the daily bang | movies that bang | music that bangs | books that bang | forwards that bang | kosher top 10 | apartments that bang | home

Chidushay Bang:

It's Raining Mun, Hallelukah
seth galena

Unlikely Savior or Brady Bunch Father
avi korn

Who know's 8?
Ethan Eisenberg

Where's the beef on Chanukah?
Myles Brody

Rushing into Greek Week
avi korn

Shabbos Reinforcement
by R' Michael Zauderer

Shmini Atzeret: Shavuot II
by Avi Korn

Succos: Sleepin' in the Succah
by Steve Wind

Parshat Ki Tavo: Use the Force!
by Steve Thompson

Parshat Ki Taysay: How To Treat a Woman Right!
by Lisa Seligsohn

Parshat Shoftim: VH1 Behind the Avairah
by Uri Korn

Parshat Dvarim: UNITY
by Avi Korn

The UWS Survival Dvar Torah
by Avi Korn

Parshat Chukat: THE ROCK!
by Rivka Friedman

Do the Rite Thing
by Adam "the Katzker" Katz

Jerusalem, I Hardly Know Him!
by R' Michael Zauderer

Press Your Luck
by Danny Fax

Saying Parshas haMun this week

Bang the Rabbi, "Shabbangitout Shalom" Series, Presents:

Parshat Beshalach:
It's Raining Mun, Hallelukah

by unemployed and available correspondent, seth galena

The famous metaphor, found documented in every Artscroll sefer ever written, and heard in at least a dozen times at NCSY kumzitzes, goes that there was once a man who everyday would pray to God to let him win the lottery. For years he would plead to G-d to grant his one wish...but to no avail. Finally, he confronts God and says with all his might "Please God - let me win the lottery!"...And at that moment the heavens open up, and amongst all the thunder and lightening (See 'The Ten Commandments' the movie for the visual) and the voice of God calls out saying, "Buyyyyy a ticckkkkket!" Ok, it's funnier when a jolly overweight rabbi tells it, but you get the point

Interestingly enough, there is a unique Jewish custom that states that one searching for financial success should recite the portion of the Torah about the 'mun raining from heaven' specifically during this week (Parshat Beshalach, on Yom Shleeshi, Tuesday) to be granted this wish. This portion of the parsha, where G-d supplies the Jewish nation with mun, the end-all-be-all food (in Willie Wonka Fashion), is a testimony to the fact that all our sustenance and lively hood in this world comes from God above. But obviously, it's not just automatic where you recite some chapter and you become the next Publisher's ClearingHouse Millionaire. As Rabbi Allen Schwartz of OZ pointed out, this is only a segulah for parnasah, and just like in the story above, we must put in some effort, true amaylus and hishtadlus, before God can intervene. Hard work, accompanied with uncompromising faith in God's help, will bring you to successful results and hopefully, as Indiana Jones puts it, "Fortune and glory."

But it all starts with us taking the first step.

Nachshon Ben Aminadav is a clear illustration of this idea of taking the first step. Only after Nachshon puts in his full effort (the water up to his chin) does God bless his leap, (or lap) of faith into the Sea of Reeds by splitting the waters for the entire Jewish nation. His reliance on G-d did not negate his responsibility to take action in this time of need. He did everything he possibly could do, and that's all Hashem asked of him. Put in your hishtadlus, the lesson is learned, and believe that Hashem will make it all work out.

The Jews knew this lesson the second they left Egypt, as the parsha includes that they left "Va'Chamushim", armed and ready to defend themselves. Even though they had God with them, they reacted in a natural manner, not relying on miracles until it was absolutely necessary.

So this week, when you get a free moment try and say the Parshas haMun. And if you are unemployed (as I am), get off the couch, shave and maybe send out a resume or two. It couldn't hurt. (You could also try and buy a lotto ticket!) The obvious progression of this idea of making the first move would be to datingbut that is a dvar Torah for OZ shalosh seudos.

Peace, Seth

send comments about this article to seth galena

Bang the Rabbi

Bang Home

Readers Comments: