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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Amram son of Sultana
Rashi explains that self-mutilation over the death of a relative is not appropriate for the sons of Hashem, who must remain unblemished. This implies that if not for the high level of dignity we must maintain, it could be appropriate to show grief by damaging the body. But we must suffice with tearing our garments and other, tame acts of mourning. The Ramban connects the logic that "princes" must maintain dignity with the presentation of these laws elsewhere. In Vayikra (21:5), these prohibitions are written as if they apply only to kohanim. Indeed, although we are no kohanim, as children of Hashem, we have elements of kehuna, as well (see Shemot 19:6).
Seforno takes a different approach to the relevance, in this context, of our connection to Hashem. He says that one should not be pained to the fullest extreme by the loss of a close relative, in light of the fact that our most valuable relationship, that with our Father in Heaven, remains intact. Rephrasing this idea, we should note that, while it is sadly possible that one is orphaned from both parents, he always maintain one of the three partners in his creation (see Kiddushin 30b). The more one feels a meaningful connection with his Maker, the more likely he is to feel solace. Perhaps part of the intent behind the prohibition on a mourner's self-mutilation is to remind one who has not fully internalized the idea that he is Hashem's son.
At times, Chazal derive a halacha from the wording of a pasuk in a way that seems unrelated to the pasuk's simple meaning. One example is this pasuk of "lo titgod'du." The gemara (Yevamot 14a) derives from here that people should not form groups (agudot), in a manner that one group acts conspicuously differently from others in its area on halachic matters. At first glance, the drasha is based just on a play on words. However, based on Seforno's approach to the pasuk, there is a fundamental, underlying message that unites the two laws of lo titigod'du. If we are all connected to Hashem as sons, then we are brothers. As such, we should avoid acting in a way that antagonizes each other and causes familial strife. It is particularly inappropriate that our obligations to our Father, as delineated by halacha, which should unite us, will be the root cause of the discord among us.
As we end the month of destruction, caused by unnecessary hatred, and approach the month of religious soul-searching, we need to contend with a dilemma. How do we act in a religiously elevating manner, according to our own personal needs and views, without our approach causing resentment in the eyes of other sons of Hashem, who act or view things differently?
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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)
