“How To Be The Best Torah Pilot of Hashem”

By

Rabbi Reuven Ashenberg

Copyright @2024/5784
As we celebrate the holiday of Purim this year, I thought about which theme and
Torah to bring over to this year’s Purim Divrie Torah. During this past year craziness in
the world as Israel it at war with Hamas, elections for mayor in all cities in Israel, as the
world continues to go upside down and constant upheaval and confusion of the past, I made
a decision of what I was to wear for this Purim costume and reveal the special Torah’s vart.

I believe that the biggest issue today and so far this year 2024 is that we are living in
crazy times. The world has become more and physical in terms of gadgets, high tech, new
technologies, and a disposable society of appliances and utensils that one throws away.
Morals, proper modes of conduct, midot, behavior, and society expected behaviors got out
the windows. I believe that we miss the entire concept of how to live a Torah Jew in the
physical world at large. Life has become too physical without the spiritual and of course,
Hashem takes a back seat in the every day to day life and does not take center stage. THIS
WORLD is UPSIDE DOWN AND OUTSIDE IN AND TOPSY TURVEY. With this in
mind and what is going on around the world, I like to address this year’s Purim theme of
“How To Be The Best Torah Pilot of Hashem” and that’s why I am wearing a “Pilot’s”
costume.

The first thing is to understand what a “Pilot is and how this connects to the Purim
theme for the year 2024– Jewish Year 5784. Let’s take a look at what exactly is a “Pilot” and
why I am wearing a Pilot’s costume which ties to ‫פורים‬.

In the website of https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/pilot/ the following is

written on what is a pilot and what a pilot does; “A pilot is a skilled aviator who operates and
navigates aircraft. Pilots are responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of passengers,
cargo, or both. They undergo extensive training to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills,
including flight controls, instrument reading, navigation, and emergency procedures.

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 The role of a pilot involves performing pre-flight checks, managing the aircraft during
flight, communicating with air traffic control, and making critical decisions in various
situations. They work in a team environment, collaborating with co-pilots, flight attendants, and
ground staff to ensure a smooth and secure flight experience. Pilots need to possess strong
technical abilities, situational awareness, and effective communication skills to navigate and
operate aircraft safely, all while prioritizing the well-being of passengers and crew.

What does a Pilot do?

Pilots are essential to the aviation industry as they play a critical role in ensuring the
safe and efficient transportation of people and goods. They are responsible for the lives of
passengers and crew onboard, and their meticulous training, constant vigilance, and adherence
to strict safety protocols are paramount in maintaining the highest level of aviation safety. Their
ability to handle emergencies, adapt to changing circumstances, and communicate effectively
with air traffic control and ground personnel contributes to the smooth operation of air travel,
making pilots indispensable in connecting people and facilitating global commerce.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of pilots may differ for commercial airline pilots,
military pilots, cargo pilots, or other specialized roles within the aviation industry. Nonetheless,
safety, professionalism, and adherence to established procedures are fundamental aspects of
any pilot's responsibilities.

Here is an overview of the core duties and responsibilities of a pilot:

 Pre-flight Preparation: Prior to each flight, pilots conduct pre-flight inspections of the
aircraft, checking its overall condition, systems, and documentation. They review
weather reports, analyze flight plans, and consider factors such as fuel requirements,
weight and balance calculations, and any potential operational restrictions.

 Aircraft Operation: Once onboard the aircraft, pilots are responsible for the safe
operation of the aircraft during all phases of flight. They conduct pre-flight briefings
with the crew, including co-pilots and flight attendants, and ensure that all safety
procedures and checklists are followed. Pilots handle the takeoff, climb, cruise, descent,
and landing of the aircraft, monitoring flight controls, navigation instruments, and
systems to maintain stability, altitude, and speed.

 Navigation and Communication: Pilots navigate the aircraft using a combination of

instruments, charts, and navigational aids. They must stay aware of their position and
adjust the flight path as needed to avoid obstacles, adverse weather, or airspace
restrictions. Pilots also communicate with air traffic control (ATC), receiving
instructions, providing position reports, and requesting clearances for changes in
altitude or routing.
 Flight Management: Pilots are responsible for managing the overall flight operation.
This includes monitoring fuel consumption and ensuring that the aircraft remains within

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 the prescribed weight and balance limits. They also monitor engine performance,
systems status, and respond to any abnormalities or malfunctions by following
established procedures and checklists.

 Decision-Making and Emergency Response: Pilots must make critical decisions in real-
time, assessing situations and choosing the best course of action. They are trained to
handle emergencies such as engine failures, severe weather encounters, or medical
incidents onboard. Pilots must remain calm, follow emergency procedures, and
communicate effectively with the crew and ATC to ensure the safety and well-being of
everyone onboard.

 Crew Resource Management: Pilots work in a team environment, collaborating with co-
pilots, flight attendants, and ground staff. They actively engage in crew resource
management (CRM), promoting effective communication, situational awareness, and
teamwork. Pilots must foster a positive working environment, encouraging open
dialogue and the sharing of information to enhance overall flight safety.

 Continuous Training and Professional Development: Pilots are committed to ongoing

training and education to stay current with aviation regulations, advancements in
technology, and industry best practices. They participate in recurrent training programs,
simulator sessions, and proficiency checks to maintain their skills and knowledge.

 Documentation and Reporting: Pilots are responsible for maintaining accurate and
detailed records of flight operations. This includes filing flight plans, completing
journey logs, documenting any incidents or irregularities, and submitting required
reports to relevant authorities or the operating organization.”

“What is the workplace of a Pilot like?

The workplace of a pilot primarily revolves around the cockpit of an aircraft. It is

within this confined space that pilots carry out their duties and responsibilities. The cockpit is
equipped with a variety of instruments, controls, and communication systems that allow pilots
to operate the aircraft and ensure safe and efficient flights. They closely monitor flight
parameters, navigation systems, engine performance, and communication channels to maintain
situational awareness and make informed decisions during the flight.

Pilots often experience different work environments depending on the type of aircraft
they fly. For commercial airline pilots, their workplace extends beyond the cockpit to include
crew rest areas and briefing rooms in airports. They interact with co-pilots, flight attendants,
and ground personnel during pre-flight briefings, sharing information and coordinating flight
operations. Additionally, pilots may have access to airline lounges or crew facilities while on
layovers or during scheduled rest periods.

Pilots also encounter diverse work settings based on the nature of their flights. They
may fly in various weather conditions, such as clear skies, turbulence, or adverse weather,

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which can impact their work environment. Long-haul pilots may spend extended hours in the
cockpit, requiring provisions for comfort and sustenance during the flight. Moreover, pilots
operating in specialized fields like helicopter pilots or military pilots may encounter unique
workplaces, such as helipads, military bases, or combat zones, which come with their own set
of challenges and considerations.”

So the main question you may be asking right now, is how does this entire piece of
what is a pilot ties into Purim and why am I focusing on this for the new Purim Torah. So let’s
get right into the connection and lets fly to get there.

Mordechai’s background history is very important to better understanding the entire

premise of “How To Be The Best Torah Pilot Of Hashem”. From a great website - Chabad–
https://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/article_cdo/aid/5833064/jewish/Who-Was-
Mordecai.htm, it states the following point - “The Book of Esther, which he co-authored,
describes him as “the son of Yair, son of Shimi, son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin.”

Let’s see it in the source in Megillah - Chapter 2, Passuk 5-

:‫ּוׁשמֹו מָ ְר ֳּדכַׁי בֶּ ן י ִָאיר בֶּ ן ־ ִׁש ְמעִ י בֶּ ן ־ ִקיׁש ִאיׁש י ְִמינִ ִֽי‬
ְ ‫ירה‬
ָ ִ‫ְהּודי הָ יָה בְ ׁשּוׁשַׁ ן הַׁ ב‬
ִ ‫ִאיׁש י‬

In English - “There was a Jewish man in Shushan the capital, whose name was ‫מָ ְר ֳּדכַי‬
son Yair son of Shimi son of Kish, a Benjaminte.”

On the same Chabad website in the sources in Targum and Targum Sheni Esther 2:5,
it states that “Shimi and Kish are both names of people closely linked to King Saul, who was
also of the tribe of Benjamin. The sages therefore take it for granted that Mordecai was a
direct descendant of Saul, and the ancient Aramaic Targumim actually list the exact chain of
genealogy”.

In the sefer “Purim Revealed” by Naphtalin Winter on page 146, it states the
following “Why is Mordechai called a Jew? Surely he was not the only Jew in Shushan! But
because he was a righteous man, descended from righteous forebears and of royal lineage,
because he busied himself all his life with Torah study and never touched any impure food –
for all these reasons, he was worthy of the term ‘Jew’.”

In the sefer called “A Breslov Commentary On the Megillah Esther” on page 24 it

states the following “Mordechai was a leader among leaders. A scholar among scholars.
And a saint among saints. Jew as a head of the sandhedrin. A descendant of King Saul. And
the “Moshe of his generation. (Esther Rabbah 6:2-3)

But all this meant nothing to Mordechai. He was not out to be a leader or be
considered a saint, He was not moved to flaunt his lineage or exhibit his genius. So none of
these attributes are explicitly mentioned in the Megillah.

Mordechai wanted just one thing. He had but one goal in life. One thing he desired,
one thing for which he yearned. The ultimate goal of all Mordechai’s striving, of all his
aspirations… was to be a simple Jew. To follow G-D’s will, to disseminate Jewishness and

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nullify heathenism. To proclaim by his very life: There is a G-D! And to teach – by example
that heathenism is not only the icon – it also the ‘heathen’ within.

So Mordechai the Jew served G-D – not the “Haman - G-D” of the ego. He knew that
his talents, his attainments, were all Divine gifts. And in serving G-d with his soul – instead
of with his titles- he showed what it means to be a real Jew. And by proclaiming : “I’m a
Jew neither by lineage not by lustre, but by not being heathen,” he was saying: Any born Jew
can become Jewish- even if he was merely ‘born a Jew.’” One page 25 of the same sefer;
“True, Mordechai did have yichus- he was a descendent of King Saul. But this is not even
mentioned in the Megillah.”

Interesting point that Kish was also the name of the father of King Saul, and the
Talmud accords Mordechai the status of a descendant of the first King of Israel. Mordechai
came from a very respectful Jewish family.

In the sefer “Let My People Go”, by Yosef Deutsch , page 37 it states the following,
“The good nature wrangling only underscores Mordechai’s greatness. The people compared
him to Moshe Rabbeinu in humility, patience and kindness, and as a man who spent his
whole life spreading the light of Torah among the Jewish people. They also compared him to
Avraham Avinu for his battle against idol worship and his sanctification of the name.
Although he sat in the royal councils with pagan ministers, surrounded by the trappings of the
idolatrous cults, he never compromised his principles. He was proud to be a Jew. He walked
the streets of Shushan dressed in talllis and tefiliin. Questionable food never came near his
mouth. And when he prayed, on could sense the gates of Heaven opening to receive his
fervent prayer.

In actuality, Mordechai’s given names were Pesachiah and Bilsham. He was called
Mordechai because the name is reminiscent of the myrrh incense as it appears in the Torah.
Myrrh in Hebrew is translated as Mar Dror, which Targum translates into Aramaic as Meir
Dachia. Hence the name of Mordechai. Myrrh is a fragrant incense that is bitter to the taste;
Mordechai, too, was a fragrant in good deeds yet bitter to the enemies of the Jewish people.
Myrrh is the finest of incense spices. Mordechai too, was the best among his people, the head
of the Sanhedrin. Myrrh burned in the Beis Hamikdash to abolish evil decrees against the
Jewish people; Mordechai also abolished evil decrees with his prayers. Furth more, the word
dror also means free and Mordechai had the ability to free his people from their oppressors.
Because of all this symbolism, the very mention of Mordechai’s name brought happiness and
contentment to Jewish hearts.”

In the sefer “70 Questions and Answers on Megillas Esther” written by Michael Gros
on page 36, “Mordechai was a member of the Sanhedrin and so understood 70 languages.
Therefore, when the Jewish women came to the Beis Hamikdash from foreign countries, he
was able to answer their questions in their native tongues.” On page 37 of the same sefer
“The Mishnah Shekalim 5:1) says that the person in charge of the Kinim bird offerings in the
Beis Hamikdash was called Pesacha. The Gemara Menachos 65A) identifies Pesachya as
none other than Mordechai. The Gemara says that name Pesacha comes from the word ‫פתח‬
- open, because Mordechai ‘opened things and explained them and he knew 70 languages.’”
From Mishna Shekalim chapter 5 – 1, - the Hebrew word Pesachya means “G-d opens,” thus
named because he “opened” people’s words to understand their intent. According to the
Rabbis and the Gemara Megillah 13B, he was called Bilshan because he knew seventy
languages. The Gemara Menachos 65A says he was called Mordechai Bilshan because of

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his unusual mastery of languages. Not only did he speak 70 languages, but he had the
wisdom to understand questions that were complicated and had many variables. Rashi takes
this name explanation even further and comes from the words Bolel Vemeravev - “mix up
and combine”. Mordechai was able to understand different languages and foreign
expressions and see through complicated wording of questions to adeptly answer queries that
were posed to him.”

Mordechai was identified by the Rabbis with a certain name Bilshan which is found
in Nechemia Chapter7 – Passuk 7

‫ְׁשן ִמ ְס ֶּפ ֶַּ֥רת בִ גְ וַׁ ַ֖י נ ְִ֣חּום בַׁ עֲנָ ָ֑ה‬

ָׁ֛ ָ ‫הַׁ בָ ִ ִ֣אים עִ ם־זְ רֻ בָ בֶֶּ֗ ל י ֵׁׁ֡שּועַׁ נְחֶּ ְמ ׁ֡ ָיה ֲ֠ ֲעז ְַׁר ָיֲ֠ה ַׁ ִֽרעַׁ ְמ ָ֨ ָיה נַׁחֲ ָ֜ ָמנִי מׇ ְרד ֳַּׁכַ֥י בִ ל‬
‫ְׁשי ַׁעַ֥ם י ְִש ָר ֵ ִֽאל‬ ַ֖ ֵ ‫ִמ ְס ַַּׁ֕פר ַׁאנ‬

In English - “in company with Zerubbabel, Joshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah,

Nahamani, Mordecai Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum and Baanah”
From the same Chabad website stated previously, it states the following, “Born and
raised in the Holy Land, he was among the 10,000 elites of Jerusalem taken prisoner by
King Nebuchadnezzar, along with Jeconiah, King of Judea” which isfound in Kings II -
Chapter 24. Mordecai’s uncle Avichayil died young, as did Avichayil’s wife, leaving behind
a young orphan named Hadassah. Mordecai took her in and raised her which is found in
Megillah Chapter 2 – Passuk 7 as it states
‫טֹובת מַׁ ְר ֔ ֶּאה‬
ִ֣ ַׁ ְ‫ת ַׁא ֙ר ו‬
ֹ ָ֨ ‫ַׁוי ְִָ֨הי א ָ֜ ֵֹמן ֶּאת־הֲ דַׁ ֶ֗ ָסה ִ ִ֤היא ֶּא ְס ֵת ֙ר בַׁ ת־ד ֹ֔דֹו ִ ָׁ֛כי ֵ ַ֥אין ָ ַ֖לּה ָ ִ֣אב ו ֵ ָָ֑אם וְ הַׁ ַׁנע ֲָרִ֤ה ְיפַׁת־‬
‫ּובְ ִ֤מֹות ָאבִ ֙יהָ ֙ וְ ִא ֔ ָמּה ל ְָק ָ ָ֧חּה מׇ ְרד ֳַּׁכָׁ֛י לַ֖ ֹו ל ַׁ ְִֽבת‬

In English –“And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for
she did not have her father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordechai
took for his own daughter.”

According to the sages and found in Gemara Megillah 13a, Mordecai and Hadassah
eventually married. In the sefer “Let My People Go”, by Yosef Deutsch , page 113 it states
“Her name was Esther, and she was Mordechai’s first cousin and wife. Avichayil, Esther’s
father was Mordechai’s uncle. He died before Esther was born. Her mother died right after
childbirth, leaving the infant Esther without parents. Mordechai took the little orphan into his
home and raised her with great love and care. Mordechai was both guiding father and
nurturing mother to Esther as he brought her up in seclusion. He taught her Torah and
mitzvos, and he made sure she had everything she needed and was always dressed
beautifully. She grew up to be a beautiful girl, both outwardly and inwardly, and she did not
exhibit any of the depression and complexes so common among orphaned children. Because
of the excellent upbringing she received from Mordechai, Esther was worthy of becoming a
queen and redeeming the Jewish people from exile.” On page 114 it states “At the time of
Achashverosh’s search, many suggest that Esther was already about seventy five years old –
(Genesis Rabbah 39:12), past the age limit for the candidates, she was mentioned as one of
the four most striking women in history. Some suggest that he was as green as an Esrog;
others that she had a teal color. There is an opinion that her complexion had a golden yellow
tinge, like the yolk of an egg. On page 115 of the same sefer it states- “Ya’aros Devash
writes that Mordechai was a gilgul (reincarnation) of the soul of Moshe and Esther was, that
of Basya, Pharaohs’s daughter.”

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 From the Chabad website -
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/5427040/jewish/15-Queen-Esther-Facts.htm
-it states the following; “Esther was the daughter of Avichayil, son of Kish, a descendant of
King Saul, whose father also bore the name Kish. In order to maintain a Jewish life, she had
seven maids, each of whom served her on a different day of the week. Thus,
the Shabbat maid would not notice that the queen acted any differently on that day. To
keep kosher, she subsisted on seeds and other food that is inherently kosher. We
commemorate this by eating poppy-filled pastries (hamantaschen) on Purim.”
In the sefer “Purim Removing the Mask” by Rabbi Immanuel Bernstein on page 103
states the following; “Heaven Scent- Let us develop this idea further by considering another
element that seems to feature prominently in the Purim story – the sense of smell. It is most
interesting that both of the main personalities who were instrumental in bringing the miracle
of our salvation about to the sense of smell. Esther’s original name was Hadassh (See Esther
2:7), related to the word haddas – myrtle, which is known for its fragrance. Mordechai is
identified by the Gemara as being alluded to in the Torah with the words mar dror (Shemos
32:23), which Onkelos translates as Mera dachay, which in turn is taken as a reference to
Mordechai. This section in the Torah where these words are mentioned discusses the fragrant
oil used for anointing the Mishkan and its vessels.”
From the sefer of “Let My Nation Live” by Yosef Deutsch on page 115, “According
to others, her name was really Haddassh, but she was known as Esther for two reasons. The
name Esther is related to the word seser, which means hidden; Esther’s identity was
concealed to the point that all nations claimed her for their own, and she her herself always
remained secluded from public view even after she became queen. The name Esther is also
related to the word sahar, which refers to radiance, especially of celestial bodies; Esther was
as luminous as the moon or Venus, and she brought light into Jewish lives darkened by
Haman’s persecution.
In either case, the name Esther itself is of Aramaic or Persian origin. Mordechai
knew prophetically that Esther would become queen, and provided her with a name that
would conceal her identity.”
In the Gemara Bavli Megillah 15A using these sources of the Seder Olam Rabbah
asserts that Mordechai was a prophet. In the Gemara Bavli using these sources Pirkei
DeRabbi Eliezer, Rashi, R"Y Kara, Rashbam, and R. Saba. and many more maintain that
Mordechai was a member of the Sanhedrin. According to these sources, Mordechai was
actively involved in encouraging the nation to lead a Torah lifestyle – (Thus, for example,
Esther Rabbah presents Mordechai as warning the nation not to participate in Achashverosh's
party and its accompanying promiscuity.) according to all of these commentators, Mordechai
was a fully observant Jew. Esther Rabbah (6:2, 8:7) presents Mordechai as studying Torah.
In the previous website of Chabad.org, “Mordechai was a man totally immersed
in Torah. Mordechai made a choice. He could've chosen to closet himself in a yeshiva and
devote his every breath to Torah study. He undoubtedly wanted to do just that. But
Mordechai didn’t think about what he wanted; he thought about what Hashem wanted from
him. He saw the need for a leader, and he took the lead.” In Esther 2:5 - Mordecai was a
great Torah scholar, but he invested his time and energy into teaching young school children,
whom he (correctly) recognized as the key to Jewish continuity source.
In the sefer “70 Questions and Answers on Megillas Esther” written by Michael Gros
on page 41, it states there that “Mordechai was the catalyst for much of the salvation in the

7
Purim story as well as the initiate the unprecedented wave of Teshuva, Torah study, and
Tefillah, which saved the Jewish people.”
Now that we both know that Mordechai and Esther were grounded in Torah, Mitzvos,
and constant state of growing to serve Hashem each and every day. We can then connect
what we have learnt about Mordechai and Esther to the concept of “How to be a pilot of
Hashem.” One needs many years of training, education, practice, and constant diligence to
know how to fly a plane. To the best pilot, tones of training, constant vigilance, and
adherence to strict safety protocols needs to be followed. Practice, practice, practice and more
practice is how one learns how to fly. Hours upon hours, one needs to become the expert
pilot. Tests, practice, training, professional development and constant growing in one’s
education of the plane makes the pilot the best that one can be. There are no short cuts or
work arounds, one desperately needs those many hours in and constant review, drills, and
flying to become the best pilot out there. There is neither ego nor flaunting ones
achievements around, but hard work and using one’s skills can one become that expert pilot.
We know that Mordechai was one of the Sanhedrin who followed the Torah, mitzvos,
and did what Hashem asked from him. He did not want power, ego, nor to be recognized to
be the leader. He learnt each and every day Torah, performed mitzvos, and wanted to Serve
Hashem, his creator. Queen Esther who grew up in Mordechai house also did the same exact
thing. She followed the Torah, mitzvos and did what Hashem asked of her. She learnt from
Mordechai all these wonderful traits, midos, ideas, and how to live one’s life as a TORAH
JEWISH PILOT. Together they were the perfect team to fight against the evil man, Haman.
They used Kedusha and Tahara of the Torah to fight – the Evil with Tefillah. They used
their names for the service of Hashem and did their avodah fully during the nine years of the
story of Purim. They were dedicated, hardworking, used their strength, energy, endurance,
commitment, stability, and knew the direction they needed to go in to save the Jews of Purim.
They had the Torah which was their main guiding shining light and made sure to be driving
straight on the road so they can be the best role models for all the Jews of Persia. They were
the leaders of Bnai Yisrael and had to show the rest of the Jews how to travel down the dark
and scary road during Haman’s time.
Mordechai used his knowledge and learning from being on the Sanhedrin, dedication,
commanding the Jewish people to learn Torah and help the Jewish people do teshuva. He
communicated to Queen Esther and to the entire Jewish people of the dangers and matzav of
Haman and the evil decree. Mordechai also had high levels of self-confidence, commitment,
and discipline to Queen Esther, the Jewish people, and to Hashem. He never wavered in his
beliefs and bitachon in Hashem. Mordechai used his MIDOS properly to serve Hashem. He
felt the pain of his fellow Jew and connected to Hashem in accordance and thought about the
Klal. Mordechai knew many languages and could communicate clearly and explain anything
to any layman person. He got in touch with every person and could relate to his fellow man
as he did for another person.
The Jewish people are made of men, women, children, and converts who follow in the
footsteps of Mordechai and Queen Esther, who learnt it from our four fathers Avraham,
Yitzchak, and Yaakov and four mothers of Sara, Rivka, Rachel, and Leah. The fundamental
ideas of Torah, Avodah, Gemulut Chasadim is what being the best Jew is and how Esther
and Mordechai lived their lives and instilled it in us, the Jewish people.
The question we need to ask ourselves each and every day - “Are we the best Pilot of
Hashem?” Are we using the Torah, mitzvos, not using and having our own Ego in the way of

8
severing Hashem? One of the most important aspects of a Pilot is one’s daily learning and
reviewing of the material to know how to fly the plane to be the best pilot. So too, to become
a great Torah Jew, one needs to set aside every day - a time daily of Torah studies. Constant
review and learning Torah makes us the best Torah Jew. To understand this concept, let’s
turn to the following website titled, “Mitzvah 17: Learning and Teaching Torah” by Rabbi
Moshe Goldberger from the website https://torah.org/learning/mitzvah-17/ - on the following:
‫ּובקּו ֶ ּֽמָך׃‬
ְ ָּ֖‫יתָךֶ֙ ּובְ לֶכְ ְתָךָּ֣ בַ ֶ֔ ֶד ֶרְך ּוּֽ בְ שׇׁ כְ בְ ָך‬
ֶֶ֙ ֵ‫” וְ ִׁשנַנְ ָ ָּ֣תם לְ בָ ֶֶ֔ניָך וְ ִׁדבַ ְר ָ ָּ֖ת ָבָּ֑ם בְ ִׁשבְ ְתָךָ֤ בְ ב‬
In English –“Teach them [the words of Torah] to your children. (Devarim 6:7)
One is obligated to develop clarity in Torah study. The Torah uses an unusual word,
‫וְ ִׁשנַנְ ָ ָּ֣תם‬- veshinantam, in the above verse, to teach us that one is obligated to repeat his
learning so that it is clear and precise. No matter whether one is poor or rich, young or old,
ill or well, one is obligated to have a set time for learning, by day and by night (Rambam,
Hilchos Talmud Torah 1:8). One is also obligated to teach his children and grandchildren
Torah (ibid., 1-2). Torah study exceeds all other mitzvos. We need to make Torah study the
most important priority of our daily life. The Rambam (Hilchos Talmud Torah 3:3) ex- plains
that this is because learning leads to fulfillment. Thus, if one has a choice between doing
a mitzvah or studying, he should not interrupt his Torah study if the mitzvah can be done by
others.

Rabbeinu Yonah teaches that when one studies Torah, he should arouse himself to
improve his ways and deeds (Shaarei Teshuvah 2:13). Our primary purpose in life is to study
and know Hashem’s Torah. There is no limit to how much time one should spend on his
studies, since the gain is eternal (Chafetz Chaim, Likutei Halachos, Yoma 34b).

There are six final questions which a person will be asked upon leaving this
world (Shabbos 31a). Three of them relate to Torah study:
A. Did you have a set schedule for daily Torah study?
B. Did you engage in Torah analysis?
C. Did you deduce one lesson from another?

When we hear the Torah reading in shul, we should listen intently and realize that the
words are Hashem’s words to us!”

In another great piece from the website of https://aish.com/27-torah-study-2/, it states the

following title of “The Mitzvah of Torah Study”- “Every Jew must study Torah daily
(Rambam -Talmud Torah 1:8). No matter how busy a person is, he must dedicate some time
for this important undertaking. (Rambam - Talmud Torah 1:9). It is the responsibility of
every Jewish man to know all of the Written and Oral Laws (Shulchan Aruch HaRav -
Hilchot Talmud Torah). Additionally, he is responsible to utilize all of his free time in the
pursuit of understanding God's will (Rambam -Talmud Torah 4:13) Judaism is all about
personal growth and acquiring wisdom. The Torah is our medium for this noble pursuit.

The obligation to study Torah is not limited to the practical laws. Even those sections that
do not directly relate to today's world, and even those that are totally theoretical in nature,
must be studied, as they are expressions of God's will. A woman's obligation to study Torah
is limited to the practical and immediately-pertinent parts of Torah (Rema – Yoreh De’ah
246:6). This provision allows a woman to utilize her own skills in the application of Torah,
and also frees her time to express her natural role as a woman. Every father is obligated to

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teach his son Torah (Rambam -Talmud Torah 1:1). If he is unable to do so himself, he must
hire others to do so (Rambam -Talmud Torah 1:3). Further, it is the obligation of every
Jewish community to ensure that there are proper institutions to teach children Torah
(Rambam -Talmud Torah 2:1).”
This is the fundamental concept of daily Torah study – no matter if one is a Man or a
Woman like Mordechai and Esther? We need to ask ourselves several questions each and
every day and especially - today being Purim? - Does one want to become the best Torah
Jew Pilot? Are we emulating Mordechai and Esther; following the Torah, doing and
performing mitzvos? Are we serving Hashem in the best way possible and living in Kedusha,
Tahara, and purity with a pure mind? Are we being the best eved of Hashem that we are?
These are the questions we need to ask ourselves on this holy day of Purim and every day.
Are we the Torah Pilot to serve Hashem each and every day without ego and living our lives
as a Torah Jew- or we not doing this at all? That this is the main questions one need’s to ask
oneself which is the main point of this Divrie Torah!! Yes there is turbulence, bumps, and
ups and downs, and sometime diversions and plain difficulties when going through life, but
the ultimate goal and direction is to serve Hashem - Period!!!

Let’s start and think how we can be the best Torah pilot of Hashem there is! One
needs to think before one speaks so not to hurt the other person’s feelings and think about the
next person sitting next to you who needs help! Don’t live in your own bubble and have the
horse blinders on and not see what’s around you. Why do people say the most stupid and
silly things that are hurtful, unkind, uncaring, and use insensitive words that are not
necessary? Why can’t people take the extra second and do the right and just action? I know
people come from a good place but the words are insensitive and sometimes hurtful. The
question that needs to be asked: Are you a “Smart Person or a Stupid Person?” It all depends
on how you act and what you do. How does your action affects others and what do you do to
think about others in return is the key question that needs to be answered by you- the reader.
We are not angels but sometime we don’t act not like Hashem wants us to be and be the best
Pilot- Eved of Hashem like Mordechai and Esther showed and taught us. We need to be that
Pilot to go on our flight course, act and be mentchim, and properly follow the Torah,
Avodah, and ultimate goal is to serve Hashem.
We need to learn this amazing concept “HOW TO BE THE BEST TORAH PILOT
OF HASHEM!!” We need to learn this from our role models of Mordechai and Esther, who
acted like true servants of Hashem and who used this in their lives and fought to save the
Jews from Haman’s decree. We need to break the gezer that we have now in our current war
and do this in own OWN LIVES TODAY!!! Let’s start this right now!! May we be zoche
and merit to bring Moshiach very soon and have the ultimate redemption to serve Hashem as
the best Jewish Pilots that we are in the Third and FINAL Beis Hamikdah! AMEN AMEN!!!

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