Chabad Tokyo Japan

Firstly, there is no falsehood in the Gemara. The varying opinions, whether two or three, are all part of the Torah, which represents God’s will and wisdom. However, we typically follow only one of these opinions as the binding verdict. Generally, the majority opinion among the sages is the one that forms the basis of halacha (Jewish law).

Even the opinions that are not accepted as halacha are still part of the Torah and, therefore, part of G-d’s wisdom. The question arises: Is the wisdom of the Torah divine will dressed in human understanding, or is it a philosophy rooted in human reason? The Torah is G-ds will. The opinions not currently accepted as halacha might become binding in the future. For instance, the teachings of Beit Shamai are true, though not halacha for now. In the future, halacha will align with the views of Beit Shamai.

The Babylonian Talmud contains multiple opinions on various subjects that derive from the infinite depth of the Torah. While all opinions in the Talmud are part of divine wisdom, only one is typically followed as binding law, usually the majority opinion.

Even though some opinions are not followed, they are still considered part of the Torah and G-d’s wisdom. Additionally, opinions not currently accepted might become halacha in the future, as Arizal wrote in his books, that Beit Shamai’s teachings will one day be the accepted law in the Messianic era. The entire creation awaits the revelation of Moshiach and the building of the Third Holy Temple, as this would signify the end of evil in the world.

*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.

The portion of Pinchas provides a detailed account of how the Land of Israel was divided among the twelve tribes. This allocation, divinely ordained, underscores the profound connection between the Jewish people and their homeland-the land of Israel.

The principles inherent in this division offer profound spiritual insights. The promise of the land to Israel symbolizes God’s covenant and faithfulness, inspiring Noahides to trust in divine promises. Moreover, the equitable distribution of land among the tribes reflects the universal values of justice and fairness, core tenets of the Noahide laws.

Just as the Israelites inherited a land with defined boundaries, Noahides will have to respect the established order in creation. The planning evident in the allocation of the land mirrors the divine order that governs the universe. Believing in G-d leads to accepting the fact that the land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people. Through these insights, Noahides can deepen their spiritual connection with G-d and fulfill their moral obligations.

But the full promise G-d gave to Abraham is just about to come. In the Messianic era, the land of Israel will be given to the people of Israel in its full size, which is much bigger than the current one.

*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.

A bastard is defined as a child born from prohibited relationships. Specifically, this term applies to a child born from an adulterous relationship. The primary relationships that result in a bastard are those between a married woman and a man who is not her husband. Close relatives whose union is explicitly forbidden by the Torah, such as a man, his sister, or his mother

In the Babylonian Talmud, it is stated by the sages that even a Jewish bastard who is not allowed to marry a wife (unless she is a slave), if he studies Torah for heaven’s sake, is considered as if he is a high priest who enters the Holy of Holies. A non-Jewish bastard is allowed to marry a non-Jewish woman. And certainly, if he is a Noahide who learns the seven commandments given at Mount Sinai, this act elevates him spiritually far above and beyond the rank of a mere Gentile. Everyone has a free choice whether to be a good person, which means to do G-d’s will by fulfilling His commandments and behaving nicely towards people, or to choose evil, which means doing the opposite of G-d’s commandments and having negative behavior towards others. Overall a bastard is permitted to marry a woman not to mention if he is a Noahide as such he is spiritually elevated, which can have a good effect on his character traits, and certainly can marry a woman.

*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.

Based on the proverb “The name of the wicked will rot,” the Sages advised against naming a child after an evil person to avoid perpetuating their name. This raises a significant question about our Parsha, which is named after the wicked Balak. Balak hated Israel more than any other enemy. How can a Torah portion be named after such a wicked person?

Balak represents a disconnection from holiness, yet he was a great sage who understood the lineage of the kingdom of Israel, including King David. Ruth the Moabite, an ancestor of King David and the Moshiach was a descendant of Balak. This suggests that Balak signifies a unique form of holiness that emerges from transforming evil into good.

Initially, Balak was the antithesis of holiness, symbolizing separation from it. However, the highest form of holiness—King David and his descendent King Moshiach—eventually emerged from him. G-d’s work involves both doing good and transforming evil into good. Studying the Torah and keeping the mitzvot represent pure goodness. However, when a human being combats evil and transforms it into good, it brings divine light to this world. This is exemplified by repentance, which turns sins into merits and elevates the penitent to a higher level than the perfectly righteous.

The Torah hints at this transformation of evil to good by naming a portion after Balak. The goal is not to focus on evil but to clarify and correct it, ultimately leading to the kingdom of David and the Moshiach. Balak, therefore, symbolizes the transformation of bad into good.

This also serves as a lesson for everyone. The Torah teaches that it is possible to overcome evil and even sanctify it, achieving the highest level of holiness. When encountering someone who seems disconnected from G-d, one should recognize that this situation can be transformed for the good, revealing the spark of his soul. This transformation can help bring us closer to the true and complete redemption.

*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.

In Noahide’s teachings, the concepts of “influencer” and “receiver” are fundamental principles that describe the dynamics of spiritual and physical interactions in various realms of the physical and spiritual universe. These concepts are deeply rooted in the understanding of how divine energy flows and manifests in creation.

Influencer
The influencer is the one who gives, transmits, or imparts energy, knowledge, or blessings. In Kabbalistic terms, the influencer is often associated with the masculine principle, which is active, initiating, and outward-directed. The influencer channels divine light or energy from higher spiritual realms down into the material world, acting as a conduit for divine blessings and guidance.

Receiver
The receiver is the one who receives, absorbs, and integrates the energy, knowledge, or blessings from the influencer. The receiver is associated with the feminine principle, which is passive, receptive, and inward-directed. The receiver takes in the divine light or energy and internalizes it, allowing it to nurture, develop, and bring forth new life or new spiritual insights. The relationship between the influencer and the receiver is one of mutual dependence and complementarity. Neither can function fully without the other.

The influencer needs the receiver to fulfill the purpose of their giving. Without a receiver, the influencer’s energy or knowledge would have no place to go and no purpose to serve. Conversely, the receiver needs the influencer to provide the necessary energy, guidance, or nourishment to grow and develop. The influencer and receiver together create a complete and harmonious whole. In the context of human relationships, particularly in marriage, the man is the influencer, and the woman is the receiver.

This concept also reflects the biological and psychological differences between men and women. Men are often seen as more externally focused, while women are viewed as more internally focused, nurturing the family and home environment. The union of man and woman, each fulfilling their roles as influencer and receiver, is seen as a reflection of the divine union between G‑d and the Shechinah (the divine presence). This union brings about completeness and harmony, both in the spiritual and physical realms.

In practical terms, the dynamic of influencer and receiver can manifest in various aspects of daily life: In a balanced relationship, both partners recognize the value of their roles and work together to support each other. The man respects and values the woman’s contributions, while the woman appreciates the man’s guidance and protection.

The concepts of influencer and receiver highlight the importance of harmonious relationships where both roles are valued and respected. This dynamic, when understood and practiced, can lead to a balanced and fulfilling life, reflecting the divine order and bringing spiritual and material blessings into the world.

In the messianic era, the concept of influencer and receiver will be fully materialized, as there will be no concealment and the spiritual and materialistic world will combine perfectly.

*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.