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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
As David was preparing to turn Yerushalayim into the center of a nation that had thrown off the yoke of the Philistines, the following event transpired. The tribes of Israel came to Chevron (David’s capital for seven years) and said: "We are your bones and your flesh. Both yesterday and the previous day, when Shaul was king, you took us out to battle, and Hashem said: ‘You will shepherd My nation, Israel’" (Shmuel II, 5:1-2). What messages were behind these declarations, and what can we learn from them for future generations?
The first idea in these p’sukim borrows a phrase from what Adam said about Chava, that she came from his bones and flesh. This is a reference, then, to the people’s acceptance of David as one whom Jews are allowed to marry. After all, there was a major debate whether female Moavite converts and their descendants, including David, who came from Ruth, could marry into the Jewish community (see Devarim 23:4). The matter was only resolved when Amasa ben Yeter related a tradition from Shmuel’s court that the prohibition applied only to male converts (Yevamot 77a). The tribes’ statement confirmed their acceptance of this ruling.
The declaration about David’s former role was a confirmation that they did not view David to have been rebellious against the former king, Shaul. David was adored by the people, including the women who composed the song about how his conquests exceeded Shaul’s, a song that was known even by the servants of King Achish of the Philistines (see Shmuel II, 21:12). The consensus of David’s acceptance by the people joined up with the halachic consensus about his acceptability as part and parcel of society.
The third declaration was that David was chosen by Hashem. This could be based on the fact that Shmuel anointed him. Even though this was originally done clandestinely, to not arouse Shaul’s vengeance, it is possible that subsequently it became public knowledge. It is also possible that the Divine Providence that seemed to shine positively on David’s activities convinced the people that Hashem was behind him (see Ramban to Devarim 17:15).
In our generation, the great miracles that surrounded the great victory that prompted Motta Gur’s famous call, "The Temple Mount is in our hands," came about after the political parties in Israel united to form a national unity government and Jews around the world rallied behind us. Our continued success in the struggle to unite the city in all aspects depends on the unity of the people with each other, both religiously and socially. Let us act to bring success in these matters.
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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.
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The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
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(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.
