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- Chemdat Yamim
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
עזרא בן מעתוק הכהן ז"ל
There are two overarching elements to Sukkot. One is the commemoration of a historical event: Hashem’s sustaining of a new nation in the desert. The other is the idea of chag ha’asif, giving thanks to Hashem at harvest time. Harvest is during a specific time of the year, and with our hybrid lunar/solar calendar it is always close to Sukkot, but not always perfectly so. Unlike Pesach and Shavuot, where the holiday comes at the time of the event we commemorate, our being sustained in the desert is not connected to a specific time of year. Therefore, it would be logical if harvest time would be more important in setting the time of the holiday.
The Netziv points out that Yeravam, the first king of the Kingdom of Israel (The Ten Tribes) made this point and actually patterned a holiday after Sukkot in the eighth month. The Netziv said that the harvest came out late that year, and he decided to push off Sukkot. While Yeravam’s logic was reasonable, the Torah works on "eternal statutes," not human logic.
We can now explain the break in the p’sukim. The Torah talks about the four species, which are at the heart of Sukkot’s harvest element. It reminds us not to celebrate at the most agriculturally appropriate "seven days in the year" but specifically in the seventh month. The explanation follows. This holiday is linked to the element historical commemoration, highlighted by the sukka. While this could in theory be done at any time, the Torah had its reasons to put it in the seventh month, in the same month as Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. This connection is hinted at earlier when the time for Sukkot (and for Yom Kippur) is called "on this seventh month" (Vayikra 23:34). Would one think it is a different seventh month? No, but the Torah is stressing that the same month that starts with Rosh Hashana continues with Yom Kippur, and finishes with Sukkot. The agricultural element of the holiday is important. However, the eternal timing of the holidays takes into the account the intertwined spiritual lessons of the season and uses that to set the time of the agricultural festivities as well.
May we merit taking in all of the lessons at the right time and in the desired manner.
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
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)
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)
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
