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Let us take another look at Hashem’s varied and various messengers to implement His decrees. Last week, we spoke about dever, usually translated as pestilence. Rabbi Professor Avraham Steinberg says that dever, as found in Tanach and rabbinic literature, refers to an infectious disease caused by a microorganism, which was identified in 1894 by Dr. Alexander Yersin of the Pasteur Institute. Many connect it to the Bubonic Plague or the Black Death that ravaged Europe in the Middle Ages. The disease includes inflammation and high fever and is transferred with the help of rats.
In Melachim (II, 19:35-36) we learn of the angel who killed 185,000 soldiers of the Assyrian army and saved the besieged city of Jerusalem. Chazal tell us that this miracle happened on the night of Pesach. Who was this angel? Ibn Ezra’s approach is that whenever an angel is described as operating on earth, it is actually referring to a "natural" force that Hashem used to carry out His desire. The prophet, Yeshaya, in prophesying about this plague, spoke of a burning (see Yeshaya 10: 16-18). Chazal (Shemot Rabba 18:5) describe a burning of the inside of their body while their clothes remained intact outside, a description that has similarities to the disease we have referred to.
Of note is the Egyptian tradition, cited by Horoditus (II, 141) and Yosef ben Matityahu (Kadmoniyot X, 17-22), that the plague that killed the Assyrians was brought on by field rats. Combining all the indications, it is possible that both the pestilence in Egypt and the plague of the Assyrians were caused by rats that Hashem sent to afflict the Israelites’ enemies at the time and place that He prescribed. Not only were animals involved, directly, in the plagues of frogs and wild beasts of the Egyptians, but the rats could have been involved, somewhat less directly, in another plague. This fact could also add insight into the name of a prophetess who operated 100 years after the fall of the Assyrian army, Chulda (whose name means, rat).
Let us pray that we will continue to see miracles that Hashem brings for our benefit, which will be very welcome even if Hashem will send them within the framework of natural events.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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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
