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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
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There are problems with the way the Haggada brings this pasuk. First, the second pasuk seems to be out of the context of national growth, which the Haggada is trying to prove. Secondly, it is brought out of order, as first pasuk 7 is brought regarding the growth into adolescence (parallel to Bnei Yisrael’s national growth), and then pasuk 6, which deals with the infant girl’s being found abandoned with blood from her birth still on her, is brought.
The reason the pasuk made it into the Haggada is probably Chazal’s statement (Shemot Rabba 17:3) that its two mentions of blood hint at the blood of mila and Korban Pesach, which gave life by being the mitzvot in whose merit Bnei Yisrael were redeemed. According to that understanding, the Haggada’s order makes sense, as it explains how Bnei Yisrael reached redemption, which took place after the growth of "adolescence."
How, though, does this approach explain the order of the p’sukim? Regarding placing the Korban Pesach’s blood on the door to protect Bnei Yisrael, the midrash continues that the door’s lintel refers to the merit of Avraham and the doorposts refer to the merit of Yitzchak and Yaakov. While both are significant individually, what is the connection between the merit of the patriarchs and the blood of Bnei Yisrael’s own merit from their own mitzva? Let us suggest that the birth blood is an indication of Bnei Yisrael’s strong bloodline, the merit/strength that Bnei Yisrael inherited from the patriarchs. This strength is responsible for everything, from the eventual growth of a family into a burgeoning important nation that is ready to rise to the occasion and slaughter a deity of Egypt and put the blood on their doorposts.
Without our own merits, we cannot accomplish anything, but even when we succeed, we need to credit not only Divine Assistance but also the bloodline from our patriarchs and matriarchs, which give us the strength we need to act our best.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
