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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Amram son of Sultana
"to cross over and see the good land on the other side of the Jordan River, the good hill country and the Levanon."
The Or Hahayyim (R. Hayyim Ibn Atar) raises two questions concerning this pasuk. First, why did Moshe use the expression "na" ("Eebra na")? Rashi states that na denotes "a request." The Siftei Hakhamim comments, however, that na usually means "now." Why, asks the Or Hahayyim, does Moshe request that he go to Eretz Yisrael "now"? And second, why "cross over and see"? Is it not obvious that when Moshe would enter Eretz Yisrael, he would see it?
To answer these questions, the Or Hahayyim quotes Hazal that Moshe was barred from entering Eretz Yisrael for two reasons.
First , the time had come for Yehoshua to assume leadership, and it is well known that the rule of two leaders cannot overlap for even a second.
And second , Bnei Yisrael were destined to sin and turn away from Hashem, and He would have to punish them for their transgressions. It would be preferable that Hashem destroy the Beit Hamikdash, and not Bnei Yisrael. But, as Hazal say, had Moshe led Bnei Yisrael into Eretz Yisrael and built the Beit Hamikdash, it could never have been destroyed by any nation or people (see Or Hahayyim on Devarim 1:37).
We now understand the use of the terms "na" and "see." Moshe says to Hashem, "Ebrah na ve’er’eh" - let me enter Eretz Yisrael, not as the leader of Bnei Yisrael, but as an ordinary person. I wish only to see the land, not to build anything in it.
Moshe’s love for Eretz Yisrael was so great that he was prepared to forego his position of leadership and forfeit the privilege of building the Beit Hamikdash just for the opportunity of being in Eretz Yisrael.
Certainly the consideration that Jews in the Diaspara give to the difficulties of Aliyah and the sacrifices that must be made for its sake - in many cases exaggerated or perhaps even imagined - pale in comparison with the sacrifice that Moshe Rabbenu was prepared to make for the privilege of entering Eretz Yisrael.
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This is a weekly column contributed by Aloh Naaleh an organization devoted to motivating Jews to make Aliya.
Aloh Na'aleh
POB 4337, Jerusalem 91042
Tel: 972-2-566-1181 ext. 320 ~ Fax: 972-2-566-1186
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Rabbis in Midrash
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
