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Simcha bat Chana
This section of narrative affects two things structurally within Melachim. One is that it breaks up the discussion of the history of the kings and instead focuses on prophets. The other is that it abandons discussion of the older and more illustrious Kingdom of Judea, whose kings were descendants of David, to focus on the Kingdom of Israel, or the Northern Kingdom. (Eliyahu and Elisha belonged to the tribes of the North and interacted with their kings, as recorded in the text.) In contrast, Divrei Hayamim (Chronicles), which deals primarily with the Kingdom of Judea, mentions Eliyahu only in passing, as sending a message to Yehoram the King of Judea, and does not mention Elisha at all.
Let us take a closer look at the structure of Melachim. The book starts with a united kingdom being passed down from King David to his son, Shlomo. After the kingdom splits, the narrative alternates between a discussion of one kingdom and the other. However, from chapter 17 of Melachim I until the middle of chapter 8 of Melachim II, only the Israelite Kingdom is discussed, with Judea being mentioned only when it interacted with its brother kingdom. The last part of Melachim II resumes its consecutive discussion of the two kingdoms. Why does Judea disappear during a certain period?
This silence is apparently a stinging censure of the Kingdom of Judea, primarily after the death of Yehoshafat. The new king, Yehoram, lowered the nation to unprecedented levels, both in regard to religious life and in regard to basic civil justice. Divrei Hayamim (II, 21:4) does deal with this period, and describes how Yehoram killed off all of his brothers and caused the people to sin horribly (ibid. 6:11). Scripture also details severe retribution that was meted out against him, as his property and even his family were captured by invaders, and he died of a harsh disease (ibid. 16-19).
Yehoram’s only son, Achazya took over for his father and, according to Chazal, continued his evil ways (Sanhedrin 102b). He was "outdone" only by his mother, Atalya, who plundered the Temple and killed out almost all of the family of David, to prevent challenge to her usurpation of the throne (ibid. 22:10 and 24:7).
Ezra the Scribe, who wrote Divrei Hayamim with Divine Spirit, decided to criticize the kings of Judea of that period. Yirmiya, who wrote Melachim, followed a prophecy that told him to criticize by removing that period of Judean history from the national annals. It is hard to decide which form of censure is the more poignant.
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)
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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
