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But these are all exceptional events not truly representative of weddings generally. Yet the Talmud again unerringly realistic warns us that there is no wedding without aggravation, frustration and potential disagreement. Knowing this truth going into the wedding planning and ceremony allows one to take defensive measures to minimize problems, smooth out differences and allow the festive mood of the wedding to permeate the time and place of the wedding ceremony. I am always emotionally touched by a wedding because the Torah has taught us that the Jewish people are constructed and perpetuated on the basis of family and home. Nothing takes precedence over the importance of family - not career or education, wealth and seeming worldly opportunities. The count of the Jewish people in the Torah is always by family and in fact Jewish tradition forbids counting Jews directly as individuals. So a wedding confirms our continuity and growth and is a symbol of belief in the future and optimism in our personal and national lives. The rabbis of the Talmud placed great store in helping the bride and groom rejoice on their wedding night. Singing, dancing, music (I am not convinced that they had the deafening volume now employed at many weddings in mind) clapping of hands, etc. are all part of this joyful time. The Talmud even teaches us the wicked queen Izevel, the wife of Achav and an idolater and tyrant was rewarded for clapping her hands and dancing at weddings in that the dogs that tore her body apart left her hands and feet untouched. God’s justice is exact and exacting
Being a participant in a wedding of a child, sibling or grandchild is certainly a special privilege and occasion. Then one witnesses the continuity of one’s own family and senses the immortality within us that enables one to see beyond the grave. One wishes the best for the young couple though one always realizes that problems, difficulties, adjustments, and challenges await every family in life. Yet there is a sense of serenity and hope present at a wedding for the union of a man and woman in matrimony is a Godly ordinance, the basis of all human life and civilization. The blessings that are recited at the wedding ceremony and feast confirm this view of the event. The Lord Himself, so to speak, confirms this new union of man and woman as He did the original marriage of original man and woman, Adam and Chava in the Garden of Eden. God, so to speak, is one of the many invited guests at all Jewish weddings where these blessings are recited. It is His presence, so to speak that elevates the entire ceremony and feast into a holy and joyful occasion. For the wedding ceremony and accompanying feast and merrymaking show us that the new couple now carries a whiff of eternity with them into their new lives together. June is certainly a happy month for it brings with it the gift of weddings and everything holy and wonderful that they represent.
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)
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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)
