We are privileged to have Gedolei Torah in our midst.  What follows is an easier to follow presentation of Rav Yeruchem Olshin Shlita’s  Vaad on the parsha Rav Yeruchem Olshin Shlita on Parshas Chayei Saarah 5785 Restated by Rabbi Yair Hoffman Why did Avrohom Avinu’s servant Eliezer test potential matches through their demonstration of chessed – kindness? Why only Chessed and not other things? The Shach’s Analysis of Avrohom’s Dialogue with Hashem The Shach on Torah examines the conversation in last week’s portion where Hashem tells Avrohom “Do not fear, Abram. I will protect you. Your reward is very great.” Avrohom’s response contains what appears to be a repetition when he says “Hashem, what will you give me, since I am going childless, and the administrator of my household is Eliezer?” and then adds “Behold, you have not given me any children and behold one of my household will inherit me.” The Shach explains that Avrohom’s use of the phrase “inherit me” (yoresh osi) rather than the standard “will inherit” (yirasheni) reveals his deeper concern: Avrohom worried not about material inheritance but about who would inherit his refined character traits. The Ran’s Fundamental Principle There is a classic work called the Drashos HaRan.  The Ran, in his fifth discourse (Drush Chamishi), addresses why Avrohom Avinu insisted that Eliezer avoid Canaanite women when seeking a wife for Yitzchok, instead directing him to Avrohom’s homeland despite his relatives being idol worshipers. The Ran explains that Torah knowledge is not necessarily inherited, but character traits are passed down like hereditary illnesses (cholim yerushim). These traits are spiritual characteristics (techunos nafshios) that transfer directly from parent to child. The Connection Between Torah Study and Character –  The Gemorah in Tractate Sota (page 14a) teaches that “Torah begins with acts of kindness and ends with acts of kindness.” The Yalkut Shimoni (Ruth 601) explains that the Book of Ruth, which contains neither ritual laws nor prohibitions, was written solely to teach the reward for those who perform acts of kindness. Further Examination of Torah and Kindness Connection Rabbi Eliezer Yitzchak, in the introduction (hakdama) to Chut HaMeshulash, provides a deeper understanding of the Talmud’s teaching about Torah beginning and ending with kindness. He explains that kindness serves as both 1] the pathway to Torah acquisition and 2] its ultimate goal. Only through practicing kindness can one truly acquire Torah knowledge. Historical Example of the Terumas HaDeshen The Leket Yosher records that when a student sought admission to the Terumas Hadeshen’s yeshiva, he was rejected upon discovery that he refused to lend his books to other students. This decision reflected the Terumas Hadeshen’s understanding that without kindness, one cannot truly acquire Torah knowledge. The Baruch Ta’am’s Perspective on Marriage There is a documented account of the Baruch Ta’am canceling a prestigious marriage match for his son when he discovered the potential in-laws showed no concern for an ill water carrier. When they questioned his distress over a mere water carrier during what should have been a joyous occasion, the Baruch Ta’am immediately terminated the match, understanding that a family lacking empathy could not fulfill the true purpose of Jewish marriage. The Abudraham’s Definition of Marriage’s Purpose The Abudraham addresses why bringing joy to a bride and groom merits receiving Torah that was given with “five voices” […]