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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Simcha bat Chana
During Yom Kippur, we are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to receive atonement for many sins, which certainly is a happier prospect than receiving the full punishment we deserve. However, the service is still one with the "gun against the temple." On Sukkot, we should have the feeling that we have, for the most part, made it through that stage and celebrate as those who can concentrate on the positive elements of our relationship with Hashem.
The Ramban (Shemot 20:7) famously makes the distinction between positive and negative commandments, saying that the latter is based on yirah of Hashem, while the former is based on ahava. Indeed, someone who fears tries to stay away from mistakes, whereas one who loves looks for opportunities to display the love, with less fear of what might go wrong. Yom Kippur is a day when we demonstrate the element of fear to an extreme. Not only do we refrain from problematic things, but we even refrain from such basic bodily needs as eating. We do not trust our connection with the natural physical world, and try to approach Hashem in a manner that is divorced from the physical world as much as possible. In contrast, on Sukkot, we fulfill two active mitzvot (sukka and the four minim). We take representatives of different things from nature into our hands, and we envelope ourselves in the "leftover of the winepress and the silo."
Our interest to engage the broader world also expands on Sukkot. We would sacrifice 70 bulls in the Beit Hamikdash, corresponding to the 70 nations, for whose ultimate success we pray. This is also related to our focus on Sukkot on the coming of Mashiach (the haftarot, the references to the hide of the Leviatan, etc.). Rav Kook writes in several places (including the first piece of Ein Ayah) that during the time of exile, when the Jewish people are physically and spiritually vulnerable, we are to be inwardly focused to ensure our survival. Only when we return to our Land and the Days of Mashiach begin can we reach our full potential as a nation of priests and lead the world toward universal service of Hashem. The other nations will lose their prominence as leaders and, like the decreasing number of bulls offered as Sukkot progresses, they will be happy to follow our lead as they come to see the "G-d of the house of Jacob" in Yerushalayim (Yeshaya 2:3).
May we merit seeing the increasing confidence to show our love of Hashem on the world stage as we continue to move toward the days of full liberation.
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)
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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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
