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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
While many explanations have been said it seems to me that the following one has merit as well. There is a difference between the power that one has to decide something and the power he has to carry it out. Theoretically, these two powers are directly connected, as that which one wants, he carries out. However, in practice, there can be quite a distance between what one decides and what one does, as some good things remain a good wish and no more. Execution requires effort, sacrificing comfort, and overcoming difficulties, which are harder than just wanting something.
We remember well the days of the struggle against the British Mandate before the State of Israel was established. It was a very, very difficult struggle and included a tremendous amount of discomfort. However, the Jewish community stood up to the challenges in a very impressive way. The important thing to us was reaching the goal of statehood. In contrast, since the time we achieved independence, we often see laxness under pressure and a weakening of resolve, causing many goals to remain unachieved. It is not that it is impossible to achieve what we want, but that we have lost some of our stubbornness. What is behind the change?
The biggest difference is that then, as we used to like to say, we had a secret weapon called ein bereira (there is no alternative). As they used to say in the Navardok Yeshiva: "When you can’t do something, you have to do it; and when you have to, then you can do it."
The same thing is true regarding the giving of the Torah. The saying of na’aseh v’nishma was fully sincere, but expressed only proper good will. However, Hashem knew human nature and knew that before too long Bnei Yisrael would be dancing around a Golden Calf, because there is a big distance between deciding and succeeding to carry out. It is easier to dance around a Calf than to "’kill oneself’ in the tent [of Torah]." It takes Divine Assistance, and that is what Hashem provided with a little bit of coercion, in the form of a "mountain over their heads." He showed them that it is not only their desire to accept the Torah but that there is no other way. The entire existence of the Nation of Israel depends upon the extent to which they keep the Torah. This feeling of no alternative is what allows the good will to triumph in practice.
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)
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.
