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The account of the ma’apilim contains several elements that we would like to take note of. The people woke up early in the morning, saying "henenu" (we are ready) to go up "to the place that Hashem spoke of." Moshe warned them not to because "Hashem will not be in your midst."
Many of these elements are present in an even more famous section of the Torah, that recounting akeidat Yitzchak (the binding of Isaac). Avraham said he was ready and woke up early in the morning to go to the place that Hashem had appointed. Yitzchak, too, said he was ready. In both cases, people were ready to give or risk their lives for what they believed was desired by Hashem. The great difference was that Avraham went to the mountain on which it was said that "Hashem will be seen." In contrast the ma’apilim went in a situation where Hashem was not in their midst.
Why was Hashem’s presence found in one place and missing in the other? Avraham and Yitzchak nullified their personal interests in order to fulfill that which Hashem had commanded them to do, at the cost of dear life. However, the ma’apilim did what they wanted, albeit to get to the Land that Hashem had wanted to give to Bnei Yisrael, but not by following His commandments. That ended in Chorma, in destruction (which is what the word means). However, in the part of the story that is accounted in our parasha, the people first received permission to fight and swore to dedicate their victory and its spoils to Hashem. In that case, the destruction was done by them in retaliation against the enemy.
Let us hope that the young and brave amongst us, who are ready to sacrifice their lives, will do so in a manner of being ready to listen to Hashem’s instructions.
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)
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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.
