Sample Chapters from the upcoming Degel Machaneh Efraim
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Parshas Bereshis on the verse “and Hashem saw that the light was good.”)
The Degel Machaneh Efraim teaches that his grandfather the holy Baal Shem Tov taught that this light was hidden by Hashem in the letters of the Torah. When Tzadikim in every generation learn Torah in purity for its own sake they can gaze with this light and see the future and know many secrets. This is learned from the Baal Haturim’s hint that the words in the verse “Es HaOr”את האור –“the light” have the same Gematriaגמטריא numerical equivalent as the word “BaTorahבתורה ”- “in the Torah” thereby alluding that the light was hidden in the Torah. (Es Alef=1 Tav=400, HaOr He=5 Alef=1 Vav=6 Reish=200 total= 613) and (BaTorah Bet=2 Tav=400 Vav=6 Reish=200 He=5 total=613)
The Baal Shem Tov (who lived in Europe) wrote a letter to the holy land to his brother in law, Rabbi Gershon Kittover who resided there. In the letter the Baal Shem Tov asked his brother in law why he saw that on a certain Shabbos his brother-in-law was outside of Israel. Rabbi Gershon wrote back - explaining that on this particular Shabbos a certain wealthy Jew who lived outside of Israel made a Bris (circumcision ceremony) and sent for Rabbi Gershon to be the Mohel (to perform the ceremony). The Baal Shem Tov was truly able to see from one end of the world to the other, this was all accomplished using the hidden light in the Torah.
Parshas Toldos on the verse “And Elokim shall give you from the dew of the heavens” - “He who learns Torah the dew of Torah gives him life as my grandfather (the Baal Shem Tov) taught there are 39 categories of forbidden work on Shabbos (39 in gematria numerology is equal to the word for dew Tal hence they are connected). These acts are necessary for man’s existence; however if he studies Torah he no longer needs physical work, for the dew of Torah gives him life. This is why a Talmid Chacham a wise disciple is called Shabbos. When he toils in Torah study he rests from the 39 categories of work (Tal Melachos) and instead the dew of Torah (Tal Torah) gives him life.
Parshas Va’Yeshev commenting on Yosef being called “Ish Matzliach”= he who cracks and splits the shells: “the klippah surrounds and enclothes the fruit. He who truly sees will throw away the klippah and take what is inside.
Parshas VaYechi – “Here it is hinted that he who learns Torah Lishma purely for its sake alone, and not for any reward for the toil in learning Hashem Torah in sincerity is a reward in itself, he doesn’t seek any other reward. This is hinted in the name Yisasschar, read it as 2 words Yesh Sachar- there is reward in this level greater than any other reward in the world. Then through the light of his learning he can nullify and banish harsh decrees this alluded to in the words Chamor Gerem- Chamor is spelled with the letters Ramach=248 positive commandments of the Torah Law. Gerem is Roshei Teivos the acronym for Gzeyros Raaos Mevutalos- Evil decrees are nullified.”
“When a person realizes that there is reward in performing the mitzvos themselves without seeking an alternate reward in return for their performance he is imitating the quality of the name Yisachar. Because he now realizes that Yesh Sachar there is reward in doing the mitzvos alone. Then he merits Chamor Gerem- that Gerem= 243 in Gematria and represents those limbs of the body that man can learn to control will become Chamor=248 all the limbs even including those five that man cannot overcome the inclination of them to do evil alone. Rather through his selfless pursuit of Torah and Mitzvos for the sake Hashem In his mercy grants him mastery of these 5 limbs as well. Like Avraham who was called Avram=243 and he had the letter Hei=5 added to his name and was called Avraham to denote that Hashem granted him mastery over all 248 limbs.”
Parshas Mishpatim in the first piece “These are the judgments you shall place before them,” The Zohar on Parshas Mishpatim 94a comments “These are the orders of reincarnations.” This is quite wondrous since the verse simply goes on to explain the laws of monetary damages. However I have heard that when one takes another to court, and he knows that he is truthfully in the right. However the case in Torah law judges him guilty rather than innocent. He should not question this by saying how can this be if the Torah is truth, and its ways are pleasantness? He must assume that he was liable to the other litigant in a previous reincarnation. Now the Torah obligates him to pay in order to discharge his previous obligation. His litigant who is taking the money dishonestly will also pay for it in the future. These cases are numerous in the laws of money and damages. This is what the Zohar was alluding to. That “These are the judgments” these monetary cases even though they may seem to contradict the truth are actually the order of reincarnations. They are Hashem’s way of settling between litigants since He created the souls and knows their behavior in past reincarnations.”
Parshas Mishpatim –on the verse Ki Yifateh Ish Besulah “An idea which has not yet been carried out in action, or spoken is called a “besulah” virgin. Sometimes a person can be thinking good thoughts and he is cleaving and connecting to Hashem. But the thoughts are easily interrupted and forgotten. This is because he has not yet brought them out through speech or action.”
Parshas Emor quoting his grandfather the Baal Shem Tov “The Tzadik has the power to change the letters from bad decrees and transform one word into another making Mes into Tam and Nega into Oneg, from Death into Perfection and Afflication into Delight.”
Parshas Pinchas “A Tzadik is called a seal because he is stamped with truth, which is the seal of The King. This is the meaning behind the verse in Iyov 38:14, “It changes like clay under the seal.”. . . The way a seal works is that once you stamp it into the wax then the letters which are in relief sink in and form engraved letters in the wax. The letters that are engraved bring out the letters in relief and define them. . . this is “It changes like clay under the seal.” The letters change since those in relief on the seal are flipped by being engraved into the wax. The engraved letters then define and control or limit the letters in relief. So too anyone attached to the Tzadik who is called a seal the Tzadik fashions them and defines them, guarding and limiting them from leavening the fence of Hashem. . .then the letters of the Tzadik are transformed from CHoSaM to CHoMaS from a seal to a wall that guards Israel.”
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