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Beit Midrash
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Bringing children into the world is a statement of faith and hope in the Jewish future. Even in our day every Jewish child that is born in our country or in the Diaspora represents a declaration of faith and hope for the future well being of our people and the world generally. Children are also a declaration that one does not live only for one’s self. The entire idea of selflessness and responsibility one for another is based on children and family. Parents care for and raise children and children care for and help their parents later in life. The statement of Rabi Akiva that the great rule of the Torah is "to love others as you love yourself" begins with family and children. And it has always been the righteous women of Israel, our wives, mothers and daughters that have epitomized this highest of all standards of human behavior. In a cold and dark world that is often cruel if not even murderous, the women of Israel in Egypt - the great midwives. Shifra and Puah - stood for humane behavior and Godly virtues. They helped Jewish children live and survive. It is therefore no wonder that Jewish tradition places the credit for our freedom from Egyptian bondage at their feet. The Torah links its imperative "to choose life" with the other imperative of "reviving, saving and helping children live." Whereas in the animal world the offspring are abandoned by the parents after a period of time in human culture a child always remains one’s child till the end of life itself. Because that child represents all of one’s hopes and accomplishments in this world and in immortality as well.
Our society today has made great strides in improving the status of women. There still is a long way to go but there is no comparison in terms of education, professions, mobility and opportunity of women’s rights today as what was available even a few short decades ago. This is true in the religious society of the Jewish people today as well. Our great grandmothers in Eastern Europe may have been in the main illiterate but our daughters and granddaughters are biblical scholars, physicians, professors and educators. What a boon this has been to Jewish life and its richness of thought and knowledge. Again the righteousness of our women is not only measured in their ritual piety, necessary as that is for Jewish continuity, but in their vast influence and spirit which has so enriched our current society. From the women of Israel in Egypt to Devorah, Hulda, Esther, Dona Gracia Beatrice Mendez, Sarah Schnirer and our own mothers, wives and daughters the spirit of Israel has been nurtured by the optimism and sacrifice of Jewish women. It is they that provide much merit for our ultimate redemption and freedom. So the story of the Exodus from Egypt repeats itself in this fashion in our days as well. And so may it be.
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
