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Let us take a look as to the philosophical background behind the halacha that mila is to be done on Shabbat. In Lech Lecha circumcision is not only called a brit but also called an ot brit (a sign of a covenant) (Bereishit 17:11). Shabbat is also called an ot, as the pasuk says: "But my Shabbat you shall guard, for it is a sign between Me and you for your generations, so that you should know that I am Hashem who sanctifies you" (Shemot 31:13). There is yet another mitzva that is called an ot: tefillin. "It should be for you an ot on your arms and a remembrance between your eyes" (Shemot 13:9). (In another place we pointed out that all the mitzvot that are called ot were told to Bnei Yisrael before the Torah was given at Sinai.)
The mitzva of donning tefillin does not apply on Shabbat and Yom Tov. Rabbi Akiva says that this is derived from the fact that tefillin is called an ot, as on Shabbat and Yom Tov there is no need for an ot (Menachot 36a). Rabbeinu Bachyei explains that of the three signs of mila, Shabbat, and tefillin, a person should always be connected to two, for they are testaments to the oneness of Hashem and the basis of belief, and testimony is to be comprised of two witnesses. Therefore, on Shabbat and Yom Tov tefillin are unnecessary and therefore not desirable, as it would indicate that the existing witnesses are for some reason insufficient. On Shabbat, it is correct to enter the baby into the brit and attach the ot specifically on Shabbat, so that from this point on he will always be in possession of the two signs as Shabbat comes.
The Tzitz Eliezer (vol. XIV, 4) uses this general thesis to explain why the custom is for the father at a brit to have his tefillin on when it falls during the week. Without Shabbat, it is appropriate for the mila to be done with another ot present. The Shach (Yoreh Deah 265:24), who says that people should keep their tefillin on when the mila is done at the end of Shacharit, is also clearly understood. The logic is that in this way all assembled join the baby’s father in connecting the two signs.
Let us pray that just as the great majority of the Jewish people are careful to perform the mitzva of mila, so will they attach themselves to the other ot of tefillin on a daily basis
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 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.
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
