Parshios Netzavim & Vayeilech

The Spiritual Environment

"I can't believe that you spent so much time watching that wrestling show!! You always were so frustrated because it was so dumb and phony!!"

"After I watched it with the gang a few times, I guess it became entertaining."

Hashem tell Moshe and Bnai Yisrael that after we enter Israel "You will have seen their (the nations in the land of Israel) abominable things, their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold... and some of you who will serve the gods of these nations..." (Divorim 29:16-17) If we thought that they were "abominable", why would any Jew eventually worship it? The Brisker Rav said that this is the result of familiarity. First you think it is abominable, then it's an idol, then it seems like wood and stone, and ultimately you think it's silver and gold!! Never think that you aren't affected by your environment and by what you see!!

Even though subtle advertising taught you that your whole toothbrush needs to be filled with toothpaste, a pea's worth is sufficient !!

Have a great Shabbos !!

Rabbi Chaim Flom