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Now we will look at the highest level of acceptance our forefathers made and at its modern-day application. The people said at Sinai "na’aseh v’nishma" (we will do, and we will hear). Interestingly, the nation repeated a similar declaration at the time of Yehoshua (see Yehoshua 24:24).
The acceptance of the Torah after the Exodus from Egypt serves as a model for all generations of the process that a conversion candidate goes through. It consists of circumcision (for men), immersion in a mikveh, and acceptance of the mitzvot. Let us understand the place of acceptance of mitzvot, which all agree is a step in a properly done conversion.
If a candidate is unwilling to accept the mitzvot or even part of one mitzva, beit din may not accept him (Bechorot 30b). We would then expect that a candidate should have to learn all the laws so that it can be determined whether he is accepting everything. However, this is not so. The gemara (Sanhedrin 59a) derives from "Moshe commanded to us the Torah, a legacy to the congregation of Yaakov" (Devarim 33:4) that we are not allowed to teach Torah to a non-Jew. How can he accept that which we cannot teach him? The simple answer is that we are only supposed to teach him a small representative sampling of the mitzvot, based on which he makes his decision whether he is willing to accept all of the mitzvot. (Admittedly, nowadays it has been decided to be somewhat "lenient" and teach conversion classes much more than was once taught - see our opinion in Bemareh Habazak, vol. II). The normal process, though, is that acceptance of the mitzvot is done not after careful study but in the mold of "we will do and hear." He accepts to become a Jew with the understanding that this will obligate him in many ways that he only has a vague knowledge of. This leap of faith is what happened at Sinai. This is what Yehoshua demanded, and this is what is the essence of what converts are expected to do in all generations.
In our parasha we hear of Timna, the concubine of Elifaz son of Eisav, mother of Amalek. Chazal (Sanhedrin 99b) tell us that she sought to convert to (pre-Sinaitic) Judaism and was rejected by the forefathers. This mistake allowed Amalek to be born, with all of the pain that he brought upon us. Let us proclaim our intention to not unnecessarily close our hearts and distance those who sincerely come to enter under the wings of the Holy One Blessed be He and join Am Yisrael.
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
