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Beit Midrash
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Let us take a look at what "set off" Moshe. The people complained that they lacked meat, even though they had an ample supply of manna. On one hand, the stakes were lower compared to some of the other episodes where Moshe showed strong leadership. However, this may have been the problem. Moshe rose to the occasion to fight for real issues: to save the lives of the people, to fight idolatry and defection from Hashem’s plan for the nation, etc. In this case, the matter was just dealing with human frailties, i.e., the desire for meat instead of manna. The man of G-d found it hard to deal with the disrespectful "kvetching" of people on such a mundane matter.
This idea may explain the analogy Moshe picked. A nursing mother wants nothing more than to feed her child. Yet sometimes the baby feels hungry and becomes impatient with his mother. A whimper would suffice to bring the mother to fulfill his desires, but instead he may cry inconsolably for what he wants, until he is not even able to enjoy it when his mother is ready. It is a rebellion without a cause. A baby does it in one way; a nation, including Bnei Yisrael, will have a more sophisticated type of tantrum. This was a human frailty that Moshe had trouble dealing with.
It is interesting how Hashem answered Moshe. As Moshe did not want to continue alone, Hashem had him find 70 people who were "elders of the nation and its task masters" (ibid.:16). Rashi points out that these were men who received lashes instead of Bnei Yisrael when the latter were unable to finish the unreasonable work Pharaoh had decreed upon them. They had given of themselves for the people in a matter that showed sensitivity to their brethren’s pain. Why should they get hit, especially when some of Jews probably did not pull their weight to the maximum? They were simply people who were sensitive to the suffering of others who lacked the backbone to absorb difficulties as they did. While Moshe also showed his sensitivity, he needed partners in this regard.
Leadership requires more than heroic acts and visionary shepherding. There is also a need for those who understand the way the simple person feels and are willing to deal with the pain that accompanies human frailty.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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)
