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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
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- Sukkot
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Amram son of Sultana
The gemara (Sukkah 50b) brings down a discussion of Ammoraim about what to call this special simcha. One opinion says it should be called "shoevah" (drawing) because of the joy of drawing the water. Rashi (Sukkah 50b) elaborates that this simcha is specifically because of nisuch hamayim. The second name given is "chashuva" (important). Rashi (ibid.) explains that this name is also related to nisuch hamayim. The 'shitin', the channel reaching down from the altar to the depths of the earth, where the libations were poured, was so important that it was created during the six days of creation. According to this opinion, every day year-round there was joy and singing during the time of the morning wine libations, but on Sukkot there was an extra mitzva of nisuch hamayim, which added another level of joy.
The Rambam (Hilchot Lulav 8: 5,12), however, holds that on Sukkot, as compared to other festivals, there is an extra level of joy in the mikdash, independent of nisuch hamayim, as it says "you shall rejoice before Hashem your G-d" (Vayikra 23:40). The Rambam then continues to describe the simcha based on the mishna cited above. However, this connection needs to be understood better. The obligation of simcha on Sukkot appears in a different mishnah (48a). There it states that the simcha should be eight days. During the time of the Beit Hamikdash, it was accompanied by the eating of the peace offerings of joy (shalmei simcha). In contrast, Simchat Beit Hashoeva was for five or six days, and it could not be done on Shabbat or Yom Tov.
We see from the words of the Rambam that the Simchat Beit Hashoeva is not connected to nisuch hamayim. Rather, there are two different obligations of rejoicing during the festival of Sukkot. Firstly, there is the general mitzva of rejoicing on the holiday (Devarim 16:14-15). All segments of society were involved, and it was fulfilled mainly by eating the shalmei simcha, which could be done anywhere in Yerushalayim. The second type of simcha (from Vayikra 23:40) was only in the Temple through song and praises, and only great sages and the righteous were active participants in the dancing, singing and merriment (Rambam ibid.: 14).
From here we see a more spiritually lofty and public level of simcha on Sukkot. It is no wonder that the Yerushalmi explains that the word "shoeva" refers to the drawing of ruach hakodesh (Divine spirit) that was made possible through the simcha, which enables the Divine Presence to dwell among us. Let us pray that the Beit Hamikdash will be rebuilt, and we will merit to fulfill the extra level of joy of the Simchat Beit Hashoeva.
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)
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)
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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
