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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Bamidbar
Judaism is built primarily on the tradition from the fathers (see Kuzari 1:25). "Ask your father and he will tell you" (Devarim 32:7). The mitzva to honor parents is a special mitzva that is a foundation for all of Judaism. By respecting our parents, we strengthen the knowledge that we are not beginning from scratch, but rather that we have a chain of inheritance. We inherit philosophies and characteristics even when we do not recognize that this has happened. The Rambam (Igeret Teiman) writes that when the Torah says about Moshe, "and even in you they will believe forever," this indicates that at the revelation at Sinai, Israel received a permanent feeling of belief. This goes so far that whoever does not have such a feeling can be suspected of not being a descendant of those who stood before Sinai.
On one hand, there is a need for "number of names," that each person has his own independent value. On the other hand, he is still identified according to his family. Everyone has to add his own contribution, but he does so as a continuation of his predecessors. This is the idea of "each man by his encampment and each man by his flag" (Bamidbar 1:52). It is important to encourage family traditions: joint singing of zemirot around the Shabbat table, special tunes for seder night, etc. These old things are important, like inserting new things, especially those that can catch on and last.
Along with the spirit of renewal, an irreverence for that which is a relic of the past has developed. This haughtiness brings on a trivialization of a tradition of life that was developed over many generations and an erasure of history. People do not bother to learn the inner strengths that pushed the nation to survive over generations.
When Bilam saw Bnei Yisrael, he said: "From the tops of mountains I saw them" (Bamidbar 23:9), which refers to the patriarchs and matriarchs (Rashi, ad loc.). Chazal tell us that the Divine Presence dwells in Israel only when there are families whose lineage is clear (Kiddushin 70b). Some people want to give us "new Torahs," but they need to know what the Rambam taught us, that our Torah will not be switched. Rather, we should "look at the Torah every day as if it were new" (Rashi, Devarim 26:16). Several modern forms of idol worship have already passed from the world: worship of utopian societies, worship of the State. All of the non-Torah utopias are slowly disappearing. Only that which continues from the past on to the future is steady.
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)
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.
