitza (2),
15 And Hannah answered and said: 'No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I poured out my soul before the LORD.	distances him from sin	Mishlei: Chapter 15	10th of Teveth, Yahrzeit of Rabbi Nathan of Breslov Dzikov(Ropshitz) Lelov
16 Count not thy handmaid for a wicked woman: for out of the abundance of my complaint and my vexation have I spoken hitherto.'	and brings him close to merit	Mishlei: Chapter 16	18 Tevet - Rav Tzvi Elimelech Shapira of Dinov (1783-1841) Melitz (Ropshitz), Abuchatzira
17 Then Eli answered and said: 'Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant thy petition that thou hast asked of Him.'	From him, people enjoy counsel	Mishlei: Chapter 17	24 Tevet - Yahrzeit of Rabbi Shneur Zalman, the Alter Rebbe of Chabad Lubavitch, Lelov,
18 And she said: 'Let thy servant find favour in thy sight.' So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.	and wisdom	Mishlei: Chapter 18	2 Shevat - Yarhzeit of Rebbe Meshulam Zusil (Zusha) Alexander, Abuchatzira
19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah; and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.	understanding	Mishlei: Chapter 19	Yahrzeit of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the 6th Lubavitcher Rebbe Lubavitch, Lelov
20 And it came to pass, when the time was come about, that Hannah conceived, and bore a son; and she called his name Samuel: 'because I have asked him of the LORD.'	and power, as is stated (Proverbs 8:14): "Mine are counsel and wisdom, I am understanding, mine is power."	Mishlei: Chapter 20	Shevat 14- Rav Yechiel Danziger, first Alexander Rebbe Alexander, Modzitz
21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.	The Torah grants him sovereignty	Mishlei: Chapter 21	22nd of Shvat - Rav Menachem Mendel of Kotzk (1787-1859) Kotzk, Belz
22 But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband: 'Until the child be weaned, when I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.'	dominion	Mishlei: Chapter 22	Adar 2 – 4th Gerrer Rebbe, the Beis Yisroel Ger, Premishlan,
23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her: 'Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish His word.' So the woman tarried and gave her son suck, until she weaned him.	and jurisprudence.	Mishlei: Chapter 23	7 Adar - Rav Yitzchak Eizik Taub of Kalev Kalev (2), Chechanov
24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of meal, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh; and the child was young.	The Torah's secrets are revealed to him	Mishlei: Chapter 24	11 Adar - R' Avrohom Bornstein of Sochatcov Ger, Sochatchov
25 And when the bullock was slain, the child was brought to Eli.	and he becomes as an ever-increasing wellspring	Mishlei: Chapter 25	21 Adar - Yarhzeit of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk Ger, Alexander
26 And she said: 'Oh, my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.	and as an unceasing river	Mishlei: Chapter 26	29 Adar - Shlomo Hakohen Rabinowicz, the Tiferes Shlomo (1801–1866) (Founding Rebbe of Radomsk) Vizhnitz, Radomsk,
27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath granted me my petition which I asked of Him;	He becomes modest	Mishlei: Chapter 27	2 Nissan - Yarhzeit of Rebbe Rashab Lubavitch, Apta,
28 therefore I also have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he is lent to the LORD.' And he worshipped the LORD there. {S}	patient	Mishlei: Chapter 28	13 Nissan - Yahrzeit of the Tzemach Tzedek Lubavitch, Vizhnitz,
1 And Hannah prayed, and said: my heart exulteth in the LORD, my horn is exalted in the LORD; my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in Thy salvation.	and forgiving of insults	Mishlei: Chapter 29	19 Nissan - Rav Aharon Hagadol of Karlin (1736-1772) Karlin, Vorka
2 There is none holy as the LORD, for there is none beside Thee; neither is there any rock like our God.	The Torah uplifts him	Mishlei: Chapter 30	25 Nissan - Rav Chaim Halberstam of Sanz, founder of the Sanzer Chasidim. Karlin, Kobrin (Slonim)
3 Multiply not exceeding proud talk; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed.	and makes him greater than all creations	Mishlei: Chapter 31	1 Iyar - Yarhzeit of Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk (5548) Slonim, Stolin (Karlin)
4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.	7. Great is Torah, for it gives life to its observers in this world, and in the World To Come. As is stated (Proverbs 4:22): "For they are life to he who finds them, and a healing to all his flesh."	Kohelet: Chapter 1	11 Iyar - Rav Naftali Tzvi of Ropshitz, author of Ayalah Sheluchah and Zera Kodesh, (1760-1827). Lublin-Trisk, Tolna (Chernobyl (2))
5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry have ceased; while the barren hath borne seven, she that had many children hath languished.	And it says (ibid. 3:8): "It shall be health to your navel, and marrow to your bones."	Kohelet: Chapter 2	19 Iyar - Rav Menachem Mendel of Rimanov (1755-1815). Abuchatzira (2), Chernobyl (2)
6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive; He bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.	And it says (3:18): "She is a tree of life for those who hold fast to her, and happy are those who support her."	Kohelet: Chapter 3	26 Iyar – R' Chaim ben R' Menachem Mendel Hager of Kosov (1854) Kosov (2), Modzitz,
7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich; He bringeth low, He also lifteth up.	And it says (1:9): "For they shall be a garland of grace for your head, and necklaces about your neck."	Kohelet: Chapter 4	29 Iyar - Rav Meir of Premishlan (1773) Vizhnitz, Munkatch
8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, He lifteth up the needy from the dung-hill, to make them sit with princes, and inherit the throne of glory; for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and He hath set the world upon them.	And it says(4:9): "She shall give to your head a garland of grace, a crown of glory she shall grant you."	Kohelet: Chapter 5	6th of Sivan, Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov Baal Shem Tov, Ger
9 He will keep the feet of His holy ones, but the wicked shall be put to silence in darkness; for not by strength shall man prevail.	And it says (9:11): "With me, your days shall be increased, and years of life shall be added to you."	Kohelet: Chapter 6	17 Sivan, Rav Aharon of Karlin, the Beis Aharon (1802-1872) Sanz, Skver
10 They that strive with the LORD shall be broken to pieces; against them will He thunder in heaven; the LORD will judge the ends of the earth; and He will give strength unto His king, and exalt the horn of His anointed. {P}	And it says (3:16): "Long days in her right hand; in her left, wealth and honor."	Kohelet: Chapter 7	20 Sivan - Rebbe Yisrael Dan Taub Modzitz, Munkatz
11 And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.	And it says (3:2): "For long days, years of life, and years of life and peace, they shall add to you."	Kohelet: Chapter 8	3 Tamuz - Yahrzeit of the Rebbe Lubavitch, Bobov
12 Now the sons of Eli were base men; they knew not the LORD.	one acquisition is the Torah	Kohelet: Chapter 9	Rav Yekusiel Yehuda Halberstam, the Klausenberger Rebbe (1905-1994), great-grandson of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz. Ger, Klausenberg (Sanz)
13 And the custom of the priests with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a flesh-hook of three teeth in his hand;	one acquisition are the heavens and the earth,	Kohelet: Chapter 10	11 Tammuz - Rav Tzvi Hirsch Eichenstein of Zhidatchov (Zidichoiv) (1785-1831) Lubavtich, Kopischnitz (Apta)
14 and he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the flesh-hook brought up the priest took therewith. So they did unto all the Israelites that came thither in Shiloh.	one acquisition is Abraham	Kohelet: Chapter 11	22 Tamuz - Yahrzeit of Rebbe Shlomo of Karlin Shtefanesht (Ryzhin), Karlin
15 Yea, before the fat was made to smoke, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed: 'Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.'	one acquisition is the people of Israel	Kohelet: Chapter 12	Tammuz 28 is the yahrzeit of Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum (1759-1841) of Uhely, Hungary, author of Yismach Moshe and patriarch of the Hungarian Chassidic dynasties Sanz, Bobov
16 And if the man said unto him: 'Let the fat be made to smoke first of all, and then take as much as thy soul desireth'; then he would say: 'Nay, but thou shalt give it me now; and if not, I will take it by force.'	and one acquisition is the Holy Temple.	Tehilim 127	9th of Av - Rav Yaakov Yitzchak HaLevi Horowitz, the Chozeh of Lublin (1754-1815) Skver, Bobov
17 And the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD; for the men dealt contemptuously with the offering of the LORD.	Beauty,	Shir HaShirim: Chapter 1	15 Av - Rabbi Yaakov Leiner, second  Izhbitzer Rebbe Vishnitz, Bobov
18 But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.	strength,	Shir HaShirim: Chapter 2	21 Av - R' Ahron ben R' Yisachor Dov Rokeach, the Belzer Rebbe (1957) Belz, Radomsk
19 Moreover his mother made him a little robe, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.	wealth	Shir HaShirim: Chapter 3	26 Av - Rav Yoel Teitelbaum of Sighet, the Satmar Rav (1888-1979). Satmar, Ger (2),
20 And Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say: 'The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which was lent to the LORD.' And they would go unto their own home.	honor,	Shir HaShirim: Chapter 4	3rd of Elul, Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook, Chief Rabbi of Israel Sighet (Satmar), Chayim
21 So the LORD remembered Hannah, and she conceived, and bore three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD. {S}	wisdom,	Shir HaShirim: Chapter 5	12 Elul - Rebbe Simcha Bunim of Pshischa Bohush/Sadiger (4) Chayim,
22 Now Eli was very old; and he heard all that his sons did unto all Israel, and how that they lay with the women that did service at the door of the tent of meeting.	sageness,	Shir HaShirim: Chapter 6	15 Elul - R' Yaakov Koppel Chassid (1787) Kosov-Vizhnitz, Somech (Chayim),
23 And he said unto them: 'Why do ye such things? for I hear evil reports concerning you from all this people.	old age	Shir HaShirim: Chapter 7	Elul 27 is the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shalom Rokeach (1779-1855), founder of the Belz Chassidic dynasty. Belz, Strelisk (Kosov-Vizhnitz),
24 Nay, my sons; for it is no good report which I hear the LORD'S people do spread abroad. 25 If one man sin against another, God shall judge him; but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him?' But they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them. 26 And the child Samuel grew on, and increased in favour both with the LORD, and also with men. {P}	and children are becoming to the righteous and becoming to the world.	Shir HaShirim: Chapter 8	6 Tishrei, - Rav Aryeh Leib of Shpolya, "The Shpoler Zayde," Stolin-Karlin, Kapichnitz

 וישלח פנחס יד

Book 4a

In the first part of the Book of Numbers, Bamidbar, things are still going smoothly in the desert. The Tribes are counted, and a special focus on the “prince” of each tribe, the Nassi. The Princes bring offerings, Aharon lights the Menorah, the Second Passover takes place, and the formation is set in which the Jews will journey in the desert. Overall, it’s a general sense of feeling beloved and the eminent entrance into the Land of Israel.

Book 4a is also about realizing that we are spiritual in essence, connecting to the Tzadik (the righteous one) within each one of us, as well as the Tzadik Yesod Olam, the leader of the generation, who is also known as the Nassi. It is also about being on the level of being able to be confronted with ideologies and ideas that run counter to Judaism, and being able to reject the bad but yet elevate the kernel of truth found within them. As mentioned above, that is also what Bamidbar is about.

Much of these themes are reflected in the life of King Solomon, the consummate Tzadik, who lays everything before us in his writings, our spiritual encampment so to speak. As the King of Israel, along with King David, he is also the ultimate Nassi.

The sets of 52 explored in this book are as follows:

Hanna’s story and song is about the making of a Tzadik and Nassi: Shmuel. It is also about Elkanah and Eli, who were the leaders of the generation at the time.

Chapter 6 of Pirkei Avot lays out the characteristics connected to those who study Torah for its own sake, a stage of perfection associated with the Tzadik.

The book also explores the lives of more recent Tzadikim. Each Tzadik is particularly connected with the date of his/her passing, in which the soul of the Tzadik reached ultimate completion.

Finally, we delve into each of the writings of King Solomon, starting with the Book of Proverbs, followed by Ecclesiastes, Psalm 72 and the Song of Songs. There are 52 chapters in total. An attempt will also be made to describe the Thirteen Tales of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, which contain similar themes.