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When Hashem contemplated destroying Am Yisrael, Moshe rose to the occasion, willing to sacrifice his interests to save them. The pasuk says: "If You will bear their sin; and if not, erase me from the book that You wrote" (ibid. 32:32). Our parasha also relates that when Moshe came down from the mountain, his face glowed (ibid. 34: 29, 35). Let us now summarize the historical progression of the time. Moshe began his leadership of Bnei Yisrael in Egypt while they were still slaves. The first step in their liberation was to convince Paroh to give them a weekly day of rest - on Shabbat. This was not merely a respite from work but a break from physicality, enabling them to concentrate on spirituality. Upon becoming leader, Moshe actually became "a slave to the holy nation." He thereby taught the nation the notion that pushing off personal needs for the needs of the collective is uplifting. The height of Moshe’s servitude to the nation is what we mentioned, that he was willing to be wiped out of Hashem’s book on the people’s behalf.
The first commandment about Shabbat came after the Torah was given at Sinai, and it gave a spiritual significance to the exodus. However, the sin of the Golden Calf, which was the wrong type of servitude, put into question the centrality of spirituality in the nation’s life. Moshe’s willingness to sacrifice ensured Hashem’s forgiveness. First, his shining countenance was a sign to all that he was a trustworthy servant. Also, Bnei Yisrael received again the gift of Shabbat, which was accompanied in the second tablets with the command of shamor (guard).
We now return to the Shabbat tefilla. "Moshe will rejoice with the giving of his portion (the gift of the original Shabbat in Egypt and his acceptance of his mission), for a trustworthy servant (of the nation) You called him; a crown of grandeur You gave to him (the shining face), when he stood before You at Mount Sinai (begging for the nation’s survival); two tablets of stone he brought down in his hand (the second tablets), and it was written in them the guarding of Shabbat ("guard the day of Shabbat")."
May we merit again leaders who resemble the trustworthy servant, Moshe. Let us also remember that Shabbat is our liberation from the enslavement to a variety of Golden Calves.
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)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Rabbis in Midrash
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
