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Beit Midrash
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As Bnei Yisrael was preparing for independence, like other nations enjoy, many made the mistake of thinking that their survival would depend on the same things it would for other nations. They left with arms, ready to assemble an army of warriors. They thus left with a "powerful hand" (Shemot 14:8). When they were accumulating the spoils that would get them off "on the right foot" economically, their leader, of all people, had other concerns. He was attending to the bones of an old deceased leader, which were buried under the Nile for many decades, a seemingly irrelevant act at this time of great immediate opportunity. While it might have been a pious act, where was the "wisdom of the heart" that the pasuk refers to?
The people found out the answer to that question a few days later. Paroh, who the people thought they had seen the last of, was attacking with a whole army of well-armed Egyptians. In one moment, the hearts of the previously confident former slaves froze in fear. The people started screaming that they would be annihilated. What happened to all the weapons they brought with them and all the plans to use them? Did they not know how to fight for their lives?
As we know, they were saved by the miracle of the splitting of the sea. But how did that happen? The midrash (Bereishit Rabba 87:8) tells us that "the sea saw and fled" (Tehillim 114:3) refers to seeing the casket of Yosef. What power did Yosef possess that so "scared" the sea?
Yosef represented the power of mesirut nefesh (the willingness to sacrifice) for Judaism. It was Yosef who resisted his temptation from Potiphar’s wife, even at the price of being put in jail. When he eventually became powerful, it was he who refused to assimilate among the Egyptians and he who wanted to be buried along with his brothers in the Land of Their Fathers. When someone needed to learn how to find the courage to jump into the raging sea, where would he find it? From the spoils he had taken from Egypt?! No, he would find it by contemplating the courage of Yosef. All of the preparations turned out to be useless, except for the inspiration provided by the remains of Yosef, which Moshe had brought. No, it was not "only" piety; Moshe’s planning was a better strategy in the long run as well.
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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.
