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This week in the modern State of Israel, the Pope of Rome is coming to visit. All visits of popes to Israel - I believe that Benedict is the fourth prelate to do so - arouse great interest and an undercurrent of controversy. The Vatican has not been a traditional friend of the Jewish people over its long history - to put the case in its mildest form possible. Nevertheless it is an occasion of note to realize that the Vatican actually recognizes the State of Israel as a legitimate nation - something which most of the Moslem world has yet to do - and has gone to some lengths to attempt to rectify its teachings, liturgy and theology regarding the Jews. The revelations after the Holocaust, the apparent silent complicity of the Vatican and its then pope Pius XII, and the emergence of a more liberal strain within Catholicism on many issues have all contributed to a new interaction between Jews and the Vatican. The Church elevated us to the status of "elder brother," officially stopped specific missionary activities against Jews, and has attempted what in its eyes is an even handed policy towards the State of Israel. The Church certainly has a long way to go to make proper amends for its brutal behavior towards Jews over the centuries but it is clear to any unbiased observer that the attitude of the Church towards Jews today is the most benign that it has ever been in its long history. The mere presence of the Pope in Israel this week is an event that should be appreciated for its historical significance.
The Pope will undoubtedly notice the smoky haze over Jerusalem on Lag B’omer. His retinue of advisers and experts may have already explained to him why this peculiar event of bonfires is occurring. But to me there is a symbolism in the confluence of the Pope’s visit and Lag B’omer. The Church absorbed the Roman Empire within its culture, ritual and society. The Jews continued to battle against Roman culture, practices and ways long after they were seemingly defeated by Hadrian and his legions. There are no pilgrimages to the grave of Hadrian. What is truly vital and long lasting within Church doctrine is what is borrowed and adapted from Judaism. The Pope’s visit here in Israel this week vindicates this truth. Our ancestors who lived in the dark exile of millennia under Church domination would be amazed and wondrous that the Pope of Rome is making an official visit to Jewish Jerusalem and Israel. As we do with all of the wondrous historical events that surround the return of the Jewish people to their rightful homeland we take the Pope’s visit in stride as being somehow at worst a nuisance - the traffic in Jerusalem will be unbearable during his visit - and at best a gesture of true historic good will and reconciliation. The words of the prophets of Israel that many nations will come to Jerusalem to seek God and His spiritual sustenance continue to resonate in our world in spite of all of the dangers and problems that surround us.
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)
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: 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)
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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
