This insightful and thought-provoking book delves into these questions and many more, offering profound insights. With over 50 meticulously crafted essays, it masterfully conveys the Torah’s perspective on recreation and vacation. As an indispensable guide, this work will enable readers to attain a deeper understanding of these important topics.
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Some of the questions discussed in this book are the following.
What role does recreation play in our service of Hashem?
What does the Torah teach us about music?
What lessons can we glean from specific types of recreation, such as sports?
Is there a mitzvah to take a vacation?
What does the Torah say about comedy and humor?
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לעילוי נשמת שמואל אביגדור בן יצחק מאיר
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Rabbi Alt merited to learn under the tutelage of R’ Mordechai Friedlander ztz”l for close to five years. He received Semicha from R’ Zalman Nechemia Goldberg ztz”l. Rabbi Alt has written on numerous topics for various websites and publications and is the author of the books, Fascinating Insights and Incredible Insights. His writings inspire people across the spectrum of Jewish observance to live with the vibrancy and beauty of Torah. He lives with his wife and family in a suburb of Yerushalayim where he studies, writes, and teaches. The author is passionate about teaching Jews of all levels of observance.
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Spoons and Hooks
If we take a look at the first paragraph of Shema[1] we notice something fascinating. Each pasuk begins with a ו and concludes with a כ. The first pasuk: ואהבת...מאדך. The second pasuk: והיו...לבבך. The third pasuk: ושננתם...ובקומך. The fourth pasuk: וקשרתם...עיניך. the fifth pasuk: וכתבתם...ובשעריך.
The letter ו is a connector as it means “and.” Additionally, when ו is spelled out it spells וו which means a hook,[2] that which connects. Now, ו has a gematria of 6 while כ has a gematria of 20, totaling 26, the same as Hashem’s name י-ה-ו-ה. Moving onto the letter כ spelled out is כף, which refers to a receptacle as it means the palm of the hand (see for example Vayikra 14:15 where it says כף הכהן, the Kohen’s palm) or a spoon-like utensil.[3]
Synthesizing this together we come to a profound teaching. That is, to connect (represented by the letter ו as we mentioned) to Hashem (referred to by the כ,ו which total 26), you need to be a receptacle (symbolized by the כ) for it by possessing humility, as the gemara teaches אין אני והוא יכולין לדור בעולם, Hashem and one who is haughty cannot live in the same world.[4]
