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The Talmud teaches us that the current names of the months of the Jewish calendar year are Babylonian in origin, brought into Jewish society by the return of Ezra at the beginning of the Second Commonwealth. Yet the name of the month of Av has a distinctly Hebrew ring to it. Av in Hebrew means father, head or leader. It also intimates strength and greatness. The Talmud teaches us that it also implies that there are "toldot" - descendants - consequences if you will that inescapably derive from the presence of an "av." As such it appears to me that this month is therefore most aptly named and called. For the events commemorated in this month have had major effect upon Jewish and world history. And the "descendants" of Av continue to influence our national and personal existence even through today. The Talmud again reminds us that the absence of the Temples and Jewish control over the Land of Israel, the state of rootlessness and alienation that exile foisted upon the Jewish people for many centuries has even changed the physical and emotional environment of our world society. The tastes of foods, the aroma of flowers, the laughter of humans all were changed and somehow diminished by the destruction of the Temples and the exile of the Jewish people from the Land of Israel. In these respects as well as in many others, Av became and remains the most consequential month of the Jewish calendar year. It is the month that casts the longest shadow of all over Jewish life and history.
The rabbis taught us that those who are able to truly feel the loss of the Temples and Jerusalem within their hearts, whose mourning on their destruction is heartfelt and genuine and not merely externally expressed and pro forma, are privileged to see the other side of the month of Av in its consoling comfort and promise of redemption and better times. This ambivalence of feeling, a deep sense of loss combined with a sense of soaring optimism that is able to overlook current difficulties and misfortunes, makes this month of Av truly special. The ninth of Av marks our sorrow and pain while the fifteenth of Av lifts our spirits and points to success in family and community matters. The fact that these dates are close to one another prevents us from having a permanent feeling of depression and sadness and burdening the entire month with a black shroud of negative feeling. The addition of the adjective "menachem" - one who comforts and consoles - to the name of the month of Av is meant to bring this lesson home to us. It is necessary to maintain this upbeat spirit for Av leads to the month of Elul and with it the anticipation of the new and good year awaiting us. Av and all of its days will yet be a source of happiness and permanent achievement for all of Israel.
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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
