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A second layer of Shavuot naturally concerns itself with it being the approximate anniversary of the revelation at Sinai and the granting of the Torah to the Jewish nation. "Today - the day of the granting of the Torah to Israel - we have become a people," declared Moshe and so it is. "Our nation is only a nation because of the Torah," Saadia Gaon famously declaimed. The Torah, its study, its values, its commandments, its way of life and thought patterns has been what has shaped and preserved the Jewish people throughout our long and very difficult history. Thus the rabbis declared that if it were not for the day of Shavuot we would have no unique identity as a faith and as a people. Shavuot is therefore really our Independence Day. Because of that long ago Shavuot everything else became possible and we emerged as a special people entrusted with Godly mission and universal eternal truths. It is no wonder therefore that the study of Torah in night long sessions and other sorts of programs are the hallmark of this festival. Nations can celebrate and commemorate their independence in various fashions - fireworks, parades, etc. - but only the Jewish people do so with study, debate and gaining additional knowledge from the endless sources of Torah learning.
Another layer of understanding and appreciating the holiday of Shavuot deals with our treatment of the stranger, the alien, the convert in our midst. The Book of Ruth is traditionally associated with the holiday of Shavuot. In its poignant story of tragedy and redemption we are taught that the Lord demands of us an attitude of compassion and friendship for those who live in our midst but are strangers or newcomers to our society. It is this layer of understanding that helps elevate the holiday of Shavuot from being a particular holiday for Jews alone to one that has a universal message for all humans. The "other" in society is to be treated kindly and not persecuted. The Torah always bids us to remember that we were also strangers - the "other" in the Land of Egypt. Is it not ironic that from the womb of Ruth the Moabite - the ultimate "other" in Judean society at the time of the Judges - should come forth the royal line of Davidic monarchy in the Jewish world? And what practical and moral lesson are we to draw from that paradoxical situation? Again, Shavuot comes to underline for us the importance of a proper attitude and behavior pattern towards strangers and converts who live with us in our land. Shavuot bids us to remember Ruth and her travails and the blessing that all of Israel received through her being part of our people. Shavuot truly has much to teach us and may we be inspired and uplifted by all of its marvelous layers of meaning and commemoration.
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
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)
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)
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
