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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Simcha bat Chana
During his attempted coronation, Adoniya is said to have slaughtered (vayizbach) a variety of animals at a place called Even Hazochelet before his supporters (Melachim I, 1:9). During the subsequent coronation of Shlomo, which David initiated, there is no mention of the slaughtering of animals (see ibid. 33-34). Why is it that the same apparent activity in the same family for the same purpose would be different in regard to the slaughter of animals as part of the ceremony/celebration? For whatever reason, the classical commentators do not discuss the matter. First we must try to determine what the nature of this zevicha (slaughter) is, as it is found in the Torah in two different contexts, as we will discuss.
The Torah (Devarim 12:21) does use the word zevicha in reference to the simple halachic slaughter of animals in a manner that makes them fit for normal consumption. If this is the intention, then the people were simply taking part in a festive celebratory meal in honor of Adoniya’s ascension to the throne. However, this is difficult because the term is predominantly used in reference to the slaughter of animals as sacrifices. It is also difficult because then what is the significance of their slaughter that it should be stressed, as opposed to just saying that they were eaten. Is it a surprise that David’s son kept kosher?
We will therefore suggest that the decision of whether to slaughter sacrifices was at the heart of the issues behind the "political" struggle. When David declared Yerushalayim as the place of the future Temple, the rule that sacrifices could be offered only there became pertinent, even though it was technically permitted to bring sacrifices anywhere until the Temple was actually erected. David stopped all public sacrifices in non-central locations as of the time he bought the plot upon which the Temple would be built, as can be inferred from Divrei Hayamim I, 22:1. This was actually a major rallying cry behind Avshalom’s outright rebellion against his father, as the people were unwilling to give up their perceived right to "serve" Hashem wherever they pleased. As is stressed many times in Melachim, the people never overcame this desire to bring sacrifices on unauthorized altars (bamot).
By publicly bringing sacrifices on a bama, Adoniya was trying to "ride a wave" of support by his convenient stand on the above grassroots issue. It was as if to say: "Under my rule, sacrificing will be a matter of personal choice." Of course, David, as the promulgator of the centralized only policy, arranged a coronation for Shlomo without zevicha. It is ironic that after taking power, Shlomo himself was apparently influenced by the nation’s desire and, while serving Hashem, did offer sacrifices on bamot (before the Temple was built).
May we merit the rebuilding of the House of David, which was and will be built on the basis of justice
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)
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.
