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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
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Around a year ago [the summer before the UN Partition Resolution] the greater fear was from the statement of gloom. Even after the decision made in Lake Success [the seat of the UN at that time], there was still a lot of doubt in our hearts: how could we stand up to all of the wicked plots and great powers that stood up against us? Well, the wonder happened; a great miracle happened here, a greater one than anticipated. If we compare the attainments to the losses, we will have to conclude that the success was many times greater. The greatest successes were in situations where there were negligible casualties.
"How will I be able...?" According to the laws of nature, there was no possibility. Two wonders occurred. One, of course, was the victory itself. The second was the fact that we did not lose our senses by asking "How can we?" The question was not asked even though it logically should have been, and even in retrospect the clear answer could have been that we could not.
However, now we stand before the second danger: "Your heart will be haughty, and you will forget ..." When people lack belief, the incredible victory turns into an exaggerated self-appraisal of brilliance and unlimited pride about our power, wisdom and bravery. We should note that the Torah attributes the haughtiness to forgetting. If we would read now the words of those who helped shape our national strategy, such as Silver and Ben Gurion, we will find the tormented spirit of the upper echelons of the defense establishment on the day the state was declared. Projections fitting of Iyov were heard from all sides, while we had so little in hand with which to fight. If we remember this and remember how we overcame, how David stood up to Goliath, and understand that this was only with Hashem’s help, then we will be saved from the haughtiness. We should also remember the human sacrifices that we needed to bring and make sure that we do not trivialize the sacrifices they made and the success they enabled.
Another pasuk (Devarim 10:12) exhorts us to view things properly: "What does Hashem demand of you? Only to fear ..." The demands are mainly about fear of Hashem, and "... to love Him" and through our actions make Him loved by others. The machaneh Shechina (those of the camp who are aware of the Divine Presence) must protect the honor of the encampment and make our paths and actions worthy of making Hashem beloved to all.
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)
