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The nations of the world count the months from Tishrei, and Bnei Yisrael count from Nisan. Our tradition is that not only is this the month of past liberation, but also of the future one (Rosh Hashana 11a). It also comes with a special mitzva: "Observe the month of the spring."
Deepening our observations, we can conclude that our strength is in our ability for self-renewal. Our deterioration, while existing, is never permanent. Just as spring teaches, winter is the preparation for a new blossoming. Our difficult stay in Egypt was the cauldron out of which our nation emerged. During the Babylonian exile, the yetzer hara for idol worship ceased. During the 2,000 years of the latest exile, not only did we survive, but we developed a renewed desire to take root in the Land of our Fathers.
What is the source of our staying power? It is not in tanks and airplanes; our enemies have plenty. Moshe also had trouble identifying the new moon, i.e., the secret to our ability for renewal. The answer is: "See and sanctify."
"I am a wall ..." (Shir Hashirim 8:10) - this is Torah, "...and my breasts are like towers" - these are houses of prayer and of study" (Pesachim 87a). In exile, in strange lands, under subjugation, we maintained our uniqueness. When we gathered in the shuls, our spiritual fortresses, we dreamed of a return to Zion and to a Jewish kingdom, and we observed the Month of the Spring with its various meanings. We knew that even if liberation took its time, it would come. And indeed, the light of dawn has begun to shine.
However, the danger has not passed. Even as we stand in the "beginning of the flowering of our liberation," we must remember the imperative of the month: "Like this, see and sanctify." When you see this national renewal, do not say that it is just a happy coincidence of history. See it for what it is and sanctify it.
We hear the claims: "What is this work for you?" They claim that mitzva observance made some sense only in the Diaspora to ward off assimilation, which is not a problem in a Jewish State, and so, now, a Jew is whoever and however he sees fit. Our answer is: "Take for you sheep for your families and slaughter the Pesach offering" (Shemot 12:23). There are two elements to the Pesach. One is that all of Bnei Yisrael can fulfill the mitzva with one offering (Kiddushin 42a), an idea epitomizing national unity. On the other hand, it is a "feast of Pesach for Hashem ..." (Shemot 12:27).
Let us learn the lessons of the times. "In every generation, they stand up against us to destroy us." Not just in foreign lands, but in our Land as well, there is still anti-Semitism. It goes up and down, is covered by different facades, and is fueled by new claims. We are once accused of militarism, other times, of capitalism. They devise new names and new lies. The common denominator is that we are seen as a strange nation, which prompts nations both to hate us and to fear us, as the pasuk says: "Nations heard and trembled, fear took hold of the inhabitants of Peleshet" (ibid. 15:14).
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
