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Beit Midrash
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Why, in fact, was Yishmael not chosen, considering that he was the firstborn and that the name he was given by an angel ("Hashem heard" – Bereishit 16:11) indicates a very strong connection to Hashem? In contrast, Yitzchak’s name seems to remind us of the apparently unfortunate laughter of his parents. Also, the revelation came to Yishmael’s mother, Hagar, at B’er Lachai Ro’i , a place that is reminiscent of the Temple Mount, where the root ra’oh is mentioned prominently (see Bereishit 22:14).
The answers to these questions are hinted at in two different sections of the Torah. The Torah relates that Sarah saw Yishmael "metzachek" (the same root as Yitzchak). This prompted her to tell Avraham to cast away Hagar and Yishmael (to which Hashem agreed) because, as Chazal explain, this was a laughter related to severe sin (ibid. 21, 8-9). (In Hemdat Haaretz we explained the positive significance of the name, Yitzchak.)
The second section where we see why the sons of Yishma el did not stand under Har Sinai and declare "naaseh v’nishma " (we will do and hear) is akeidat (the binding of) Yitzchak. Hashem said to Avraham, after he passed the test of being willing to sacrifice his son, that his offspring will be blessed because he listened ( shama ) to Hashem’s voice (ibid. 21:11). Also, Hashem said that "in Yitzchak shall it be called for you an offspring," because Avraham "listened to Hashem’s voice."
There is a difference between Yishmael’s listening and that of our forefathers and our nation. In Yishmael’s case, Hashem listens to Yishmael’s voice, which is unquestionably a distinction. However, our legacy is to follow Avraham - to listen to what Hashem asks of us and be willing to keep His commandments. That is what prepared us to declare: "naaseh v’nishma ."
When Yitzchak felt a need to go down to Egypt during a famine, Hashem told him to stay because he would be blessed with offspring and the Land because Avraham listened to Hashem’s voice. (During the subsequent episode, the word metzachek is also found in a positive context.)
Let us pray that we will merit to be among those who declare "naaseh v’nishma " and tap into the power of our forefathers to listen properly. We should also merit that all will recognize in our days that the Temple Mount is especially holy to the offspring of Yitzchak, the kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
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.
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)
