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- The Essence of Rosh Hashana
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Le'a Bat Rachma
It seems strange that such a fundamental concept is based on a pasuk from Tehillim, not from the Torah itself. However, further study shows how the whole perek in Tehillim reveals the Torah source for this identification of the Divine Day of Judgment. The p’sukim continue to discuss the travails of Yosef as he was freed from prison to become a leader of Egypt. The juxtaposition of Rosh Hashana’s status as a day of judgment and Yosef’s freedom from prison indicated to Chazal that Yosef left prison on Rosh Hashana (ibid.11a).
We know that Yosef suffered terribly in prison (Tehillim 105:18 & Rashi). The midrash (Tanchuma, Mikeitz 1) tells us that Yosef had to suffer in jail for two extra years, because he trusted in the sar hamashkim (butler), not in G-d, and twice told the butler to keep him in mind, "think of me with yourself"...and "remind Paroh of me" (Genesis 40:14). It is difficult to understand why it was a lack of faith in Hashem for Yosef to ask the butler to help him. After all, their friendship seems Divinely ordained for this reason, as Hashem gave Yosef the wisdom to decipher the butler’s dream. Furthermore, what is the meaning of "v’hizkirtani," remind Paroh of me? Did Paroh know Yosef from before?
After further analysis of the word "v’hizkirtani," perhaps we will be able to see that Yosef was more than simply telling the butler to remember him. In Shmuel (II, 8:16) it mentions the position of Yehoshafat Ben Achilud, the "mazkir." The Rishonim try to understand the meaning of this position. Rashi explains that he would keep track of the order in which cases came to be judged. Radak explains that he was in charge of the chronicles. According to both, it seems strange that such a junior position would be mentioned among the list of important officers in the government of David and Shlomo Hamelech.
The Ramban (Drashot on Rosh Hashana) explains that the root "zachor" has two meanings. In the grammatical case, kal, it means, "to remember." But in hifil it refers to judicial matters (see the Ramban for examples). Therefore, Yom Hazikaron (Vayikra 23:24) identifies Rosh Hashana as a day of judgment.
Let us return to Yosef, with the Ramban’s insight in hand. Yosef is not simply asking the butler to mention him to Paroh, rather, he is asking to appeal his case in his idolatrous courthouse. This is particularly improper as it took place on Rosh Hashana, when the Divine Judge is sitting in judgment. Now we also understand the importance of Yehoshafat’s position. He was the head of the legal system and set its agenda, which is certainly worthy of mention. His name (literally, Hashem shall judge) is also appropriate for his responsibilities.
Let us pray that on this Day of Judgment, Hashem, the master of all judges, will grant us a year of life and goodness.
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
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
