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We have discussed in the past the novel idea of Rabbi Yehuda Alkelai, one of the visionaries of Modern Zionism. He said that one of the forms of repentance that our parashiyot refer to is the nation’s return to Eretz Yisrael. This is the idea of "you shall contemplate in your heart amongst the nations where Hashem dispersed you" and "you shall return to Hashem ..." (Devarim 30:1-2). As a result of the desire to return, the next stage is: "If your dispersals will be at the edge of the heaven, from there Hashem will gather you and from there He will take you. Hashem will bring you to the Land ..." (ibid. 4-5).
After the return to Hashem through the return to the Land, it is the turn of the individuals to improve, as the Torah continues: "Hashem will circumcise your heart ..." (ibid. 6). According to this approach, the matter of nation’s righteousness can be understood along the same lines. The people’s return to the Land brings righteousness to the members of the nation.
The haftara also dwells on the topic of return to the Land, its flourishing, and the joy and success of its inhabitants. "I shall indeed rejoice in Hashem, my spirit shall soar with my God, for He has clothed me with garments of salvation, a coat of kindness He has placed on me, as a groom who is adorned in glory and a bride who wears beautiful garments. For the Land will bring forth its vegetation, and like a garden its seeds will grow..." (Yeshaya 61:10-11).
The miraculous return to the Land is compared to the joyous rendezvous of bride and groom. The Land that remained desolate when its nation’s enemies occupied it will react with glee when its nations returns, showing this by giving its fruit. This renewal of the connection between the Land and the nation is part of the nation’s return to Hashem, Who gave the Land to them. The navi goes so far as to describe the connection between the Land and the people who come to inhabit it in terms of consummating a marriage (ibid. 62: 4-5).
The important final stage is the personal return to Hashem of the members of the nation, which turns the Land of Israel into the Land of Sanctity. Without this there can be no complete salvation. The prophet describes this with the pasuk: "They will be called the holy nation, those redeemed by Hashem" (ibid. 12).
May we merit seeing our nation throughout its Land, growing nationally and spiritually.
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)
