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Beit Midrash
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Springs in and around Yerushalayim have a very central place in the description of events at the time that Mashiach comes. Yoel (4:18), Yechezkel (47:1), and Zecharya (14:8) all speak of water flowing out of the Beit Hamikdash. Because of all of this importance of water for spiritual as well as physical reasons in this area, any discovery of a water source is a matter of great excitement for those who love Yerushalayim and its past and future history.
A big problem has perplexed the experts on the geography of Tanach. In the area of Yerushalayim of David Hamelech’s time, there is only one spring, the Gichon that spills out into the Shiloach pool, and this is what is described as the water source at the time of Chizkiyahu (Divrei Hayamim II, 32:30). Ein Rogel is not found in our days, yet it must have been in the same area so central to the history of the time, as Adoniyahu and his party heard the exuberance of the people at Shlomo’s coronation. The best guess is that Ein Rogel ceased functioning as a result of the great earthquake at the time of Uziyahu. Some experts assume that its water can now be found at Bir Iyov, an ancient pool of water not far from the Gichon.
Rashi and the Radak, based on the Targum Yonatan say that Ein Rogel was a place where laundering was done (as one uses the legs (regel) to clean some fabrics). Indeed we find a laundering pool as the meeting place of a prophet and king (Yeshaya 7:3), perhaps suggesting that Ein Rogel lived on in some way.
We will end off with the interesting findings of an engineer named Koznitz, who spent many years researching the Western Wall tunnels. He tried to identify the waters that are most appropriate to use for laundering in this region, which has to do with the pH. His finding was that the Gichon has the most suitable water, which convinced him that what we presently call the Gichon is actually Ein Rogel. His sharp idea and surprising conclusion do not solve the riddle, but they do add even more mystery to the elusive identity of these precious water sources, with all of their historical significance about the past and the future. Let us pray that the spring that serves as a harbinger to the final redemption will be revealed soon and give water on the Temple Mount, reaching and touching the lives of many.
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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.
