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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
What this all teaches us about Am Yisrael is that our strength is in our ability of renewal. While we have low points, they are never final. As in nature, the cold of winter is a preparation for the blossoming of spring. The difficult experience in Egypt was actually the cauldron from which a new nation emerged. During the exile in Bavel, the evil inclination toward idol worship was removed. Even the 2,000 years of exile we have experienced did not destroy us, and it actually spawned within us the desire for a new life, reestablishing our ties to the Land of our Fathers.
What is the secret of our proclivity to rejuvenation? It is not our weapons or our enthusiasm, which our enemies also possess. Rather, Moshe was shown the secret to renewal: "see and sanctify." The gemara (Pesachim 87a) says that our "wall" and "fortresses" are the Torah, shuls and study halls. Even scattered among the nations, we maintained a level of independence and uniqueness. In these spiritual fortresses, we dreamed of a return to Zion and renewed political independence. We observed the month of spring with hope for our future redemption, as well, however far off it seemed. In our times, we have seen the light of day, and the scent of spring blossom before us.
However, the danger has by no means passed. We are still bound by the words, "Like this, see and sanctify." When you see a renewal, call out in the name of Hashem; do not see it as a natural occurrence. We hear calls of: "What is this work for you? Focus on ritual was good for the exile, to help ward off assimilation, but what need for it exists in our own Jewish state? Let everyone define for himself if he is a Jew and what that means to him." However, the Torah says: "Pull to you and take for yourself a Pesach sacrifice ... and slaughter the Pesach" (Shemot 12:21). What is special about this sacrifice? On one hand, the entire nation is described as bringing it at one time (see Kiddushin 42a), thus stressing unity. On the other hand, we declare that it is an offering to Hashem (Shemot 12:27).
What we need to learn is that in every generation, nations rise up to destroy us, whether in the exile or in our own Land. Anti-Semitism just changes faces, clinging to different excuses. We are blamed for militarism, capitalism, oppressing foreigners, etc. The common denominator is that we always stick out like a sore thumb. The nations both hate us and are afraid of us, as Moshe promised so long ago (see Shemot 15:14).
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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
