להשתעשע בדברי תורה - Rav Asher Weiss Explains an Enigmatic Term of Torah-Human Interaction

There is a beautiful, evocative expression that is used to describe the ideal interaction of a genuine Torah scholar with תורתנו הקדושה. Beautiful, yes, but explanation and explication of it could seem elusive.

I am referring to להשתעשע בדברי תורה, based on the pasuk in Tehillim (קיט:צב) of לולי תורתך שעשועי אז אבדתי בעניי. A related expression is found elsewhere in Tanach with regard to young children here, and toddlers here. 

Recently Rav Asher Weiss שליט"א, in the course of a great hesped in Eretz Yisrael for Rav Baruch Mordechai Ezrachi זצ"ל, expounded on it, and his words are worth hearing (h/t 'כך לומדים קצויעס?' | ההספד של הגר"א וייס על רה"י • צפו (kikar.co.il).

I cannot duplicate his presentation, so I recommend you listen to/watch it yourself. 

But just to give you an idea, a taste, to whet your appetite, he references a רבינו יונה in מסכת אבות, which states that הקב"ה gave us the תורה to be משתעשע with it. He (RAW) describes that as, for example, saying a סברא forward and backward, to say it in one manner and then in another. Not saying it quickly and proceeding further, rather holding on to it, looking at it from all sides, turning it over. Elsewhere in his words he analogizes such Torah learning to people holding, scrutinizing, and enjoying a precious stone, examining it from different vantage points, its light, reflections, facets, and special qualities. Hear it from RAW here.

May we be zoche להשתעשע בדברי תורה, giving us holy strength and pleasure, in difficult times as well as easier ones, as we connect with הקב"ה through His holy gift to us, leading to גאולה וישועה, בב"א.

Dealing with Anxiety in the Present Matzav: Rav Shaul Alter Gives Direction and Chizuk at BRS

Recently, Rav Shaul Alter, renowned Rosh Yeshiva and מנהיג of Gur, visited the USA. In the course of his visit, he visited Florida, where, among other things, he appeared at the Kehillah of BRS. There, in the course of a moving and inspiring program of music and Torah, he addressed the matzav (situation) of Yidden and Eretz Yisrael since this past Shemini Atzeres, providing important הדרכה, spiritual guidance.

A high quality recording of the event is available online in several places, but I want to share some of the program here in writing, to whet your appetite, and for those who may not be inclined to sit through a video.

The Rabbi of the congregation, R. Efrem Goldberg, in introducing the guest, stated that during the Gulf War, circa thirty years ago, the guest's father. R. Pinchas Menachem Alter (aka הפני מנחם) citing Tehillim סד:ב, where it says מפחד אויב תצר חיי, expounded a distinction between אויב and פחד אויב, saying that דוד המלך didn't ask הקב"ה only for (physical) protection from the enemy, but also from the fear, tension, anxiety, psychological and mental stress that often exists in such a situation.

Rav Shaul Alter, in his address, in response, said that he would say that we need to speak of בלבול, confusion. People don't know what to think, how to view the matzav, and are bewildered, confused. Once they rid themselves of that, and understand that everything is with a חשבון, whatever happens, it is not at random, then they will attain a measure of equanimity that way.

He mentioned the gemara in מסכת עבודה זרה, where, in response to nations who try to take credit for milchamos, it attributes them to הקב"ה , citing the words of the pasuk that ה' איש מלחמה, that even in war there is השגחה, a Divine providence. Additionally he expounded on the meaning of מלחמות אני עשיתי with regard to הקב"ה. Despite the difficulties of such a time and situation, and the horrors of war, we are not forsaken. Our merciful heavenly father, אבינו שבשמים, אבינו אב הרחמן, is with us. 

The moving evening, which included singing and dancing, left people inspired and with greater clarity. May HKB"H help us get through the difficult time and reach שלום גאולה וישועה בקרוב.

A full version of the address of the Rosh Yeshiva, can also be seen here, among multiple other places.