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Yitzchok Was An Elder

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Zaw Qayn Yitzchok ©


Elder Yitzchok Was An Elder • Yitzchok Was An Old Man • Yitzchok Was A Grand Father


By Dr. Akiva Gamliel Belk


Our Devri Torah is in the loving Memory of Mr. Donald Wayne Belk and Mr. Gary Lee Belk, may they rest in peace.


Parshat Toldot

Bereisheit [Genesis] 25.19 - 28.9


In Perek Kuf Zayin {Chapter 27}Passuk Aleph {Verse one}  notice words three and four,  qj;x]yI ˆqez... {Zaw Qayn Yitzchok} meaning Isaac was an Elder, Yitzchok was an old man and Yitzchok was a grandfather through Eisov.


Yitzchok was a grandfather through Eisov. {Yaakov had no children at this time}.  Ha Torah Records that Eisov had a son, Eliphaz, through Adah {aka Bosmat}.  Bosmat burned incense to idols.  Rabbi Avrohom Davis / Rabbi Avrohom Kleinkaufman, The Metsudah Chumash / Rashi (Hoboken, NJ: KTAV Publishing House, Inc. 1993) p404 He had three sons through Yehudit, Yeush, Yalom and Korach.  Later Eisov married Bosmat, the daughter of Yishmael.   Bosmat bore Eisov a son, Reueil.  From a historical perspective the marriage to Bosmat, daughter of Yishmael had not take place yet.


The fifth word in Passuk Aleph is ˆ'yh,k]Tiwæ {Vah Tee Chih Heh Naw}  meaning [Yitzchok's] eyesight had faded.   Our sages question, why had Yitzchok's eyesight faded? They give three comments.

-  He gazed upon the likeness of the wicked Eisov...

-  He ate his catches [trappings], and it is written, 'For bribery blinds the clear-sighted.'

-  [Adah and Yehudit] were a source of spiritual provocation to Yitzchok and Rivkah, Bereisheit 26.34-35. The very next verse [27.1] states,  'His Eyesight dimmed.' because of the aggravation Eisov caused him. [What was the aggravation?] The Divine Presence always rested in the house of Yitzchok.  But when Eisov married these two Canaanite women, they would burn incense offerings to the p51 idol gods.  And this caused the Divine Spirit to depart from Yitzchok. Avrohom Davis, Metsudah Midrash Tanchuma Bereishis 1 (Monsey, NY Eastern Book Press Inc. 2005) pp51,52


As noted above these two evil women bore four sons to Eisov.  Our sages Teach that when Yaakov fled from his brother Eisov that Eisov sent his son Elifaz to kill Yaakov, his uncle.  Elifaz overtook Yaakov.  Owing, however, ti the influence of the teachings of Isaac, which he had imbibed, he forbore to do this, as a compromise, in order not to disobey his father wholly, he deprived Jacob of all his possessions. Rabbi Dr. H. Freedman, Midrash Rabba Deuteronomy (New York, NY: The Soncino Press 1983) - p 47 


Yitzchok was an old man.  He was 122 / 123 years of age.  I discussed this a few years back {5760} in a Devri Torah entitled, 'Walking In Yitzchok's Revelation'.  There I stated, Eisov was at the age of 62 when Yitzchok called him saying, 'My son...Behold, if you please, I am old. I do not know the day of my death. Now {therefore} please take your sword and your bow. Go out to the field and trap a tasty dish for me, the way I like it, and bring it to me that I may eat, so that my soul will bless you before I die.'


What brought this on? Yitzchok was 122. He would live for another fifty-eight years. He was now approaching the age {127} when his mother Sarah died. R. Yehoshua B. Korcho said, 'When a person nears the age {of the death} of his parents he should be concerned five years before and five afterwards.' Rabbi Yisrael Isser Zvi Herczeg, The Sapirstein Edition Rashi Bereisheit / Genesis {Brooklyn, New York: Mesorah Publications, Ltd. First Edition 10th impression 2007}, p 291


Yitzchok was an Elder. The Words  qj;x]yI ˆqez... {Zaw Qayn Yitzchok} meaning Isaac was an Elder take on special meaning. The Gematria of qj;x]yI ˆqez... is 365.  

365 = q100 j8 x90 y10  ˆ50 q100 z

Why is the number 365 significant?

Yitzchok was an Elder equals 365 Gematria.

There are 365 prohibitive Mitzvot of Ha Torah.

There are 365 day in a solar year. 


Certainly one is cautioned daily not to transgress the Mitzvot of Ha Torah.  In addition to this we learn Ha Torah makes a distinction between Yitzchok and Eisov. Ha Torah Describes Yitzchok as a well seasoned Elder with the words, qj;x]yI ˆqez....  In this same Perek of Ha Torah, {Bereisheit 27.41 - first word}  Describes Eisov as µfoc]yiwæ {Vah Yees Tohm} meaning an he [Eisov] hates [Yaakov his twin brother].  The Gematria of  µfoc]yiwæ is 365.

365 = µ40 f9 c300 y10 w6

We observe that Eisov was Yitzchok's beginning.  The first one to come out of the womb was Eisov... And after that his brother [Yaakov]... Bereisheit 25.25,26.  So we can say Yaakov was ynivehæ {Hah Shay Nee}meaning the second [son to be born].  The Gematria of ynivehæ is 365.

365 = y10 n50v300h5

Eisov was the first part of Yitzchok's life.  Eisov had two wives at that time and four sons.  Later Eisov had three wives and five sons.  Later on in Yitzchok's life was Yaakov. Yaakov was the second part of Yitzchok's life.  Yaakov had four wives and twelve sons.  Later Yaakov took Yoseif's sons Ephraim and Menasheh to be his, Bereisheit 48.5.  They each receive a portion with Yaakov's other sons.  This mean Yoseif received a double portion.


Iyov states in Ha Tenach, Though your beginning was insignificant, your end will flourish greatly, Iyov 8.7.  Midrash Tanchuma says, This refers to Moshe.  Avrohom Davis, Metsudah Midrash Tanchuma Bereishis 1 (Monsey, NY Eastern Book Press Inc. 2005) p27  Later the Midrash says, Thus, the verse, 'though your beginning was insignificant.' refers to Avrohom. 'Your end will flourish greatly,' refers to the fact that he remarried and had many children in his later years... ibid p29


The argument can be made that the Passuk in Iyov refers to Yitzchok also. 'Though your beginning was insignificant' is representative of  Eisov who had three wives and five sons.  And 'your end will flourish greatly,' refers to Yaakov who had four wives and fourteen sons.  One could also argue that Eisov studied Ha Torah barely until the age of fifteen but Yaakov studied Ha Torah all his life.  Eisov did not teach Ha Torah to his children.  Yaakov taught Ha Torah to his children.


So Yitzchok was an Elder.   Being a Zaw Qayn, an Elder does not mean one has does not have issues with their children.  Look at Yitzchok.  One is deeply affected by their children and grandchildren.  Yitzchok rose above his disappointment in Eisov.  Yitzchok rose above his disappointment of Eisov's idol worshiping wives.  Yitzchok rose above his naughty grandchildren.  Ha Torah Records this accomplishment by The Words  qj;x]yI ˆqez... {Zaw Qayn Yitzchok} meaning Isaac was an Elder.

May each of us rise above the turmoil surrounding us to reach the level of Yitzchok.


Blessings and peace,


Dr. Akiva Gamliel


By Dr. Akiva Gamliel Belk 


Our Devri Torah is in the loving Memory of Mr. Donald Wayne Belk and Mr. Gary Lee Belk, may they rest in peace.


Parshat Chayei Sarah

 Bereisheit [Genesis] 23.1 - 25.18


Our Parshat begins with these three Words hr:c;  yy´j Wyh]yiwæ Vah Yeeh Yoo - Chah Yay Sarah {And it was the lifetime of Sarah}.  One should inquire, What was the lifetime of Sarah?  In so doing they would find these three words reveal rich treasures.  The Gematria of Vah Yeeh Yoo - Chah Yay Sarah is 570.  Why is 570 so special?  


570 = h5 r200 c300     -     y10 y10 j8      -     w6 y10 h5 y10 w6

570 =  r200 v300 [70

570 =  ˆ50 y10 [70    µ40 m40  ˆ50 y10 v300

570 =  r200 [70 v300

570 =   [70 v300 r200

570 =   [70 r200    -    r200 x90 y10

570 =  r200 v300 n50 k20

570 =  µ40 y10 q100 w6 y10 j8 - ˚20 l30 m40  ˆ50 y10 n50 p80 l30  y10 n50 a1 h5 d4 w6 m40


First 570 represents what the lifetime of Sarah our Matriarch was.  Sarah Emeinu, our mother's, lifetime was one of great wealth.   Sarah Emeinu's life was filled with richness.  How do we know this? rvæ[; Aw Shahr means to be rich.  Aw Shahr is the Gematria 570.   So the Gematria of the  entire lifetime of Sarah Emeinu  and the Gematria to be rich equals both are 570.  From this Mysticism we learn that every second of Sarah Emeinu's life was one of wealth.  Every second of Sarah Emeinue's life was one of richness. 


Shlomo Ha Melech  [King Soloman] said in Mishlei [Proverbs] 31.10 An accomplished woman [wife] who can find?  Far beyond [rich] pearls is her value.


Our sages Teach Sarah's tent was Sarah's Temple.  Sarah Emeinue brought Holiness into her home. Her home was no ordinary tent.  It had extraordinary qualities: A cloud [the Shechinah] of Holiness [resting over it], doors which proclaimed their openness to all passers-by, a blessing in her dough, a Shabbath lamp that remained lit all week long.  These miracles were not Abraham's doing; they ceased with Sarah's death.  Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz and Rabbi Nosson Scherman, The Artscroll Tanach Series - Bereishis Vol. I(b) (Brooklyn, New York: Mesorah Publications, Ltd. 3rd Impression, 1989), p 832


The Shechinah over Sarah's Home represented that this was a holy home.  G-d's Presence Rested over it.   The home was protected!  There were special blessings of satisfaction in Sarah's dough that flowed out to the entire community.   Just as the bread of the Bet HaMikdosh {the Holy Temple} Brought prosperity and abundance to B'nei Yisroel so did Sarah's bread.  Sarah's Shabbat candles represented spiritual growth that would begin with each Erev Shabbat and last all week.   When Sarah Emeinu died all of these vanished.  With Sara's death the Cloud of Glory over the tent vanished, the blessing in the dough ceased, and the candle that had burnt in the tent from one Erev Shabbas to the next was extinguished.  Rabbi Moshe Weissman, The Midrash Says (Brooklyn, New York:  Benei Yakov Publications 1980), p. 210  


You find that as long as Sarah lived a cloud hung over her tent; when she died, that cloud disappeared; but when Rebekah came, it returned.  As long as Sarah lived, her doors were wide open; at her death liberality ceased; but when Rebekah came, the openhandedness returned.  As long as Sarah lived, there was blessing on her dough, and the lamp used to burn from the evening of the Shabbath until the evening of the following Shabbath; when she died, these ceased, but when Rebekah came they returned.  Rabbi Dr. H. Freedman, Midrash Rabba Genesis II (New York, NY: The Soncino Press 1983) p 538


Within Gematria there is a particular mysticism known as Gematria Miluy in which one totals all the normal Gematria Letters in a word or phrase.  Such is the instance with the Word Shema {Hear}. This reveals the wealth of Sarah's prophecy. Notice the seventeenth Hebrew Word of Bereisheit [Genesis] 21.12.  It is [mæv] Shih Mah.  Rashi points out that it is from this Passuk of Ha Torah that we learn Avraham was inferior to Sarah with regard to prophecy.  Rabbi Avrohom Davis / Rabbi Avrohom Kleinkaufman, The Metsudah Chumash / Rashi (Hoboken, NJ: KTAV Publishing House, Inc. 1993) p221


The entire spelling for [mæv] Shih Mah is ˆy[ µm ˆyv.  The Gematria for the Miluy of Shema is 570.  Here we observe the wealth of Sarah's prophecy.  


The life of Sarah Emeinu was a lifetime of paying her tenth to Shem the son of Noach {Noah} who was a Kohen {a Priest} of the Most High Alm-ghty and who was also known as Malki Tzedek {King of Righteousness}. Rabbi Yisrael Isser Zvi Herczeg, The Sapirstein Edition Rashi Bereisheit / Genesis {Brooklyn, New York: Mesorah Publications, Ltd. First Edition 10th impression 2007}, p 139


How do we know this?  Shem was the head of the tribe that Avraham belonged to.  As head of the tribe he was a priest. Who does one pay their tithes to? A Kohan {a Priest} of the Most High G-d!  Today in place of a Priest we pay tithes to good organizations and good causes.  Yet the point is that we are supposed to pay tithes.  rcæ[; Aw Sar means to tithe to pay a tenth.  The Gematria of Aw Sar is 570.  Sarah Emeinu paid tithes all her lifetime!  She set a good example for all her children to follow!


There are many other Gematrias that relate the wealth of Sarah Emeinu.  She kept evil away from her door.  Shlomo Ha Melech writes in Mishlei {Proverbs} 31.31 Let her be praised in the µyri[;v] Vah Shih Aw Ree {gates} by her very own deeds!  Vah Shih Aw Ree  is plural for Shah Ahr {gate}.  Shah Ahr is the Gematria 570.  We know that Sarah Emeinu's home was holy!  Holiness began at the gate entrance to Sarah's tent area. Remember G-d Instructed Kayin {Cain} Sin is crouching at your door, Bereisheit 4.7.  We must keep the [v;r... Raw Shaw evil at a distance.  The Message G-d Was Giving to Kayin is the same message for all of us. Keep the Raw Shaw outside of our Temple!   Be aware that the Raw Shaw is waiting outside our Temple to try and pounce on us, G-d Forbid!  Our mother Sarah, was successful in keeping the evil checked at the gate entrance.  The Gematria for Raw Shaw is 570. Sarah kept her [r...  rx,ye Yay Tzehr Raw in check.  Our sages teach that Sarah was perfect!  The only way Sarah Emeinu could be perfect was to have a firm control on her evil inclination!   This she did!  This is all a part of the wealth of Sarah.  She soared on wings like eagle Isaiah 40.31.  rv,n≤K] Cih Neh Shehr, Like an eagle she stirred her nest hovering over her young, Devarim 32.11.  Sarah was all of these Gematrias in one.  Then Sarah prayed!  She begin her day with prayer.  µy...qæw" yjæ ˚l≤m, ˚'yn≤p,l] yniaæ hd≤wm... And the vast wealth of Sarah goes on and on.  Avraham in part was great because of Sarah!


May every lady merit to be like Sarah and may every husband merit a wife like Sarah!


Blessings and peace,


Dr. Akiva Gamliel


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Wealth - The Value of Hashem As A Friend! ©


By Dr. Akiva Gamliel Belk


Parshat Vayeira

 Bereisheit [Genesis] 18.1 - 22.24


Our Devri Torah is in the loving Memory of Mrs Ethel Channah Sakash Belk, may she rest in peace.


Our Parshat begins with the word ar:yEwæ {and He Appeared [spiritually]. 

Who appeared?  Hashem, Who is the Creator of everything.  


Who did Hashem Appear to? Avraham.  


Why did Hashem Appear to Avraham?  It was the third day after Avraham's Brit Milah, Circumcision.  Hashem Was Making a house call on his friend, Avraham.  Hashem was checking on Avraham to see how he was.


How is it that Avraham is known as the Friend of Hashem?  


Our sages teach that certain Letters in Ha Torah maybe interchange with each other Letters.  The Aleph [ a] the first Letter  of the Aleph Bet {the Hebrew Alphabet} and Ayin [[] the sixteenth Letter maybe interchanged with each other.   Let's consider the word Vayeira. The word Vayeira  is an abbreviated spelling of Raw Awh [ha;r:].

Raw Awh means to see, to look, to view, to appear, etc.    Abbreviated spellings are common in Ha Torah.    When the Letter Aleph [ a] is exchanged with the Letter Ayin [[] the word becomes Ray Eh [h[≤re].  Ray Eh means friend or companion.   So by exchanging the Letters  Aleph [ a]  with Ayin [[] we learn that Hashem was a friend of Avraham.  Hashem Created everything that was created.  Hashem is wealthy!  Hashem is owner of everything.  Yet, Hashem Appears to Avraham.  Hashem Honors Avraham.  What does this say?  Hashem is truly a Friend.  Why do we say Hashem is Truly a Friend?  Avraham is a very wealthy by earths standards yet in the shadow of Hashem. Avraham is extremely poor.  Hashem Has much to attend too.  Why would Hashem concern Himself with Avraham?  It is to teach us that Hashem is NOT like humans who are wealthy.  Hashem Stands by us rather we are rich or poor. Shlomo Ha Malech [King Solomon] said, Wealth brings many friends, but a poor man's friends dessert him. Proverbs 19.4  Hashem Does Not dessert us even in our time of sickness.  In fact Hashem Pays more attention to us when we are sick... when we have troubles... when we stumble...  It is Hashem that picks us up!  So who can estimate the value of Hashem's Friendship?  A truly wealth person is one who has Hashem as a Friend.


We began by saying He Appeared Spiritually.  What does it mean to appear Spiritually?  What is Spiritual?  We know that Hashem is Spirit.  We know that His Spirit can be felt.  We know His Spirit can be heard. We know His Spirit cannot be seen. {see Bereisheit 6.3  Hashem Said, My Spirit...; Shoftim [Judges] 3.10 The Spirit of Hashem  Came Upon him...   Shemot [Exodus] 6.13 Hashem Spoke to Moshe and Aaron... [Adam and Chavah / Eve heard the Voice of Hashem G-d moving / walking  in the Garden of Eden... Bereisheit 3.8 }


So How Did Hashem Appear to Avraham?  The Gematria of  Raw Awh [ha;r:] and Daw Vawr  [rb;d...] are each 206. 

Daw Vawr [rb;d...] means Word, Speech.  Hashem Appeared to Avraham spiritually through words through speech.


206 = h5 a1 r200 

206 = r200 b2 d4

Blessings and peace,


Dr. Akiva Gamliel


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